Nature spot · County Mayo
Cliara
Clare Island
The EPA does not monitor this beach for bathing water, so there is no water-quality record. Check locally and follow the signs before you swim.
Clare Island was once home to the famous pirate Queen Grace O'Malley and is the largest and highest of Clew Bay's many islands, with dramatic coastal cliffs and spectacular views of one of Ireland's best known peaks, Croagh Patrick.
Clare Island lies off the Mayo coast at the entrance to Clew Bay. Its spectacular cliffs are home to large numbers of nesting sea birds and its hills, bogs and woodlands make it ideal for hill walking.
The island's complex history can be read through its landscape: from archaeological remains of the Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze age, to rare medieval wall paintings in the 14th century abbey. One can view the castle and burial place of the famous 'pirate queen' Grace O'Malley's (Grainneuaile).
The island population is now around 130, yet everywhere there are traces of past generations, most significantly the 19th century population explosion and subsequent famine when the island's population of 1600 was reduced by half. Old potato ridges, or 'lazy beds' are everywhere: the evening sun reveals them jutting out from the land like the rib cages of some dying beast.
Clare Island's scenic beauty, pristine beaches, rare flora and gentle peak of Knockmore (461m) make it an ideal destination for walkers. Bring your walking boots and set out to the waymarked looped trails, look out for the Napoleonic signal tower which was built in 1804. Offshore, the clear waters surrounding the island are known for their exceptional dive sites.
Outdoors in County Mayo this week
Best day outdoors: Sun, 11 Oct — dry by day, breezy, up to 14°C
Status Yellow - Rain warning for Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo
From Thu, 8 Oct, 09:00 until Fri, 9 Oct, 04:00
Heavy spells of rain.
Be aware of potential impacts:
- Difficult travelling conditions
- Localised flooding possible
Issued by Met Éireann · met.ie/warnings
- Fri, 9 Oct12° / 8°Medium rain showers
- Sat, 10 Oct12° / 7°Sun with light cloud
- Sun, 11 Oct14° / 13°Sun with light cloud
Make a day of it
The nearest trails, beaches, woods and heritage within 25 km.
Trails & walks
Beaches & bathing waters
Parks, gardens & islands
Nature spot · 100 m awayClare Island, LouisburghBeachClare IslandClare Island, Louisburgh is a sandy, rural beach located on an island off the coast of Mayo in the west of Ireland. Visitors can visit the island by taking the ferry from Roonagh Pier.
Nature spot · 10 km awaySpanish Armada ViewpointBeachThe Spanish Armada Viewpoint provides exceptional views of Clew Bay to the south and Clare Island to the south-west.