There are great things to do on Cape Clear Island, whether you’re looking to hike its trails, mingle with the locals, or simply enjoy being away from it all!
In the summer, young Irish language students energise the island; day-trippers stroll to the lake or the Old Lighthouse; yachts visit the island harbours, and the Cape Clear hostel is bustling with visitors. The Cape Clear Storytelling Festival brings alive the island’s oral traditions, and outdoors enthusiasts pitch up with kayaks, fishing rods, hiking boots and binoculars.
The island is popular with walkers too, many of whom – after a stroll on the pebble beaches or gorse-strewn headlands – will pop into one of the island’s lively pubs. The Cape Clear community speaks both Irish and English and knows how to spring a music session or spark a friendly chat.
1. Kayak in a Safe Harbour
Chléire Lasmuigh provides you with the opportunity to kayak in a safe harbour on the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll also have the chance to snorkel and try archery and team challenges/games. Contact Paula on grupai@lasmuigh.ie
2. Try Birdwatching on Cape Clear
Birdwatching & bird ringing opportunities are available on Cape Clear which is home to the Cape Clear Bird Observatory (Tig na nÉan). Follow the warden Sam on Twitter.
The observatory takes advantage of the fact that Cape Clear Island offers one of Ireland’s best places for birdwatching, and for the observation of bird migration in particular. Watching passing seabirds, and the overshooting eastern and western migrating birds who visit Cape Clear.
3. Enjoy Sea Angling & Wildlife Spotting on Unspoilt Waters
Take sea angling, birdwatching, and whale & dolphin spotting trips while you’re visiting with local man Michael. Contact Michael on comolane@eircom.net or +353 (0)28 39182.
4. Meet the Goats at the Cape Clear Goat Farm
Established in 1979, Cléire Goats is an eco-friendly farm where you can sample delicious homemade goat’s cheese and ice cream (also for sale!). Tel.: Ed Harper +353 (0)87 797 3056 Email: goat@iol.ie
5. Visit Mara Farm
Visit this open farm and enjoy home-made baking in a lovely island setting. Contact Fiona at capeclearmara@gmail.com.
6. Visit the Fastnet Experience at Cape Clear Museum
Cape Clear’s museum is a great place to learn about island settlement patterns, genealogy, folk and farm history, folklore, place names, education, famine, telegraph, and maritime history. You’ll be fascinated by hte exhibition about the building of the Fastnet Rock lighthouse, and the extensive records relating to O’Driscoll genealogy are a rich resource. The museum is open daily from June to September and by prior arrangement. To arrange a visit, contact Oifig Eolais / Cape Clear Island Information Bureau, Email: cccteo@iol.ie Tel. +353 (0)21 39119, Website: capeclearmuseum.ie
7. Enjoy Dinner at Seán Rua’s Restaurant
Enjoy a delicious meal prepared with locally sourced fresh produce and a glass of wine as you sit at the waters edge at North Harbour. Contact neil@siopabeag.ie to make a booking.
8. Take a Bus Tour of Cape Clear
To arrange your bus tour and enjoy a guided tour of the island, contact +353 (0)86 383 6759.
9. Enjoy a Pint or a Meal at Cotter’s Bar
Contact Steve on +353 (0)28 39153.
10. Spend an Evening at the Club Chléire Community Bar
Situated above Seán Rua’s restaurant, the bar is a wonderful place to enjoy a drink, caint, ceol, craic and maybe even a session! Phone +353 (0)28 39119.
For more information on visiting Cape Clear – with links to accommodation and things to do – see capeclearisland.ie
