A panoramic view of Clew Bay from Croagh Patrick, showing the spit at Bertra and the hundreds of islands. Pic: JJB0506/Creative Commons
Clew Bay and the islands
Clew Bay has, according to tradition, 365 islands, one for every day of the year. It’s probably the most beautiful bay in Ireland, and the views of it from all around Westport are spectacular.
The biggest, Clare Island, guards the entrance to the sheltered bay and is home to 130 people. With its Blue Flag beach and many historical and archaeological sites, Clare is a must-see island for the visitor willing to take a short ferry ride.
Most of the others in the bay are are uninhabited, although a few brave souls cling to the age-old tradition of living on a small island all year round.
The islands in Clew Bay are partly drowned drumlins, which are elongated, steep-sided hills, sometimes described as whale-backed, that were formed when glaciers reshaped the landscape in the last ice age. Many of the hills on land around the bay are similar drumlins.
Ferries to and sightseeing trips around Clare Island and others, such as Inishturk and Achill, are available from Roonagh Quay, which is just a 30-minute drive west of Westport. Inishlyre, Dorinish,
The bay is surrounded by some of the best Blue Flag beaches in Ireland perfect for many water sports.
Clew Bay on TV
Clew Bay, its people, islands and how it was formed, as told by the BBC’s Coast team.
Clew Bay on the map
Pic: JJB0506/Creative Commons
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