

No wonder Grace O'Malley, the fearless sea pirate used this bay as her own. A description, illustrations and map of County Mayo, taken from the Atlas and. On Achill's west side lies the secluded Keem beach, a sight to behold coming down the cliff-top road.Ĭontinuing the journey from Achill to Westport you pass along Clew Bay which, according to tradition, has 365 islands – one for every day of the year. This coast road along the cliff edge has fantastic views of Clew Bay. The Atlantic Dive, boasting some of the most impressive views of the Atlantic, goes along the south west coast of Achill. Feehan writes that most of the good land lies to the east of the summit of Knockmore at 473m. The island represents the west coast in miniature form: majestic mountains, clear lakes, expanses of bogs, long unspoilt sandy beaches, picturesque villages and the highest sea cliffs of Ireland. Clare Island is 5km off the coast of Mayo and sits at the entrance to the many-islanded Clew Bay. The Clew Bay Trail Ride takes small groups of experienced riders along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way through new and ever-changing landscapes of small villages, breathtaking sandy beaches, sea and off-shore islands, country lanes, mountain tracks and local heritage sites, stopping for a picnic along the way. The Pirate Queen's home of Carraigahowley Castle (also know as Rockfleet Castle) and Kildavnet Castle on Achill Island are well worth exploring.Īchill Island is Ireland's largest island and it is accessible from the mainland by bridge. It is rich in archaeological remains and has medieval wall-paintings in the 14th century Abbey. This section of the Wild Atlantic Way brings us through „Pirate country“ along the shores of Granuaile's or Grace O'Malley's pirate kingdom. Clare Island at the entrance to Clew Bay was the home of the pirate queen Grace O’Malley and is a Discovery Point on The Wild Atlantic Way.

Clare Island guards the entrance of the bay. The bay is overlooked by Croagh Patrick to the south and the Nephin Range mountains of North Mayo. It contains Irelands best example of sunken drumlins. Achill Island and Clew Bay Travel the Wild Atlantic Way from Belmullet to Westport 1Clew BayBody of WaterUpdated: Clew Bay is a natural ocean bay in County Mayo, Republic of Ireland.
