Clare Island vacation rentals
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Clare Island
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Other great vacation rentals in Clare Island
Guesthouse in Renvyle
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 109 reviewsGoirtín na gCloch
Sep 24 – Oct 1
Cottage in Keel
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 312 reviewsTwo Bedroom Beach House
Mar 12 – 19
Cottage in GALWAY
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 291 reviewsHistorical Thatch Cottage @Award-Winning CnocSuain
Oct 17 – 24
Apartment in Westport
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 347 reviewsThe Orchard - Refurbed Studio w views of Clew Bay
Nov 11 – 18
Cabin in Cong
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 635 reviewsChestnut Cottage, Lisloughrey, Cong F31A300
Dec 1 – 8
Guesthouse in County Mayo
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 213 reviewsMurrevagh Mealóg
Feb 22 – Mar 1
Tiny home in Knappaghmore
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 138 reviewsWestport Writer's Cabin at Old Rectory
Feb 27 – Mar 6
Apartment in Clifden
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 133 reviewsShanakeever Farm 2
Oct 8 – 15
Other great vacation rentals in Clare Island
Guesthouse in Westport
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 180 reviewsRushbrook Chalet
Feb 6 – 13
Cottage in Renvyle
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 106 reviewsRenvyle Cottage with Atlantic View
Nov 28 – Dec 5
Apartment in Clifden, Connemara
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 347 reviewsApartment by the sea Clifden
Jan 17 – 24
Cottage in County Mayo
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 133 reviewsOcean View - 2 Bed Cottage, Portacloy, Co Mayo.
Mar 12 – 19
Farm stay in County Mayo
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 51 reviewsThe Lookout where mountains meet the Sea .
Jun 1 – 8
Tiny home in County Mayo
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 45 reviewsThe Hare’s Hideout
Sep 15 – 22
Apartment in Louisburgh
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 3 reviewsSeaview apartment in Louisburgh
Jul 1 – 8
Home in Louisburgh
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 12 reviewsBeautiful home with sea views, Louisburgh Co. Mayo
Jan 10 – 17
Your guide to Clare Island
All About Clare Island
Located off the west coast of Ireland at the entrance to Clew Bay, Clare Island is full of rugged cliffs, rolling green hills, and turquoise waters lapping its shores. The largest of the Mayo Islands — surrounded by the smaller Caher, Inishturk, and Achill Islands — Clare Island is only five miles long and three miles wide, and although there are a fair number of visitors in the summer, it never gets too crowded. With its pristine beaches, excellent bird watching, and beautiful walks, it’s a prime spot for nature lovers.
Clare Island is well-known for being the home of the 16th-century pirate queen Grace O’Malley, the first female Irish tribe leader who controlled the coastal waters 400 years ago. The O’Malley family owned most of Clare Island, and the remains of their old watchtower stand on the island’s east side. The island’s abbey, also founded by the family, is said to date from the 12th century, though it was rebuilt around 1460. You can explore the abbey, whose interior is elaborately decorated with carved figureheads, medieval wall and ceiling paintings, and the O’Malley crest. It’s also rumored to be the burial site of Grace O’Malley.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Clare Island
The best time to book your Clare Island accommodation is during the summer, when the weather is warm and the days are long. Fall brings cooler temperatures, though this is the perfect time for exploring the island’s walking trails, which offer stunning vistas of the island’s cliffs and the clear waters below. The Clare Island Film Festival in September brings film buffs from near and far. Winter is quiet and chilly and can be wet, so be sure to bring plenty of layers and proper shoes. Spring sees warmer temperatures, and there are two popular running races in April that draw lots of fans.
Top things to do in Clare Island
Knockmore Hill
The steep hike up this 1,500-foot hill is well worth it for the views of Clew Bay, the west coast of Ireland, and the Atlantic Ocean. The ascent is steep over grassy — and sometimes boggy — slopes, and there’s a large cairn just to the west of the trig point at the summit. It takes about an hour to climb, and it gets very windy at the top, so be sure to bring layers.
Bird-watching
The cliffs of Clare Island are home to large numbers of nesting seabirds, and this is the perfect place to watch them. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to spot gannets, manx shearwaters, puffins, razorbills, herring gulls, and many other species. Summer offers the best opportunity for seeing them, as Clare Island is a popular breeding ground for most of these birds.
The Lost Valley
The majestic Lost Valley is a 30-minute drive down the coast from the Roonagh Ferry. Visit the deserted village from the famine era with its memorial to those lost and get insight into the cultural heritage of the west of Ireland. You can also hike the natural woodlands, take a swim in the lakes and waterfalls, and stroll on the golden sandy beaches while enjoying the views of Killary Fjord and the magnificent Mweelrea mountain in the distance.
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