Overview
Clew Bay (Irish: Cuan Mó) is a large, roughly rectangular ocean bay on the Atlantic coast of County Mayo. Overlooked to the south by the sacred mountain Croagh Patrick and to the north by the Nephin Beg range, the bay stretches about 16 km east‑west and 11 km north‑south. Its most striking feature is the profusion of islands – traditionally said to be 365, one for every day of the year – formed from sunken limestone drumlins left by the last Ice Age. The largest island, Clare Island, guards the entrance, while smaller isles such as Dorinish (once owned by John Lennon) and Collanmore add character to the seascape.
History & Background
The bay’s Irish names – Cuan Mod, Cuan Umhaill – link it to ancient tribal territories. In medieval times it formed the heart of the Gaelic lordship of Umhaill, ruled by the O’Malley (Uí Máille) clan. Grace O’Malley, the legendary 16th‑century pirate queen, used the sheltered waters as a base for her fleet, with castles such as Rockfleet and Carrickkildavnet dotting the shoreline.
What to See & Do
Island‑hopping and boat tours
- Westport Cruises run daily (May 1 – Oct 31) 90‑minute sailings from Westport, weaving among the islands and offering close‑up views of the resident seal colony (≈400 seals). The vessel has a heated lounge, bar, café and accessible toilets.
- Clew Bay Charters in Newport operate fully accessible catamaran trips (April – October). Two‑hour sightseeing tours showcase a selection of the 365 islands, while half‑day angling trips cater to anglers of all abilities.
- Ferry services link Westport Quay and Roonagh Quay with Clare Island, Inishturk and Achill, enabling day‑trips to historic villages and wildlife‑rich coves.
Hiking and mountain views
- Croagh Patrick – the 764 m “Holy Mountain” dominates the southern horizon. The classic 7 km ascent takes 3½–4 hours and rewards hikers with panoramic vistas over Clew Bay, Clare Island and the Atlantic.
- Murrisk View Point – at the foot of Croagh Patrick, this spot offers sweeping views of the bay and easy access to the 15th‑century Murrisk Abbey, a site linked to Grace O’Malley.
Cycling the Great Western Greenway
The 42 km traffic‑free Greenway follows the former Westport‑Achill railway line. It can be broken into three sections (Westport‑Newport 12 km, Newport‑Mulranny 18 km, Mulranny‑Achill 14 km) and is rated “moderate” with gentle gradients. Clew Bay Bike Hire provides GIANT road, electric and family bikes, plus a free shuttle service between hire bases in Newport, Mulranny and Achill. The longer Clew Bay Bike Trail loops 105 km, incorporating two short ferry crossings and an optional 10 km circuit around Clare Island.
Beaches and water sports
- Bertra Beach (Murrisk) – a 2.6 km Blue Flag beach with a summer lifeguard, parking for ~40 cars and two disabled spaces. The sand spit offers a 4 km loop walk that must be timed with the tide.
- Old Head Beach – a wheelchair‑accessible Blue Flag beach sheltered from south‑west winds, famed for rock‑pools and a small anchorage popular with local sailors.
- Mulranny Beach – another Blue Flag stretch with lifeguards (June‑August), toilets and a promenade that frames views of Clare Island and Croagh Patrick.
- Collanmore Island – the largest inner‑bay island, reachable via Rosmoney pier, offers dinghy sailing, sea‑kayaking, stand‑up paddle‑boarding and a safe wind‑surfing environment.
Nature reserves and wildlife
- Oldhead Wood Nature Reserve – semi‑natural oak woodland on the southern shore, noted for its humid micro‑climate and rich bryophyte flora; wheelchair‑accessible paths lead to bird‑watching hides.
- Knockmoyle Sheskin Nature Reserve – a mixed‑wood habitat supporting diverse flora and fauna, also bordering the bay’s humid coastline.
Cultural stops
- Clew Bay Heritage Centre (Westport) – housed in a 19th‑century building, it holds artefacts, photographs and a genealogical research facility covering the whole bay area. Summer guided walks of historic Westport are offered weekly.
- Castles – visit the ruins of Carrickkildavnet, Carrickahowley and Rockfleet to feel the O’Malley legacy.
- Inishgort Lighthouse – perched on Inishgort island, it marks the entrance to the bay’s northern reaches.
Practical Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Open every day (no gate) |
| Admission fee | Free of charge |
| Parking | Bertra Beach car park (≈40 spaces + disabled bays). Most towns (Westport, Newport, Mulranny) have free on‑street parking; larger car parks are available near the Greenway trailheads. |
| Public transport | Bus Éireann routes connect Westport with Newport, Mulranny and Achill. The N59 is the main road along the bay’s shoreline. |
| Ferry schedules | Seasonal (May‑Oct) services from Westport Quay to Clare Island and from Roonagh Quay to Achill; check individual operators for timetables. |
| Cruise season | Westport Cruises operate daily between 1 May and 31 Oct; advance booking recommended in peak summer. |
| Bike hire | Clew Bay Bike Hire (bases in Newport, Mulranny, Achill) – GIANT bikes, electric models, child trailers, helmets and maps included. Free shuttle returns available. |
| Accessibility | Old Head Beach facilities (toilets, beach access) are wheelchair‑accessible. The Heritage Centre has level entrances. Some island ferries and boat charters are fully accessible (e.g., ‘Mo Chara’ catamaran). |
| Best time to visit | Late spring to early autumn for cruises, seal‑watching and beach activities; spring offers quieter hiking on Croagh Patrick. |
Getting there
Clew Bay lies on the Wild Atlantic Way. From Galway, take the N59 north‑west for about 1 h 30 min to Westport, the main gateway town. From Dublin, the M6 to Ballina then the N59 north provides a scenic 3‑hour drive. Westport offers a range of accommodation – from the family‑run Clew Bay Hotel to the luxury Mulranny Park Hotel – all within easy reach of the bay’s attractions.
Suggested itinerary (sample)
- Morning – Cycle the first 12 km of the Great Western Greenway from Westport to Newport, stopping for coffee in the harbour town.
- Midday – Board a Westport Cruise to view the seal colony and sail past Dorinish Island; disembark at Clare Island for a short hike to the lighthouse.
- Afternoon – Hike the upper sections of Croagh Patrick for unrivalled views over the bay; descend to Murrisk to explore the Abbey.
- Evening – Relax on Bertra Beach at sunset, or enjoy a dinner of fresh Atlantic fish in Westport’s bustling town centre.
Clew Bay’s blend of dramatic geology, rich history and a wealth of outdoor pursuits makes it a must‑see destination on Ireland’s west coast. Whether you’re chasing seals, tracing pirate legends or simply soaking up the view from a blue‑flag beach, the bay offers a uniquely Irish experience for every traveller.