• About
    • About Us
    • Assessment Process
    • Contact Us
    • Quotes & Testimonials
    • Award Winners »
      • Awards Presented
      • Awards Received
    • Info for Owners »
      • Info for Owners
      • Industry Register/Login
  • Awards
  • Eat
  • Drink
  • Stay
  • Buy
  • Learn
  • Producers
  • 10 of the Best
    • Eat
    • Drink
    • Stay
    • Buy
    • Learn
    • Producers
  • Articles
  • Blog
  • Recipes
    • By Georgina Campbell
  • Special Offers
  • Competitions
  • Shop
    • Recipe Cards
    • Buy Guidebooks
    • Buy Cookbooks
    • GPS POIs for Garmin
    • « Ireland Apps
      • iPhone App
      • Blackberry App
      • Samsung App
      • Nokia App
      • Ireland for Food Lovers App
    • « Cooking Apps
      • iCook - Recipes & Cooking with Neven
      • APPetiser - Recipes & Cooking with Derry Clarke
      • For the Love of Food – Kevin Dundon
  • More+
    • Gardens
    • Golf
    • Self Catering
    • What's On
    • Tourist Attractions
    • Wedding Venues
Ireland Guide
Ireland Guide

- ireland -

Graphics Version | 
Ireland’s Leading Independent Food & Hospitality Guide
  • LOGIN/SIGNUP
    • My Ireland Guide
    • Industry
Home > Stay > Clare Island Lighthouse

Stay

Comments(0) Add Comment

Clare Island Lighthouse

Guesthouse

Dislike Like
12 votes (96%)
Print page Send to a friend
Highly Recommended as a Special Place to Stay Outstanding Location, building or atmosphere The "Best of the Best" - Only the very best establishments across various categories have been chosen for this accolade

Clare Island Lighthouse

If an island stay is the ultimate escape, a stay in a lighthouse at the northern tip of a mountainous island four miles off the rugged west coast of Ireland should fulfil the dream very nicely. Especially when the island was once home to the pirate queen, Gráinne O'Malley
Rooms /suites 5 (1 with bath). Min stay 2 nights, Wed/Thu & Fri/Sat; from about c.€600pps full board. Over 15s only. Dogs by arrangement. Closed Sun-Tue & Nov-Apr (except ‘Storm Watching’ weekends). Visa, MasterCard, PayPal. abbreviations

TEMPORARILY CLOSED


For many people holidaying in Ireland, an island stay is the ultimate escape - so a stay in a clifftop lighthouse at the northern tip of a mountainous island four miles off the rugged west coast should fulfil the dream very nicely. Especially when the island was once home to the pirate queen, Gráinne O'Malley.


Romantic history aside, Clare Island Lighthouse now makes an unusual and atmospheric place to stay on the largest island in Clew Bay, which is a unique destination for artists, walkers and nature lovers.


The only lighthouse in Ireland to have two towers (both of which are in use), this wonderful, historic property dates back to 1806 and has been in private ownership since being decommissioned in 1965. The current owner, Hamburg native Goesta Fischer, bought the property in 2008 and, together with local business partner and interior designer Roie McCann, renovated it to a high standard and opened for guests in 2013.


The main living area is in the former lighthouse keeper's home, where the kitchen, drawing room and dining room/library provide communal space for dining and socialising, as would have been the case when the lighthouse was manned.


The style throughout is spare and arty, with original flagstones, bare wooden floors and a lot of white; traditional bright red paint and original artwork provide some visual warmth, while underfloor heating, open fires and stoves ensure that all areas are kept cosy.


The six guest rooms are all very different, the largest being The Sauna Suite, in a converted outhouse. Others include the William Landers room, which has views across the sea to Achill and is a twin (and the only room with both bath and shower); one room especially romantically located in the tower; and the Jackie O’Grady room, named after the last lighthouse keeper, who still has a holiday home on the island and whose lovely book “The Green Road to the Lighthouse” is available to guests. No television but rooms have Wi-Fi and iPod docking stations, along with hair dryers and tea and coffee making facilities.


