Ireland Youth & Adventure Buyers Guide Buyers Guide 2018/2019

CLARE ISLAND, CO. MAYO Bay Coast Daily Sailings from Roonagh Pier, near Louisburgh, Co. Mayo. Clare Island Ferry T  +353 (0) 98 23737 | (0) 86 851 5003 www.clareislandferry.com O’Malley Ferry Services T  +353 (0) 98 25045 | (0) 86 887 0814 www.omalleyferries.com This island guards the entrance to Clew Bay and in former times was the home of the pirate queen Grace O’Malley (Granuaile). The island has a network of looped walks… climb to the peak of Knockmore, where you’ll be enthralled by the panoramic views of Clew Bay and its islands, seabirds, the Blue Flag Harbour Beach and Croagh Patrick on the mainland. INISHTURK, CO. MAYO Bay Coast Daily Sailings from Roonagh Pier, near Louisburgh, Co. Mayo. Clare Island Ferry T  +353 (0) 98 23737 | (0) 86 851 5003 www.clareislandferry.com O’Malley Ferry Services T  +353 (0) 98 25045 | (0) 86 887 0814 www.omalleyferries.com Inishturk (Island of theWild Boar) is a scenic little island off the west coast between Inishbofin and Clare Island accessible from Roonagh Pier. The island has an array of archaeological sites and is an environmentalist’s paradise with wonderful bird life and unique flora. INISHBOFIN, CO. GALWAY Bay Coast Ferries operate all year round from Cleggan, Co. Galway. Inishbofin Island Discovery: T  +353 (0) 95 45819 | (0) 86 171 8829 www.inishbofinislanddiscovery.com Located off the west coast of Connemara and renowned for its impromptu music sessions featuring wonderful local and visiting musicians. Inishbofin is an ecologist’s joy with its array of flora and fauna and boasting excellent looped walks, two Green Coast beaches and crystal clear waters ideal for scuba diving enthusiasts. The island’s stunning natural harbour makes it an ideal base for sailing. CEANTAR NA NÓILEÁN, CONNEMARA, CO. GALWAY Bay Coast Accessible by road. A group of islands located between Kilkerrin Bay and Greatmans Bay, 56km west of Galway City. The main islands are Eanach Mheáin, Leitir Móir, Garumna and Leitir Meallain and access is by a chain of bridges and causeways. This wonderfully scenic part of south Connemara is part of the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) area. ARAN ISLANDS, CO. GALWAY Bay Coast From Inverin, Co. Galway Aer Arann Islands T  + 353 (0) 91 593034, www.aerarannislands.ie In addition to regular daily services, scenic flights are also available over the Aran Islands, Cliffs of Moher and the Connemara coastline. GETTING THERE BY SEA From Rossaveal, Co. Galway Island Ferries Teo T  +353 (0) 91 568903 www.aranislandferries.com From Doolin, Co. Clare Doolin2Aran Ferries T  +353 (0) 65 707 5949 www.doolin2aranferries.com Doolin Ferry Company with Bill O’Brien T  +353 (0) 65 707 5555 www.doolinferry.com The O Brien Line T  +353 (0) 65 707 5618 www.obrienline.com Possibly some of the more well-known Wild AtlanticWay islands the Aran Islands comprises of three islands: Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr. Inis Mór is the largest of the three. “Next parish Boston” one can truthfully say when gazing down on the sparkling clear Atlantic Ocean from the Dún Aonghasa cliff face. Here you can still see the Aran jumper being knitted and experience other local crafts such as basket weaving.Why not pay a visit to Aran’s Goat Cheese experience, where Gabriel the owner, can take you through the process of how this award-winning Island Goats cheese is made as well as few tastings! The unique and traditional Inis Meáin Knitwear is produced here and boasts many sites of historical interest, e.g. Church of the King’s Seven Sons, a number of holy wells and the prehistoric stone fort of Dún Chonchúir.While spending time here the famous writer, John Millington Synge got inspiration for his plays. Synge’s Cottage is now a museum and is open during the tourist season. Inis Oírr, meaning ‘south island’, is the smallest of the three islands and is a tranquil place, perfect for quiet contemplation and relaxed walks. The island is small enough to see entirely on foot. Ancient monuments worth a visit include the ruins of Teampall Chaomhain (St Kevin’s Church) and O’Brien’s Castle – a 15th century tower house which stands within a stone fort. Inis Oírr Clare Island, Co. Mayo 93