19 Mar Clare Island , Co. Mayo
Although it is tiny , only 15 or so square miles , Clare island rises to a height of 1522ft in a massive shoulder of land that dominates everything around. A real hidden gem on Ireland tours !
The Island is famed above all as the stronghold of Grace O’Malley. Her massive castle is at the South-Eastern tip of the Island , and in the middle of the Island’s South shore , she – or a close relative – is buried in a tomb on the North side of the ruined 13th century Cistercian abbey.
Towards the lighthouse at the Northern tip , there’s a loom shop and demonstration centre , where you can watch the weavers spinning and dyeing the wool, and even have a go for yourself. A great experience on tours of Ireland.