Discover the breathtaking sights and fascinating history of Clew Bay Cruise with us!

Duration

90 minutes

About

We cruise daily from Westport Harbour (located in Westport Town) around Clew Bay. We visit the seal colony, John Lennon's Island, Inishgort Lighthouse and much more. Our on-board guide will entertain you with stories of past disasters and battles. We will up close and personal with all kinds of wildlife; seals, cormorants, etc...

The cruise can be enjoyed on our comfortable passenger ship; with amenities like a bar, café, toilets , 50 seater heated lounge & upper outdoor deck.

Our Ship

The " Spiorad Naomh Phádraig" (Spirit of St. Patrick) is a modern 50 passenger ship. It is split over two decks ; a lower enclosed heated lounge (50 seats) & an upper outdoor deck (24 seats / 26 standing places). The ship has many amenities, including a bar , café , toilets , Free Wi-fi , phone charging docks, smoking area & more.

Our Commentary

All of our public cruises have an experienced local guide onboard to guide you along the cruise. Starting with the history of The Harbour, to the 400 strong Clew Bay Seal colony and onwards to John Lennon’s Island ( where John Lennon visited for a short time ). You’ll be enthralled by stories of the infamous Pirate Queen Grace O Malley along with those of St. Patrick ; as he retreated on top of Croagh Patrick. There much more to the commentary too. The commentary begins as we leave the harbour and concludes at the furthest point of our trip. As we return to harbour, the commentary ends and you can enjoy the peace and serenity of the bay as we steam back to Westport.

Cruise Highlights

SEAL COLONY Home to a Seal Colony numbering approximately 400. We'll sail within metres of these majestic animals and observe them in their natural habitat. During the months of June , July & August we'll see this years new seal pups.

JOHN LENNON'S ISLAND An island paradise owned and inhabited by John Lennon. As we inch past the shores of this island you'll be able to re-imagine the time that was; the hippy commune and Beatle mania.

CROAGH PATRICK The holy mountain of Croagh Patrick has long been a place of worship. St. Patrick is said to have fasted and prayed at the summit. Join us on and see " The Reek " ( the mountains nickname locally ) from a panoramic angle.

365 ISLANDS Local folklore counts the islands of Clew Bay at 365, one for every day of the year. Formed during the last Ice Age as the recceding glacier exposed this amazing landscape. One of the finest examples of drumlin topography in Europe.

GRACE O' MALLEY - THE PIRATE QUEEN Tales of Grainne Uaile , the Pirate Queen, who ruled these waters. Re-live the escapades of this wily lady through story, who was at one stage the most feared woman in all of Europe.

THE ACHILL DISASTER 1894. Tragedy strikes when a boat capsizes and more than 30 Achill islanders lose their lives. Hear the tale of this horrific drowning , the worst to hit Clew Bay , as we sail over the place of the tragedy.

INISHGORT LIGHTHOUSE We’ll set eyes on Inishgort Lighthouse. It’s here the bay opens to Clare Island and the beautiful Atlantic horizon.