THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Set sail from Westport on a 90-minute cruise through Clew Bay’s islands and wildlife. Encounter seals, visit John Lennon’s Island, and hear tales of the Pirate Queen—an unforgettable maritime experience on the Atlantic coast.
Set sail from Westport on a 90-minute cruise through Clew Bay’s islands and wildlife. Encounter seals, visit John Lennon’s Island, and hear tales of the Pirate Queen—an unforgettable maritime experience on the Atlantic coast.
Book with Westport Cruises
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Westport Cruises · Westport, County Mayo
Set against the rugged backdrop of Ireland’s west coast, Clew Bay is a patchwork of over 365 islands carved by retreating glaciers during the last Ice Age. Departing from The Quay in Cloonmonad, Westport Cruises invites adventurers to embark on a 90-minute voyage aboard the “Spirit of St. Patrick,” a modern vessel designed for comfort with heated lounges, an upper deck, and amenities like a café and bar. This cruise is more than a scenic ride; it’s a journey through layers of natural wonder and history wrapped into one compact experience.
The cruise charts a course past a thriving seal colony, home to around 400 seals that bask and play close to the boat’s path, especially vibrant in summer months when seal pups appear. Visitors also glimpse John Lennon’s Island, once a brief retreat for the famed Beatle and a magnet for hippy culture, offering a quiet window into a storied past. Further on, the cruise rounds the iconic Inishgort Lighthouse, standing sentinel where Clew Bay flows into the Atlantic.
The imposing silhouette of Croagh Patrick looms in the distance — locally known as "The Reek," this mountain holds deep spiritual significance, where St. Patrick is said to have fasted. Complementing the natural scenery, a skilled local guide weaves tales of Grace O’Malley, the dreaded Pirate Queen who ruled these seas, alongside somber recountings of the 1894 Achill disaster, when tragedy struck the bay.
Westport Cruises occupies a special place in Mayo’s outdoor landscape, providing a unique blend of wildlife viewing, cultural storytelling, and panoramic vistas accessible to all ages and abilities. The vessel’s modern comforts paired with authentic commentary make the Clew Bay Cruise a standout way to connect with Ireland’s wild coastline and rich maritime legacy.
easy.
1.5 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required.
The cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes, departing and returning from Westport Harbour.
Yes, the Clew Bay Cruise is family friendly and suitable for all ages.
Yes, the Spirit of St. Patrick offers a heated lounge with seating for 50 passengers.
A local guide provides engaging narration covering wildlife, history, and local legends throughout the journey.
Expect to see a sizable seal colony, cormorants, and occasionally other seabirds native to the area.
Bring layered clothing suitable for changing weather, waterproof gear, binoculars, and sun protection in summer.
Clew Bay’s islands and coast were once home to Grace O’Malley, Ireland’s Pirate Queen, whose maritime exploits shaped local lore.
Westport Cruises operates with a focus on minimizing disturbance to seal colonies and promoting awareness of local marine ecosystems.
Westport Cruises, based in Kinsale, County Cork, operates private and scheduled 90‑minute boat tours aboard a modern 50‑passenger ship. The business provides private-hire options for hen and stag parties, engagement celebrations, birthdays, post-wedding gatherings, and corporate or VIP events, offering exclusive use of the vessel and a fully staffed bar. Private hire packages include cruise-only charters as well as options with finger food or customizable buffet menus. Live entertainment and tailored on-board hosting are available on request. Professional crew deliver engaging live commentary that highlights local history, maritime stories, and notable landmarks encountered during each route. Signature trips include a Kinsale Cruise that showcases Kinsale Harbour, with views of Charles Fort and Ringrone Castle and opportunities to spot local wildlife. The Clew Bay Cruise departs from Westport Harbour aboard the modern "Spirit of St. Patrick," featuring Clew Bay scenery, a lively seal colony, John Lennon’s Island, and stories about the Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley. Safety, comfort, and clear trip descriptions are central to the offering. The vessel accommodates up to 50 passengers for comfortable private charters, and staff handle bar service, catering coordination, and event hosting. Westport Cruises is positioned for visitors and event planners seeking a distinctive maritime venue, memorable scenery, and narrated local history on the water.
Book with Westport Cruises