cape clear island

Cape Clear, Ireland's southernmost inhabited island, 3 miles long by 1 mile wide, lies 8 miles off the coast of West Cork. 3 miles west of the island stands the solitary Fastnet Rock. To the northwest stretches the Mizen Head, the mainland's southerly point. Cape's wild romantic scenery, its sparkling harbours, its cliffs and bogs and lake, all contribute to the island's unspoilt charm. Heather, gorse and wild flowers cover the rugged hills. Myriad stone walls have a patchwork effect on the varied landscape, Megalithic standing stones and a 5000 year-old passage grave, a 12th century church ruin, a 14th century O'Driscoll castle, cannonaded in the early 1600's, suggest times past. Saint Ciaran, the island's patron saint, is allegedly the earliest of Ireland's four pre-Patrician saints. Cape's remote island location, coupled with its proximity to the continental shelf, makes it the foremost centre for birdwatching in Ireland. Whale, leatherback turtle, sun fish and shark are spotted every year, dolphins regularly. Most of the 150 inhabitants speak Irish and English. Removed from the hustle and bustle of mainland life, Cape offers relaxation, nature, peace.

November through February is, normally, our gale season. Waves mountainous and "the draw" (undertow) can prevent the ferry from sailing. Surf explodes high against the cliffs covering the island with salt spray. With winds often in excess of Force 9, walking itself can become an adventure. The reeds in the bogs turn soft orange. Self-catering prices fall to half high season rates. Love of hard weather, reading and writing and storytelling before a cosy fire, make these wild, introspective times enjoyable. The community plans activities to which visitors are welcome: a visiting drama group; dance, music or first-aid classes; Amnesty International meetings; community socials; Irish lessons.
March through May the island awakes from its winter slumber, returns outdoors. Farmers plant and plough, fishermen return to the sea. April is thought the second best month for sighting rare birds. Many believe May the loveliest month for wild flowers. By early June islanders anticipate the excitement of summer, though, paradoxically, by early August they yearn for the peace and tranquillity of autumn.

Local Pubs:
Club Chleire
The Night Jar open all year, musicians welcome

Craft Shops & Souvenirs:
Harpercraft & The Back Room & O'Donovan Knitwear (May-Sept)
Pottery & Craft Shop

Restaurant & Snacks:
Chip Van (by North Harbour), high season only
Cistin Chleire (by North Harbour),
Open Easter to October

After the summer rush of activity, autumn's a suddenly richly quiet season. The island ferry cuts back on trips to the mainland. The bracken slowly turns deep russet.

Now and in the spring is an ideal time not only for those seeking tranquillity off the beaten track but also in transition-year students to come for special classses in archaeology, writing, outdoor adventure, the Irish language; and, most important, to give students a taste of island living.

October brings more rare birds and more birdwatchers than any other month.