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The current Irish record Blue Shark and Porbeagle Shark records were both taken in the ocean off Achill Island. Clew Bay‘s fame as a common skate ground is slowly recovering given the introduction of mandatory catch & release (bar a new record). The deep waters around Clare Island offer superb fishing. Many octopus, John Dory and up to eighteen species in a day have been caught out there! Good pollock are always available on the drift from the reefs around Deasy’s Rock and further out the Bills Rocks offer superb reef fishing.
The North West Cliffs of Clare Island are some of the most spectacular in Ireland and the very best way to see these are by boat. On top of the stunning views around Clare Island you may see all types of sea life such as dolphins, sun fish, and seals and on some rare occasions, whales, along with an incredible array of bird life including only one of three Gannet colonies along the west coast.
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Surfing classes for individuals and families through our association with Surf Mayo. Carrowniskey Strand is located 10 minutes from Roonagh Harbour where Surf Mayo is based. Clare Island Ferry Co (O’Gradys) offers a reduced rate for day trips off the island for local activities. Please contact Jan in the office for further details (098) 23737.
SURFMAYO caters for all ages and abilities in surfing. Whether you are a complete beginner, improver or advanced surfer, they offer professional surf coaching and equipment to suit all needs. Surf Mayo have at hand some of Ireland’s finest surf coaches who are fully trained lifeguards and highly experienced surfers. They only work with the very best in surf equipment available, with 14 years of research and testing they have sourced their equipment from the worlds leading surf companies in Hawaii, California and Australia.
Please contact Elvis on 087 778 6821 or info@surfmayo.com
Go Explore Hostel will be operating a dive base for Dive Clubs from 2012. Please see below for main dive locations around the island. We can arrange full or part board packages for your dive group. Scuba Dive West, Ireland’s best known dive school / centre often visits Clare Island with their groups which highlights the quality of the Islands Dive Sites.
Please call our reception on 00353 (0)98 26307 or e-mail stay@goexplorehostel.ie for more information or Breffini Gray at Scubadive West on (095) 43922 or scubadivewest.ie.
The Mweelauns comprise two main rocks rising 20m from the sea and lying about 4.5km SW of the Harbour. It is usual to start the dive on the South side of the gap unless there is too much swell from the Atlantic which is possible even on the best days. It is difficult to get much more than 28-30m but, once below the kelp, the bottom is strewn with boulders and the sea is filled with life.
Deasy’s Rock never quite covers, though there is invariably a swell there. It is located off the North tip of the island no more than 0.5km from the old disused lighthouse. There is a tidal set of about 2 knots in this area and consequently it is advisable to dive there either at high water or low water. Deasy’s Rock has huge underwater cliffs, gullies and ledges around it with depths up to 35m to the West.
The bills are probably one of the most renowned diving locations in Ireland. They are located about 14km WNW off Clare Island and rise 40m above the sea. If you dive close to the North face of the Eastern most rock you will have 45-50m before you hit the bottom. The way down is fantastic, with ledges and an unbelievable variety of colours from the sea anemone which cover the rock face. The sea is alive with Mackerel, Pollack, Wrasse etc. The Bills were used as a firing range before 1918 and the brass rings from the shells are still to be found.
Kinatevdilla Head is on the SW corner of Clare Island and it is possible to swim between it and the mainland. The passage is shallow and the seabed to the North of the main island and to the North of the Head is only of fair interest, especially if you have already been spoiled by the Bills and by Deasy’s Rock.
The North West shore of the island under the old lighthouse and south of it is an interesting, if shallow dive. The area is sheltered from South West winds.
Two Fathom Rock, which lies a little more than 800m North of Lecknacurra Head, is another popular dive. Many have finned South from Two Fathom Rock towards the island in search of a German WWII Aircraft, which has never been found. Every time the story is told the aircraft is “reliably” positioned in a different location.
It is possible to dive from the shore, but without transport, all but the very enthusiastic are limited to the shore which lies between the Go Explore Hostel and the harbour. The water there is clear and the bottom mainly sandy with depths which are seldom in excess of 10m. Nevertheless a night dive from this beach can be most rewarding.
Go Explore Hostel, Clare Island, Westport, Co. Mayo, Ireland
T: +353 98 26307
GPS: 53.80156; -9.95301