Five reasons why Clare Island should be on your Irish summer bucket list (PHOTOS)

We may be halfway through the summer, but there’s still lots to look forward to on Clare Island from now until the end of August.

Between live music, adventure activities and a busy schedule of festivals, the stunning Co. Mayo island – once home to Ireland’s famous pirate queen Grace O’Malley – has been humming since the end of May. Here’s a selection of events to look forward to over the remainder of the season:

Image: ClareIsland.info

Adventure Fest is a new festival taking place on the upcoming the bank holiday weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, July 30 and 31, a range of adventure activity sessions will be provided by Clare Island Adventures, Clew Bay Sea Kayaking and Summer SUP School. This is a great opportunity to sample coasteering, stand-up paddle boarding and more, at reduced rates. A great option for families and other group getaways.

Niall McCabe performing. Image: ClareIsland.info

Traditional Music every Tuesday evening, with the Community Center hosting Comhaltas Sessions of good old fashioned “ceol agus craic”. Offering traditional Irish music, song, dance and storytelling, all are welcome to observe or participate and is a popular family night out.

Kids snorkelling at Clare Island beach. Image: ClareIsland.info

Family Fun Midweek Getaways. Sunday to Thursdays are an ideal time for family stays. In addition to evening entertainment in the community center and Sailor’s Bar, there is also family activities available on the island’s blue flag beach. On Tuesday and Thursday afternoons until mid-August, Clare Island Adventures are providing family activity sessions. Running from 2:30 – 4:30pm, there will be archery and beach games on Tuesdays and snorkelling on Thursdays. A great excuse for an overnight stay, or even a day trip to the island.

A view of Croagh Patrick from outside of Sailor's Bar. Image: ClareIsland.info

Live Music every weekend, with Sailor’s Bar hosting local and national talent every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Thursdays are dedicated Singer/Songwriter nights, while Fridays and Saturdays typically feature bands. In addition, they are launching a new music festival this year – Sailor’s Music Festival will feature Sean Keane on Friday, August 12 and The Amazing Apples on Saturday August 13. And Tony Reidy will feature for the Singer Songwriter night on Thursday, August 11th.

Image: ClareIsland.info

Clare Island Food Festival, August 19 to 21, looks to encompass what is native to Clare Island’s shore, in keeping with the island’s drive towards sustainability. Clare Island has a long tradition of making a living from the sea, and the festival is a celebration of all those seafarers, past and present, who have weathered rough conditions to provide for their families and community.

For more information on how to get there, things to do, places to stay and eat, visit www.clareisland.info.