clare island resting place of granuaile

Clare Island, off the cost at the mouth of Clew Bay also has some excellent walks, both for those who like gentle strolling and for the more experienced climber. Knockaveen Hill, near the harbour is a pleasant walk, giving good views of the island and nearby mainland. Croaghmore is for the more adventurous, but the views and the wildlife make it more worthwhile. There are several developed forest/woodland trails which include car parks and picnic sites. Moore Hall, 11 km north of Ballinrobe, is a 3 km trail, Tournakeady Demesne 8 km south west of Partry is a 2.5km trail, while Letterkeen Wood, 9 km north of Newport is a 5 km trail which includes a well preserved ring fort which dates from about 1000 BC. This year sees the introduction of a new prupose built ferry service connecting Clare Island directly with Westport, departing Westport Quay every morning and returning in the evening. En route it travels through Clew Bay with its maze of drumlin islands, before passing through the shadow of Croagh Patrick and Old Head for the second half of the tour and and a half long journey.