My other half and I recently ventured out to Clare Island, County Mayo to stay at Clare Island Lighthouse. Clare Island is the largest of the 365 islands in Clew Bay and I’m almost certain it’s the most beautiful too.
Prior to our trip, I did a little research on things to do and where to eat on the Island. I found that the Go Explore Hostel ticked all the boxes when it came to booking activities and ordering good quality food. The hostel is situated on top of a small cliff approx five-minute walk from the harbour – you can see their flags when you disembark the ferry.
Go Explore Hostel organised our snorkelling sessions with Adventure West. Snorkelling is becoming a very popular activity on the west coast of Ireland. It’s a perfect way to discover the underwater world of Clew Bay, without the expense and training needed to scuba dive.
What do you need?
You will need to bring a swimming suit for under the wetsuit a towel and a warm change of clothes for afterwards.
Restrictions:
There is a minimum age limit of 8 years and participants must be comfortable swimming in the sea.
Snorkelling on this occasion, took place on Clare Island’s Blue flag Beach, which is located next to the harbour (5 min walk from hostel).
We got suited and booted with two wetsuits (one full body and one half body), booties, gloves, hood, mask, snorkel and flippers, we were warned in advance that it might be a tad bit nippy in the Atlantic sea, reason for all the layers.
To be honest it was fine, but you wouldn’t stay out much longer than an hour. The only parts of my body that were visible were the tips of my fingers and my lips, I could see my fingers starting to prune and my lips were somewhat on the chilly side towards the end of the session. Sure it was no bother at all.
What did we see?
Jellyfish
Dogfish
Starfish
Wrasse fish
Anemones
Colourful Seaweeds
Crabs
Beadlet anemones
We got into the water expecting to see colourful seaweeds and maybe a few small fish, so we were impressed and surprised at all the different marine life.
David spotted the Dogfish and called me immediately, mistaking it for a baby shark, we were amazed. We later found out that Dogfish are in fact a member of the shark family, hence the resemblance. So snorkelling is not just for the Caribbean, Adventure West helped prove that the west coast of Ireland holds its own, when it comes to a magical and colourful snorkelling experience.
After a one hour snorkelling session, you really work up an appetite, so there’s only one thing for it, lunch at Sailor’s Bar & Restaurant. Sailor’s Bar is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The restaurant is situated at the front of the Go Explore Hostel and specialises in locally sourced foods, such as homegrown veg, Pollock and Mackerel, which they catch fresh every morning. If you’re not a lover of seafood (believe me you’re missing out), they also supply beef burgers, chicken burgers, sandwiches, vegetarian dishes and more.
Salt ‘n Chilli Squid €12.90
Spiced crispy squid rings, garlic and lime mayonnaise dip, skin-on deep-fried chips, island salad. Gluten Free
Steamed Clew Bay mussels €11.95
Fresh Clew Bay mussels, steamed in a white wine, onion, garlic and parsley cream sauce, served with lemon wedge & homemade bread.
The atmosphere was great, there were lots of couples and groups of friends who were all very chatty and friendly. The sun was beaming down, the seafood was excellent, the drinks were flowing and the view was incredible. I could have sat outside the hostel all day long and just enjoyed the surroundings.
There’s no wonder that National Geographic nominated the island in the Top 10 Activities along the Wild Atlantic Way, it has so much to offer and the views are simply breathtaking. Seeing is believing, so book your adventure to Clare Island today!
Don’t forget to get in touch with Go Explore Hostel for pocket-friendly accommodation, entertainment, a choice of activities and really good food.
Book your ferry ride to Clare Island here.
[…] recently made a trip to Clare Island off the coast of Mayo, for an active weekend of hiking and snorkelling. Ireland has some of the best walking and hiking trails in the world but not always the best […]