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Clare Island
Meilleur moment pour visiter
May through September for the most reliable ferry crossings and warmer weather. Visit on a weekday to have the island trails nearly to yourself.
Conseils budget
Return ferry costs about €20 per adult. The abbey and tower house are free to explore, so the only real expense is transport and any food you buy at the island's one pub or cafe.
Recommandé pour
History lovers who want pirate stories and medieval art, Cyclists and walkers seeking quiet coastal trails, Photographers chasing wild Atlantic light and ruins
Planifiez votre visite
Full day (5-7 hours including ferry)
À propos
Faits rapides: Environ 4 000 personnes sont enterrées dans le cimetière de l'abbaye de Clare Island, alors que la population actuelle de l'île oscille autour de seulement 130 habitants. L'île servait de bastion à la légendaire reine pirate Granuaile (Grace O'Malley) au XVIe siècle, et le tombeau de sa famille se trouve dans l'enceinte de l'abbaye.
Points forts: L'abbaye de la reine pirate Granuaile contient un superbe plafond à fresque vieux de 360 ans, l'une des deux seules fresques d'église médiévales encore existantes dans toute l'Irlande. Levez les yeux pour voir des anges peints, des étoiles et des bêtes mythiques qui ont survécu à des siècles d'embruns salins et de négligence.
Conseils d'initiés
- Rent a bike at the pier as soon as you arrive: the island is 10 km long and cycling is the best way to cover ground between sights.
- Bring rain gear and layers even on sunny mornings: Atlantic weather shifts fast and the exposed western side catches serious wind.
- Walk to the top of Knockmore for a 360-degree view of Clew Bay's 365 islands, one for every day of the year.
- Time your visit to see the abbey when the light streams through its east window: mid-afternoon sun lights the fresco ceiling best.
Infos pratiques
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