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Population: 130 (outside summer season)
Members in Clare IslandGroups in Clare Island |
To Do and See
Clare Island is a mountainous island located in Clew Bay off the coast of County Mayo.The island is the largest of the Mayo off-shore islands.Visitors to the island can partake in a wide variety of activities;- the spectacular cliffs are home to large numbers of nesting sea birds, paradise for the keen ornithologist!In fact nature lovers of all types can revel in the flora and fauna of this Atlantic island. The island was the subject of one of the most important natural history surveys in the British Isles, The Clare Island Survey, led by R.L. Praeger in the early 1900s. The Royal Irish Academy has been coordinating The Re-survey of Clare Island since 1990, which has produced vitally important information about the natural resources of the area over the period between the first and second survey.
- Clare Islands' hills, bogs and woodlands make it ideal for hill walking.
- Clare Island boasts a Blue Flag Beach where visitors can make the most of the Mayo summer.
- Visitors to the island can visit Clare Island Tower and Clare Island Abbey both part of the Clew Bay Archaeological Trail .
- Classes and workshops are offered at the Clare Island Art cottage studio/gallery.
- Divers can avail of the facilities offered at Islands West Dive Centre.
- Macalla Farm is home to the Clare Island Retreat Centre where yoga courses are available. In addition the farm occasionally offers equestrian activitiesfor children and can accommodate WWOFERs (Willing Workers on Organic Farms) at certain times of the year.
- The annual Bard Summer School explores the myths and legends of Ireland.
Also Nearby
History
Clare Island has a long and complex history, evidence of human habitation from the Neolithic and Bronze ages abounds. The remains of the 14th century Cistercian Abbey on the island contains medieval wall-paintings which are nationally recognized as among the most important examples in Ireland. Clare Island is famously known as one of the seats of the O'Malley family. The family name is best known through it's association with Gráinne O'Malley also known as Grace O'Malley or Granuaile (Bald Gráinne). She was given this name when as a young girl she cut off most of her hair in order to get permission to go on a voyage with her father. Granuaile lived through a turbulent time in Irish history when the Tudor conquest of Ireland drove change in the country at a rapid pace. She herself by all accounts was a tough and difficult woman to deal with. Over the course of her life she married twice, became known as The Pirate Queen and visited Queen Elizabeth I in London in order to ask the Queen to intercede with her in her difficulties with the English Governor or Connaught, Richard Bingham. Remnants that bear testimony to the power and wealth of the O'Malley clan still dot Clare Island today.The ruins of an O'Malley tower-house, known as Gráinne O'Malley's castle because of its most famous resident, are close to the pier at the eastern edge of the island.
Clare Island in common with much of the West of Ireland was devastated by the Irish Potato Famine of the 1840's. It's population dropped by fifty percent over a period of 10 or so years. Today the remnants of the 'lazy beds' or potato ridges remain on the island catching the light on their rows as they remind us of long-gone farmers who depended on the potato as their main food source.
Getting to Clare Island
- By Car:
- from Dublin, follow the N5 for Westport, in Westport follow signs for Louisburgh. It takes just over 3 hours 40 mins to drive from Dublin to Louisburgh. Go through Louisburgh and over the bridge and take the first turn right where you see the sign for Roonagh pier and Clare Island Ferries.In the summer, there are numerous ferry sailings from Roonagh to Clare Island during the day. The boat crossing takes about 20 minutes. In the winter, there are usually only two boats a day. For further information on ferries contact O'Grady Ferries or O'Malley Ferries .
- from Sligo, follow the N17 and then the N5 for Westport. Then follow signs for Louisburgh and as above.
- By Bus: Westport is served by a number of Bus Eireann routes Then from Westport there is a regional route to Louisburgh. For timetables and more information, visit Bus Eireann.
- By Air: You can fly to Knock Airport (IWAK) from a number of UK and European locations. Visit the Ireland West Airport Knock website for schedules and carriers.
Facts & Figures
The Irish Tourist Association Survey of Clare Island took place in the 1944 and gives some interesting material on the resources and facilities available on the island at that time.
The Lighthouse on Clare Island dates back to 1806, when the original tower was built by the Marquis of Sligo. In 1818 there was built an additional larger lighthouse tower with further keepers’ dwellings. The Clare Island Lighthouse was decommissioned in 1965, after 159 years of unbroken service. Since then it has been in residential use.
Education
Clare Island children have access to St. Patrick's National School for their primary education. They attend local secondary schools on the mainland.
Sport
Visitors to the island can take part in Hill Walking, Swimming, Diving,Yoga and much more!
Links
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