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Step aboard O'Malley Ferries for a scenic 20-minute crossing from Clare Island to Roonagh. This trip links you to one of Ireland’s wildest coastal landscapes, rich in wildlife, history, and dramatic cliffs.
Step aboard O'Malley Ferries for a scenic 20-minute crossing from Clare Island to Roonagh. This trip links you to one of Ireland’s wildest coastal landscapes, rich in wildlife, history, and dramatic cliffs.
Book with O'Malley Ferries (Clare Island) Ltd
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Operated by O'Malley Ferries (Clare Island) Ltd · Ballyhaunis, County Mayo
Positioned in Clew Bay, County Mayo, Clare Island rises 3 miles off the Irish mainland, a rugged beacon of natural variety and rich history. O'Malley Ferries (Clare Island) Ltd offers a reliable 20-minute ferry passage from Clare Island back to Roonagh pier, connecting travelers with one of Ireland's most compelling coastal outdoor destinations.
Clare Island's shoreline features sweeping sandy beaches ringed by a small harbor guarded by Granuaile’s Castle, linking the island’s name to the famed 16th-century Irish pirate queen, Grace O'Malley. Beyond the village lies diverse terrain: gentle rolling hills for casual walkers, and dramatic cliffs on the north and west edges, where seabirds nest along steep rocky walls plummeting into the Atlantic. This contrast creates a playground of geological and ecological wonders, including some of Europe’s oldest fossils found right here.
The island’s landscape is a patchwork of bogs, pasture, and rugged coast, offering excellent hiking or laid-back strolls among wildflowers and sweeping views. For bird enthusiasts, the cliffs present prime vantage points to spot kittiwakes, razorbills, and fulmars in their natural breeding grounds. Clare Island's position and size invite visitors to immerse themselves in a uniquely Irish context where natural history and cultural narratives intertwine.
O'Malley Ferries, operating three licensed vessels including the “Naomh Ciaran II,” “Tormore,” and “True Light,” supports year-round, weather-permitting crossings. The company is a cornerstone of Mayo's coastal recreation, providing safe, punctual connections that encourage discovery. Their ferry trips are more than transport; they’re a gateway to an untouched part of Ireland’s rugged west coast, accessible and welcoming to walkers, nature lovers, and history buffs alike.
Journeying with O'Malley Ferries from Clare Island to Roonagh offers a direct link to authentic outdoor adventure amid Ireland’s wild Atlantic seascape.
easy.
20 minutes ferry crossing, variable hiking times.
Suitable for all fitness levels with options for gentle walks or moderate hikes
The ferry crossing takes approximately 20 minutes.
Yes, O'Malley Ferries operates year-round, weather permitting.
Bikes can usually be accommodated but check with O'Malley Ferries in advance.
Pets are generally permitted but must be kept under control; confirm specifics when booking.
Public transport options are limited; many visitors arrive by car or taxi.
While the ferry company does not provide guided tours, local operators on the island may offer them.
Clare Island was the base for Grace O'Malley, Ireland’s famed 16th-century sea queen and chieftain.
Local efforts focus on protecting seabird nesting areas and maintaining the island’s unique geological heritage.
O'Malley Ferries (Clare Island) Ltd is a Westport, County Mayo–based ferry operator providing direct crossings between Roonagh pier on the Mayo mainland and Clare Island. The company runs short, practical ferry services designed for day visitors, hikers, bird-watchers and local travellers seeking straightforward access to Clare Island’s landscapes and heritage. Crossings from Roonagh to Clare Island typically take around 20 minutes, offering a quick route to sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and diverse geology — including Ireland’s oldest fossil — as well as cultural sites such as Granuaile's Castle. The service focuses on reliable departures, clear passenger information, and local knowledge of tides and coastal conditions in Clew Bay. Boats provide a scenic vantage point for wildlife viewing, including nesting sea-birds on island cliffs, and accommodate foot passengers planning hiking or leisure visits. Booking details, departure times and seasonal schedules are coordinated from the operator’s base in Westport, County Mayo, with departures from Roonagh pier. As a local operator serving the Clare Island route, O'Malley Ferries (Clare Island) Ltd connects visitors to the island’s natural highlights and cultural sites with a simple, no-frills ferry experience. Passengers are advised to check current sailing information before travel and to plan connections for hiking or island exploration accordingly.
Book with O'Malley Ferries (Clare Island) Ltd