Clare Island
53°48.5'N 009°59.2'W · Roonagh Quay (Mayo, ferry) (5nm)
3–7m
Depth
Good
Holding
85m
Alarm radius
Low
Crowd level
Clare Island is the dramatic island sentinel at the entrance to Clew Bay — a wild, rugged island of 300m cliffs on its western face and a sheltered SE harbour community of about 150 residents. The island was the stronghold of Grace O'Malley (Gráinne Mhaol, the Pirate Queen of Connacht) in the 16th century — her ruined tower castle overlooks the harbour and her tomb is in the 12th-century abbey. Clare Island Yoga retreat, the lighthouse hostel, and the welcoming community make this one of Ireland's most characterful island stops. The views from the summit of Knockmore (461m) across Clew Bay and south to the Twelve Pins of Connemara are among the finest in the west of Ireland.
Best Months
Anchor Zones
Clare Island Harbour — pier anchorage
Good3–7m · Alarm: 85m
Anchor in 3–6m (CD) in the harbour bay on the SE side of Clare Island, clear of the ferry pier approach. Sand over mud — good holding once set. Sheltered from E through S by the island's hills and the Clew Bay mainland. Exposed to the W/SW/NW — the Atlantic approaches directly. Tidal range approximately 3.5–4.5m springs. The passenger ferry from Roonagh Quay uses the pier several times daily in summer — keep clear. A wonderfully atmospheric island anchorage beneath the impressive cliffs of Croaghaun.
Setting Your Anchor Alarm
85m radius for the harbour bay. Exposed to the W/SW/NW — in sustained westerlies this anchorage becomes uncomfortable or untenable; the island itself gives reasonable E/S shelter. With 4.5m tidal range at springs, HW depths reach 7.5–11.5m; plan scope accordingly. Atlantic swell from the NW can wrap around the north headland even in light winds — monitor swell forecasts.
Recommended radius: 85m
Hazards & Warnings
- !Atlantic swell from W/NW even in light winds — check ocean swell forecast (Windy.com) before anchoring overnight
- !Ferry pier traffic — passenger ferry multiple times daily in summer; keep clear of approach
- !Tidal range 3.5–4.5m springs — plan scope for HW depth
- !Rocky approaches to the N and W of the island — navigate only with large-scale chart (Admiralty 2667); approach via the SE only
- !Limited provisions — bring food from Westport or Louisburgh before arriving
Skipper's Tips
- ✓Climb Knockmore (461m) on a clear day — the views over Clew Bay, the 365 islands, Croagh Patrick and south to Connemara are extraordinary
- ✓Grace O'Malley's Castle at the harbour is accessible on foot — one of the most atmospherically located historic buildings in Ireland
- ✓The Clare Island Yoga and Wellness retreat runs residential courses — not relevant for sailors but it means the island has more visitors and slightly better atmosphere
- ✓Westport (Clew Bay, 15nm east) is the main provisioning stop for this area — stock up before heading out to Clare Island
Facilities
Anchoring Rules
- Permit:
- Not required
- Fee:
- Free
- Restrictions:
- Ferry pier approach must be kept clear at all times. Respect private island land. No camping or fires on the cliff areas. Seabird nesting cliffs on the W and N faces — do not approach closely by dinghy during nesting season (May–July).
Sleep Safely at Clare Island
Set your anchor alarm to 85m. UK tidal ranges mean your boat swings — Safe Anchor Alarm keeps watch through the night.
Download Safe Anchor Alarm — Free