OUTDOORS Walk of the Month – Clare Island loops

La Isla Bonita


Walking
Tom Carolan

Clare Island Loop Walks
Duration 2 - 2hrs 30mins.
Terrain Surfaced roadways and green tracks.
Level of Difficulty Moderate.
Ascent 90m/90m.
Minimum Gear Trekking shoes, appropriate weather gear, water.

Anyone who lives in County Mayo should take some time out to visit our wonderful offshore islands, especially now in the summer season when the islands are at their best. The loop walks on Clare Island can be completed as part of a day trip, but you should try an overnight stay so that you get the full flavour of this wonderful place.
The more experienced walkers might want to climb Knockmore (Croaghmore) Mountain, but the loop walks described here are a gentler affair and suitable to all fitness levels and family groups.  Clare Island is serviced daily by two Ferry Companies which depart from Roonagh Pier, ten minutes drive west of Louisburgh. To get the ferry times, contact Clare Island Community Development Office on 098 26525 or visit www.clareisland.info.
When you arrive on the island the trailhead is located at a gable wall 50m from pier. Veering right at the first Junction and passing the Grainuaile House B&B run by Mary and Bernard McCabe, both loops reach a Y-junction at O Grady’s Guesthouse. Veer left here, following the signpost for ‘All Routes’, and continue along the surfaced roadway for 1k to reach the second boreen on the right. The Fawnglass Loop (green arrows) turns right here – the Knocknaveen Loop continues straight.
Following the bohereen uphill and through a series of three gates the Fawnglass Loop reaches a junction with a green track (where it rejoins the Knocknaveen Loop on its return) and turns sharply to the right to begin the descent to the pier again.??The Knocknaveen Loop follows the surfaced road for 1.5km to reach a Y-junction where it veers right onto a minor roadway in the direction of the Abbey. Passing the abbey the loop follows the roadway for 1.5km where it turns right onto a grassy track and around the northern side of Knocknaveen Mountain. The green track continues for 2km and rejoins the Fawnglass Loop at a metal gate at the 3 way junction mentioned above.
Passing through the gate, both loop descend for 200m to reach another gate, which takes the walker onto a surfaced boreen beside the old schoolhouse. Turning right, both loops continue the descent to Capnagower – passing the Gaelic-football pitch on the way. Turning right again, the loops follow the road alongside the small beach to reach the trailhead.
The walks are way-marked using black posts and local stone slabs, and have been constructed with the kind assistance of local landowners.?



You can download information and maps from www.mayowalks.ie or www.irishtrails.ie. There is also an information board at the trailhead.
You will all remember the story of the Children of Lir from your childhood. It was out on Inishglora, hidden away on the far side of the Mullet peninsula, that the Children of Lir eventually found burial and absolution.
You will pass by a sculpture that has been erected in their honour on your walk along this breathtaking coast.

Tom Carolan works for South West Mayo Development Company as Recreation Officer. His job involves the design, construction, and promotion of recreational trails. He can be contacted at living@mayonews.ie.

This article is the eleventh in the Living section Walk of the Month series, which describes a different Mayo walk at the start of each month.