Frequently asked questions about Clare Island

How many people live on the island?
It depends when you count them! About 130 people have Clare Island as their main residence, but this includes secondary school children who are only here at the weekend during the school year. A number of people have holiday homes on the island.

What do people do on the island?
A number of people are employed by the salmon farm located on the East side of the island. Agriculture, mostly sheep farming, but some cattle and horses (the island is home to a few Connemara ponies) and tourism are also important to the local economy. Fishing (mostly lobster), is only a summer activity. Tourism provides a few summer jobs.  There are also a few self employed builders on the island, as well as the usual services (post office, school, etc).

Is there  a school on the island?
Yes, there is a primary school on the island, with about 20 students and 2 teachers. The island however does not have a secondary school. Secondary school students board in Louisburgh during the week and come back to the island for the weekend.

Is there a pub on the island?
No, but the Bay View hotel, which is opened during the tourist season, has a bar; and there's also a private bar in the community centre

Is there a shop on the island?
Yes, O'Malley foodstore (098.26987), located near the church on the South side of the island. It is also the post office.

Is there a restaurant on the island?
No, but the Bay View hotel serves meals during the tourist season, and there's also a coffee shop on the lighthouse road.

Is there a doctor on the island?
No, but there are two public health nurses (phone 098.25407) and a doctor visits from Achill every Wednesday morning

 

Home   Getting there    Diary dates    Accommodation    Links   Useful phone numbers   Photo gallery