Clare Island vacation rentals
Book unique vacation rentals, houses, and more on Airbnb
Top-rated vacation rentals in Clare Island
Guests agree: these vacation rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.
Vacation rentals for every style
Get the amount of space that is right for you
Popular amenities for Clare Island vacation rentals
Other great vacation rentals in Clare Island
Apartment in Achill
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 227 reviewsThe Wild Atlantic Lodge
Cabin in Mayo
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 345 reviewsLovely Cottage in idyllic rural location.
Tiny home in County Galway
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 113 reviewsThe Cabin Leenane
Tiny home in Cur, Maum
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 267 reviewsCharacter converted barn in beautiful Maam Valley
Cottage in GALWAY
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 292 reviewsHistorical Thatch Cottage @Award-Winning CnocSuain
Guest suite in County Mayo
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 161 reviewsAdorable cabin in the countryside
Cottage in Finny
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 303 reviewsPat mors cottage
Apartment in Westport
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 352 reviewsThe Orchard - Refurbed Studio w views of Clew Bay
Other great vacation rentals in Clare Island
Tiny home in Knappaghmore
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 138 reviewsWestport Writer's Cabin at Old Rectory
Cottage in Shrule
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 248 reviewsCottage Kille Abbey rural retreat
Apartment in Clifden, Connemara
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 350 reviewsApartment by the sea Clifden
Farm stay in County Mayo
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 53 reviewsThe Lookout where mountains meet the Sea .
Tiny home in County Mayo
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 48 reviewsThe Hare’s Hideout
Condo in County Mayo
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 39 reviewsFabulous 1 bedroom apartment with spectacular view
Home in Louisburgh
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 12 reviewsBeautiful home with sea views, Louisburgh Co. Mayo
Home in Achill
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 19 reviewsDélinn House
Your guide to Clare Island
All About Clare Island
Located off the west coast of Ireland at the entrance to Clew Bay, Clare Island is full of rugged cliffs, rolling green hills, and turquoise waters lapping its shores. The largest of the Mayo Islands — surrounded by the smaller Caher, Inishturk, and Achill Islands — Clare Island is only five miles long and three miles wide, and although there are a fair number of visitors in the summer, it never gets too crowded. With its pristine beaches, excellent bird watching, and beautiful walks, it’s a prime spot for nature lovers.
Clare Island is well-known for being the home of the 16th-century pirate queen Grace O’Malley, the first female Irish tribe leader who controlled the coastal waters 400 years ago. The O’Malley family owned most of Clare Island, and the remains of their old watchtower stand on the island’s east side. The island’s abbey, also founded by the family, is said to date from the 12th century, though it was rebuilt around 1460. You can explore the abbey, whose interior is elaborately decorated with carved figureheads, medieval wall and ceiling paintings, and the O’Malley crest. It’s also rumored to be the burial site of Grace O’Malley.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Clare Island
The best time to book your Clare Island accommodation is during the summer, when the weather is warm and the days are long. Fall brings cooler temperatures, though this is the perfect time for exploring the island’s walking trails, which offer stunning vistas of the island’s cliffs and the clear waters below. The Clare Island Film Festival in September brings film buffs from near and far. Winter is quiet and chilly and can be wet, so be sure to bring plenty of layers and proper shoes. Spring sees warmer temperatures, and there are two popular running races in April that draw lots of fans.
Top things to do in Clare Island
Knockmore Hill
The steep hike up this 1,500-foot hill is well worth it for the views of Clew Bay, the west coast of Ireland, and the Atlantic Ocean. The ascent is steep over grassy — and sometimes boggy — slopes, and there’s a large cairn just to the west of the trig point at the summit. It takes about an hour to climb, and it gets very windy at the top, so be sure to bring layers.
Bird-watching
The cliffs of Clare Island are home to large numbers of nesting seabirds, and this is the perfect place to watch them. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to spot gannets, manx shearwaters, puffins, razorbills, herring gulls, and many other species. Summer offers the best opportunity for seeing them, as Clare Island is a popular breeding ground for most of these birds.
The Lost Valley
The majestic Lost Valley is a 30-minute drive down the coast from the Roonagh Ferry. Visit the deserted village from the famine era with its memorial to those lost and get insight into the cultural heritage of the west of Ireland. You can also hike the natural woodlands, take a swim in the lakes and waterfalls, and stroll on the golden sandy beaches while enjoying the views of Killary Fjord and the magnificent Mweelrea mountain in the distance.
Destinations to explore
- Yurt Rentals United States
- Yurt Rentals United Kingdom
- Castle Rentals United States
- Houseboats United States
- Holiday Caravans United Kingdom
- Private Island Rentals United States
- Farm Houses United States
- Farm Cottages United Kingdom
- Cabin Rentals Australia
- Luxury Cabins United Kingdom
- Luxury Cabins United States
- Holiday Chalets United Kingdom
- Cottage Rentals United States
- Holiday Cottages United Kingdom
- Mansion Rentals United States
- Villa Rentals United Kingdom
- Holiday Bungalows United Kingdom
- Bungalow Rentals United States
- Condo Rentals United States
- Holiday Apartments Australia
- Holiday Houses United States
- Holiday Houses United Kingdom
- Private Holiday Rentals United Kingdom
- Big House Rentals United States
- Big Cottages Australia
- Large Villas United Kingdom
- House Rentals with a Pool United States
- Cabin Rentals with a Pool United States
- Villas with a Pool United Kingdom
- Apartments with a Hot Tub United States
- Holiday Cottages with a Hot Tub United Kingdom
- Beach Cabins United States
- Beach Condos United States
- Beachfront Rentals United States
- Beach Houses United Kingdom
- Beach Villas United Kingdom
- Coastal Cottages United Kingdom
- Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals United States
- Pet-Friendly Beach Rentals United States
- Pet-Friendly Cabin Rentals United States
- Dog-Friendly Cottages United Kingdom
- Luxury Dog-Friendly Cottages United Kingdom
- Family travel hub Tips and inspiration
- Family budget travel Get there for less
- Vacation ideas for any budget Make it special without making it spendy
- Travel Europe on a budget How to take the kids to Europe for less
- Outdoor adventure Explore nature with the family
- Bucket list national parks Must-see parks for family travel
- Kid-friendly state parks Check out these family-friendly hikes