Clare Island facts for kids
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Native name:
Oileán Chliara
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Clare Island from Clew Bay
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 Clare
Location in island of Ireland
Clare Island (Ireland)
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| Geography | |
| Location | Atlantic Ocean |
| Coordinates | 53.°48.13′N 9°59.17′W / 53.80217°N 9.98617°W |
| Archipelago | Clew Bay |
| Total islands | 141 |
| Area | 4,053 acres (1,640 ha) |
| Coastline | 21 km (13 mi) |
| Highest elevation | 462 m (1,516 ft) |
| Highest point | Knockmore |
| Administration | |
| Province | Connacht |
| County | Mayo |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 159 (2016) |
| Pop. density | 7.8 /km2 (20.2 /sq mi) |
Clare Island (called Oileán Chliara in Irish) is a beautiful, mountainous island in County Mayo, Ireland. It sits right at the entrance to Clew Bay. This island is famous for being the home of Gráinne O'Malley, a powerful pirate queen from the 1400s!
Today, about 150 people live on Clare Island. It has a few neighbours: Caher Island (which no one lives on) and Inishturk to the southwest. To the north, you'll find Achill Island.
Contents
Discovering Clare Island's Past
For many years, Clare Island was part of the lands owned by the O'Malley family. They were a very important family in the area.
The Pirate Queen's Castle
You can still see the ruins of an old O'Malley tower-house near the pier. People call it Granuaile's Castle. This is because it was home to the most famous O'Malley of all: Gráinne O'Malley, the pirate queen!
The Ancient Abbey
Near the south coast of the island is Clare Island Abbey. The O'Malleys also built this abbey. Inside, you can find the O'Malley Tomb, which might be where Gráinne O'Malley was buried. The Abbey is special because it has rare medieval paintings on its roof.
The Spanish Armada Shipwreck
In 1588, a ship from the Spanish Armada was wrecked on Clare Island. The Spanish Armada was a huge fleet of ships sent by Spain to invade England. The O'Malleys fought the sailors from this shipwrecked vessel.
The Guiding Light: Clare Island Lighthouse
A very important building on the island is the Clare Island Lighthouse. It was first built in 1806 by John Denis Browne. Sadly, a fire damaged it in 1813, but it was rebuilt and ready again by 1818. The lighthouse worked for 159 years, helping ships find their way. It closed in 1965 when a new lighthouse was built on Achillbeg Island.
Today, the old Clare Island Lighthouse has been fixed up. It is now a fancy guesthouse where people can stay!
Nature and Wildlife on Clare Island
Clare Island is a special place for nature. Between 1909 and 1911, a scientist named Robert Lloyd Praeger led a huge study of the island's plants and animals. This was called the Clare Island Survey. It was the first study of its kind and helped scientists learn how to do similar surveys.
Scientists did another big study of the island from 1990 to 2005. The results were published in six books! This new study helps us understand how climate change might affect the environment.
Tiny Plants: Algae
Scientists have found different kinds of freshwater red algae on Clare Island. Algae are tiny plant-like living things that grow in water.
Getting Around and Island Life
Clare Island is easy to reach! You can take a ferry every day from Roonagh Pier, which is near Louisburgh.
Once on the island, you'll find a hostel and a few bed and breakfast places to stay. There's even a place for yoga and meditation. You can also rent bicycles to explore the island.
The island has its own primary school for younger children. There is also a post office. When children are older, they go to the mainland for secondary school. The harbour on the southeast side of the island is a safe place for boats. During summer, the local council provides moorings for visiting yachts.
Clare Island in Culture
Clare Island has inspired artists and writers!
Music and Movies
The Irish folk-rock band, The Saw Doctors, wrote a song about Clare Island. It's on their 1996 album, Same Oul' Town. In the song, they describe the island as a peaceful escape from busy city life.
The island was also the setting for Bob Quinn's film "Budawanny" (1987). Bob Quinn also made a documentary about the island called "The Island" in 1966.
Books and Festivals
The children's book 'The Ghost of Grania O'Malley' by Michael Morpurgo is also set on Clare Island.
Since 2014, the Clare Island Film Festival has been held every year.
Images for kids
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Post office around 1900
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The optic from the Clare Island lighthouse is now on display in St. Helens, UK.
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Islands off County Mayo. Click for a larger view.
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Visiting Clare Island.
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Visiting Clare Island.
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Clare Island as seen from Inishturk
