Ireland Island Hopping Guide – Atlantic Outposts
Island-Hopping Adventure Launched on Inishturk and Clare Island
A new island-hopping adventure has been created on Inishturk and Clare Island in County Mayo, offering a unique experience of life on Ireland’s Atlantic outposts. The initiative, run by the islanders themselves, aims to provide visitors with a deeper connection to the culture and realities of island life, going beyond just taking photos.Experiences Offered:
Lobster fishing with local fisherman Jack Heanue.
Crab claw cracking demonstration and seafood lunch with Bríd heanue.
Hand-weaving demonstrations.
Sea swimming.
Whiskey tasting of whiskey aged at sea.
E-bike tours of the islands.
Stargazing: The islands offer clear night skies where you can see the Milky Way.
Details:
The adventure is accessed from Roonagh Pier (7km beyond louisburgh).
A pilot phase with three packages is offered in September.
The two-night Atlantic Island Experience starts at €670 and includes meals,activities,ferry transport,and accomodation.
Accommodation is provided in community-owned modular houses on Inishturk and B&Bs on Clare Island.Quotes:
Anna Deegan (Clare Island resident): “We want visitors to feel like part of the community and to take away something deeper then just photos.”
* Sinéad Cahalan (Inishturk’s island advancement manager): “by inviting visitors to explore at a slower pace…we’re offering more than just a holiday. We’re creating space for understanding of the culture, the landscape, and the resilience that defines island living.”
the initiative aims to attract visitors and extend the tourism season for both islands, while preserving and sharing the unique culture and way of life. It’s described as “stepping into a living culture” and a way to ensure the island traditions stay alive for future generations.