Silversea Luxury Cruises To CLARE ISLAND

Stupendous views of the other, oddly shaped islands, are to be had for those hearty enough to walk up to the top of the 465-metre Mt. Knockmore. While there is a vibrant community on Clare Island, this is no urban paradise – moreover the literal Elysian fields showcase Mother Nature at her finest. Pods of dolphins and seals play in the fertile waters, rare seabirds such as choughs come here to roost and rare arctic-alpine flora can be found in remarkable abundance. Along the northern shore, the Atlantic Ocean carved spectacular cliffs rated among the highest in Ireland and recognised internationally as an area of scientific importance. Blue-flag beaches espouse the coast, but beware! The weather is rarely on your side for sunbathing! Clare Island is famous as the former home of the infamous Granuaile (Ireland’s legendary 16th century Pirate Queen), more commonly known as Grace O’Malley. Her legacy lives on, most notably in her castle located on the east coast. Other notable monuments include the ex-lighthouse (today a beautifully restored boutique hotel), the 12th century Cistercian Abbey, the Napoleonic Tower and various Bronze-Age sites.