![]() Ĭlew Bay was the focus of the O'Malley family possessions in the Middle Ages, and is associated especially with Grace O'Malley (or Granuaile). The name Clew Bay, of uncertain origin, first appears in a 1714 map it may be derived from cliath, " hurdle". Īnother old name is Cuan Umaill ("harbour of Umhaill"), which was rendered in English as "Bay of the Owly", and then "Bay of the Owles." The English names Bay of Borace, Horrus, Baragh and Boruce are all recorded, all references to Burrishoole ( Buiríos Umhaill). Another possibility is the Old Irish mod, moth, which meant " penis" it is possible that the bay was imagined as a penis thrusting into the land. Some writers claim that this name derives from Modh, one of the Tuatha Dé Danann. The bay was anciently known in Irish as Cuan Mod ("Mod Harbour") or Modlind ("Mod Pool"), and was associated with the Fir Bolg. From the south side of the bay, between Clare Island and Achill, Bills Rocks can be seen. From the southwest part of the bay eastwards are Louisburgh, Lecanvey, Murrisk, and Westport north of Westport is Newport, and westwards from there lies Mulranny, gateway to Achill. Clare Island guards the entrance of the bay. The bay is overlooked by Croagh Patrick to the south and the Nephin Range mountains of North Mayo. ![]() ![]() It contains Ireland's best example of sunken drumlins. Louisburgh, Lecanvey, Murrisk, Westport, Newport, MulrannyĬlew Bay ( / ˈ k l uː/ Irish: Cuan Mó) is a natural ocean bay in County Mayo, Ireland. Swim on one of the islands beautiful bathing spots, and enjoy Atlantic water which has been purified by a 4,000 mile journey.53★0′N 9☄8′W / 53.833°N 9.800°W / 53.833 -9.800īunowen river network, Owenmore river network, Newport river network, Srahmore river, Carrowbeg River, Moyour River, Owenglasbreen Stream, Owenwee River, Owennabrockagh river, Rossow river.The clear waters surrounding the island are known for their exceptional cleanliness and scuba diving. Clare Island’s scenic beauty, pristine beaches, rare flora and gentle Knockmore mountain peak (461m) make it an ideal destination for walkers. See gannets, Manx shearwaters, puffins, razorbills, herring gulls, and many other species. Clare Island’s spectacular cliffs are home to large numbers of nesting sea birds, and provide the ultimate haven for bird watching.Don’t miss Louisburgh and Croagh Patrick if you are travelling north, and Inishturk, and Killary Harbour, if travelling south. Where to stayĬlare Island has a wide variety of places to stay including self-catering holiday homes, guesthouses and B&B’s.īook Clare Island Accommodation Explore moreĬlare Island is surrounded by beautiful coastal towns. Journey time is approximately 20 minutes. The Clare Island Ferry provides several sailings daily between Roonagh Point and Clare Island. Getting to Clare Islandīy ferry or yacht. If witnessing island life at its simplest and most genuine is your thing, then Clare Island is for you. ![]() Old potato ridges, or ‘lazy beds’ are everywhere: the evening sun reveals them jutting out from the land like the rib cages of some great dying beast. 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. And, of course, Clare Island is the burial place of the infamous “pirate queen’ Grace O’Malley’s (Grainneuaile). The island’s complex history can be read through its landscape, from archaeological remains of the Neolithic and Bronze age, to rare medieval wall paintings in the 14th century abbey. Day trippers are advised to bring a packed lunch as there is nowhere to get food, other than one shop which closes on Sundays. Most places are closed outside the tourist season. The tourist infrastructure on Clare Island however, is very basic, with only a few bed and breakfasts, one hostel, and a bar in the Community Centre. The island’s current permanent population of 130 souls increases substantially during the summer tourist season. The island lies just four miles off Roonagh Point, and the ferry crossing takes approximately 20 minutes. ![]() As the largest of the Mayo islands, Clare Island has a delightfully varied terrain, with spectacular sea-cliffs, very large numbers of nesting sea birds, and a rich ‘inland’ topography of hills, bogs, and small pockets of woodland. Beautiful Clare Island lies off the west coast of Ireland at at the entrance to Clew Bay. ![]()
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