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 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.

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.