Overview
Clew Bay (Irish: Cuan Mó) is a sweeping Atlantic inlet on County Mayo’s west coast, roughly 16 km east‑west and 11 km north‑south. Framed to the south by the sacred Croagh Patrick and to the north by the Nephin Beg range, the bay is famed for its legendary 365 islands – limestone drumlins left by the last Ice Age. The largest, Clare Island, guards the mouth, while smaller gems such as Dorinish (once owned by John Lennon) and Collanmore add character to the seascape.
History & Background
The Irish names Cuan Mod and Cuan Umhaill link the bay 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. The 16th‑century pirate queen Grace O’Malley used the sheltered waters as a base, with castles like Rockfleet and Carrickkildavnet dotting the shoreline. The O’Malley motto Terra Marique Putens (“Valiant by sea and land”) still echoes in local folklore.
A submerged late Bronze‑Age fort discovered in 2024 underlines the bay’s long‑standing strategic importance. During the Irish Civil War, 400 Free State troops landed in July 1922 to secure Westport and Castlebar, adding a modern layer to the landscape’s rich tapestry.
The archaeological record stretches back even further. The Boheh Stone near Westport bears cup‑and‑ring carvings and aligns with the setting sun on 18 April and 24 August, a phenomenon noted by archaeologist Gerry Bracken. From the Srahwee wedge tomb in Louisburgh (c. 3000‑2000 BC) to the 12th‑century doorway at Oughavale Churchyard, the area chronicles every major epoch of Irish civilisation, culminating in the 19th‑century National Famine Monument at Murrisk.
Wildlife & Birdwatching
The sheltered waters of Clew Bay support a thriving marine ecosystem. A resident seal colony of around 400 harbour seals can be seen from many boat tours, and occasional dolphin sightings add excitement for keen observers. The cliffs and islands provide nesting sites for seabirds such as guillemots, razorbills and the occasional puffin during the summer months. Bring a pair of binoculars to fully appreciate the wildlife that frequents the bay.
Seasonal Highlights
- May‑October – Full schedule of boat tours, including Westport Cruises and Clew Bay Charters. Weather is generally milder and daylight hours are longest, ideal for island‑hopping and photography.
- April & early May – Spring wildflowers begin to colour the coastal paths, and migratory birds arrive.
- Winter (December‑February) – Fewer tourists, dramatic sea‑spray and the chance to see the bay’s rugged beauty in a quieter setting; walking and cycling remain possible, though you should be prepared for wind and rain.
What to See & Do
Island‑hopping and boat tours
- Westport Cruises – daily (1 May‑31 Oct) 90‑minute sails from Westport Quay, with heated lounge, bar, café and accessible toilets. Spot the resident seal colony (≈400 seals) and glide past the iconic islands.
- Clew Bay Charters (Newport) – fully accessible catamaran trips (April‑Oct). Choose a two‑hour sightseeing tour of a selection of the 365 islands or a half‑day angling adventure.
- Ferry services – regular links between Westport Quay, Roonagh Quay and Clare Island, Inishturk and Achill for day‑trips to historic villages and wildlife 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 the bay, Clare Island and the Atlantic.
- Murrisk View Point – at the foot of Croagh Patrick, offering sweeping bay views 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 is broken into three moderate sections:
- Westport‑Newport (12 km)
- Newport‑Mulranny (18 km)
- Mulranny‑Achill (14 km) Clew Bay Bike Hire supplies GIANT road, electric and family bikes, plus a free shuttle between hire bases in Newport, Mulranny and Achill. For the ambitious, the Clew Bay Bike Trail loops 105 km, incorporating coastal roads and inland tracks.
Clew Bay Archaeological Trail
A self‑guided heritage walk linking Westport, Murrisk, Louisburgh and Clare Island. The trail comprises 21 marked sites across four stages, each with a brown information panel (GPS or smartphone map recommended). Highlights include:
| Site | Period / Feature | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Boheh Stone (Westport) | Late Stone Age / Early Bronze Age | Cup‑and‑ring art; solar alignment on 18 Apr & 24 Aug |
| Carrownalurgan Ringfort | Early Christian | Limestone slab dated 1723, panoramic views |
| Oughavale Churchyard | 12th‑century | Early stone doorway and historic graveyard |
| Annagh‑Killadangan Complex | Bronze Age | Five standing stones aligned to the winter solstice |
| Murrisk Abbey & National Famine Monument | 15th‑century & 1997 | Pilgrim heritage and poignant famine memorial |
| Bunlahinch Clapper Footbridge | Mid‑19th c. | Ingenious “Colony of Jumpers” construction |
| Moneen Lime Kiln | 19th‑20th c. | Industrial archaeology, still visible |
| Clare Island Tower House (16th c.) | Medieval / Early modern | Ruined stone tower with sea views |
| Clare Island Abbey (1224) | Early medieval | Remarkable wall paintings and Grace O’Malley’s coat of arms |
| Lecarrow Promontory Fort | Bronze Age | Defensive earthwork on the island’s western tip |
The trail can be completed in a leisurely day, though each stage is suitable for a half‑day outing.
Practical Information
- Getting there: Westport is on the N5 and served by Bus Éireann routes from Dublin, Galway and Castlebar. The nearest airport is Ireland West Airport Knock (≈45 km).
- Parking: Westport Quay offers short‑stay car parking (fees apply); Murrisk View Point has a free car park; Clare Island ferry terminals provide limited on‑site parking for visitors.
- Accommodation: Options range from boutique hotels in Westport, B&Bs in Newport and Mulranny, to self‑catering cottages on Clare Island.
- Transport: Public buses link Westport, Newport, Mulranny and Achill. Car hire is recommended for flexibility, especially for the archaeological trail’s rural sections.
- Seasonality: Boat tours run May–October; the Greenway and most walking routes are open year‑round, though weather can be changeable. Summer offers the longest daylight for island‑hopping; winter brings dramatic sea‑spray and fewer crowds.
- Accessibility: Westport Cruises and Clew Bay Charters provide accessible vessels. The Greenway is wheelchair‑friendly, and many trail sites (e.g., Murrisk View Point) have level paths. Some historic ruins have uneven ground.
- What to bring: Sturdy walking shoes, waterproof jacket, sun protection, binoculars for bird‑watching, and a charged phone or GPS device for the archaeological trail.
- Safety: Tides can be strong around the islands; always follow local advice when kayaking or swimming. Seal colonies are protected – keep a respectful distance.
Nearby Attractions
- Achill Island – reachable by ferry from Mulranny, offering dramatic cliffs, beaches and the historic Achill Sound.
- Ballycroy National Park – a short drive north, home to the Wild Nephin mountain range and extensive walking trails.
- Bartragh Island – another of the 365 islands, known for its ruined house and bird‑watching opportunities.
- Murrisk Abbey – already mentioned, but worth a dedicated visit for its medieval architecture and connection to Grace O’Malley.
Clew Bay offers a rare blend of natural splendour, active adventure and deep‑rooted history. Whether sailing among 365 islands, climbing Croagh Patrick, cycling the Greenway or tracing millennia of human settlement on foot, visitors leave with a vivid sense of Ireland’s Atlantic heart.