According to a recent survey, which was featured in the Irish Times newspaper, Clare Island is one of the Emerald Isle’s most impressive places to “go wild”.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to enjoy some outdoor adventures, amidst the most superlative natural beauty, this exciting tourist destination may be right up your alley.
To help you learn more about the wonders of this gorgeous Irish island, we’ve created a fun and factual quick guide…
Once you’ve discovered all that this unique and inspiring locale has to offer, you may want to visit it yourself.
When you do, you’ll definitely be visiting one of Ireland’s “hidden gems”…
Why Visit Clare Island?
This vibrant island is located on the west coast of the Emerald Isle, near County Mayo, and it’s home to just one hundred and sixty permanent residents.
Filled with character and natural beauty, Clare Island is all about outdoor activities. However, it’s also a great place to unwind with a pint when the day’s adventures are done.
In general, tourists tend to flock to Clare Island during the spring and summer moths, when a host of festivals are in full swing – however, it is well worth a visit any time of the year.
Known as the home of the annual Clare Island Regatta, this island is the perfect place to participate in boating, snorkelling, fishing and swimming.
Landlubbers will find the local hiking trails truly superb, so there’s really no shortage of fun and healthy activities available, from hill-walking to cycling and beyond.
This serene locale is filled with colourful history and quintessential Irish charm – for example, Clare Island was the home of the infamous female “pirate queen”, Grace O’ Malley.
In addition to having the distinction of being this notorious pirate queen’s favourite haunt, the island boasts a stunning castle, an ancient Abbey and a range of fascinating, Bronze Age relics.
Those who want to learn more about the history of the region may do so by visiting the island’s Heritage Centre.
2014 Activity Guide
This summer, there are an assortment of fun events happening on Clare Island.
To help you see what’s out there to enjoy, let’s look at a couple of the most entertaining special events…
June Bank Holiday Sailing Festival
Despite its name, this fun festival actually starts on the thirtieth of May and runs until the second of June.
Hosted by the Westport Sailing Club, the festival attracts club members and their friends, who bring their sailboats to Clare Island in order to participate in some exciting racing on the local waters.
Local musicians perform around the island during the June Bank Holiday Sailing Festival, and there are also other smaller festivals running at the same time.
As you can see, Clare Island is definitely the place to be during the end of May and the beginning of June.
Adventure Single’s Weekend
Running from June twentieth to June twenty-second, this exciting annual event unites active, healthy and inspiring men and women, all of whom are single and looking for love.
If you’re looking for a way to meet a like-minded love interest, you’ll find that this festival offers so many great opportunities.
Designed to attract more men than most single’s festivals do, this rugged and outdoorsy event features a fun beach challenge, dancing, live entertainment and the chance to mingle while inhabiting a gorgeous Irish island.
Why Not Plan a Visit Today?
Now that you know more about this beautiful island, why not plan a trip? When you do, you’ll be able to enjoy outdoor activities and socializing in the most exquisite environment.