Guests are met on the pier by a local woman, Bridget (who is a font of knowledge about the island), to be transported to the lighthouse, stopping for some wonderful views of mountain and sea on the way. The drive is on a tarred road for the first part and then a sand road brings you to the white stark building with its cylindrical masonry Lantern Tower and five white cottages with their red doors and black roofs.


On arrival at the Lighthouse, aromas of freshly brewed BeanWest coffee and warm scones signal a warm welcome. Seated around the huge table in the working kitchen, with a view across the sea to Achill, guests and hosts chat about all the possible walks and places to visit on the Island. Guests are encouraged to make the Lighthouse their home for the duration of their stay. Pre dinner drinks in the drawing room at 7 o’clock starts the evening nicely and guests are seated at one large table for communal dining.  The success of the communal dining depends of course on a harmonious combination of guests.


The hosts are well known restaurateurs, Richard and Tricia Hudson, who bring 25 years of hospitality experience to this unique location. Dinner is prepared by Richard and it’s a leisurely affair - a six course meal in the traditional Irish Country House style, with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients.


Next morning, a hearty and healthy breakfast of freshly squeezed juice, home-made granola, fresh fruit salad, brown bread with eggs to order, locally smoked salmon, artisan cheese and baked ham should be enough to send any guest out to the hills in search of exercise.


This is a special experience and the minimum stay is for 2 nights, either Wed/Thu and Fri/Sat. 

 


There is one two bedded room (the William Landers room), a one room suite with a double bed and large day bed (The Tower House) and four double rooms, the Jackie O Grady, Cliff Corner, Sauna Suite and Achill View.


The hosts are central to the operation and Tricia will go to great lengths to make sure all guests have a memorable and comfortable stay. On departure day, Bridget collects guests from the lighthouse again, and sees them safely back to the ferry. A lovely way to round off a very unusual break. 


*Killadangan House (www.killadanganhouse.com), a residential Activity, Health and Learning Centre in a Georgian property near Westport, is a sister project.

Less
Read More
  • Activities
  • Facilities/Features
  • Boat Trips
  • Fishing (Sea Angling nearby)
  • Walking (established walks)
  • Walking - Hillwalking (recommended routes or guides available)
  • Breaks - Short
  • Broadband WI/FI
  • Broadband WI/FI (No Charge)
  • Dogs - good walking nearby (offlead)
  • Location - Beach <1km
  • Location - By the sea
  • Location - On an island
  • Location - Peaceful
  • Location - Remote
  • Location - Scenic
  • Location - Waterside
  • Pet Friendly
  • Private Parties
  • Romantic Venue
Last Updated: 19-11-2022
Author: Georgina Campbell
Click here if you are the owner or marketing manager
array(13) {
  ["numpages"]=>
  float(2)
  ["firstpage"]=>
  int(1)
  ["lastpage"]=>
  float(2)
  ["pages"]=>
  array(2) {
    [1]=>
    int(0)
    [2]=>
    int(6)
  }
  ["current"]=>
  int(1)
  ["maxpages"]=>
  NULL
  ["prev"]=>
  NULL
  ["next"]=>
  int(6)
  ["remain"]=>
  float(4)
  ["to"]=>
  int(6)
  ["numrows"]=>
  int(10)
  ["from"]=>
  int(1)
  ["limit"]=>
  int(6)
}

Might also like

Eat & Stay

Clifden Station House Hotel

Clifden, Co. Galway

Hotel
The "Best of the Best" - Only the very best establishments across various categories have been chosen for this accolade

Built on the site of Clifden’s famous old railway station and handy to the town, this large modern hotel is a sister property to Dublin's School House Hotel in Ballsbridge. It has excellent amenities, including a leisure centre, and is known especially for the shor ...

Read more
Stay

The Quay House - Connemara

Clifden, Co. Galway

Guesthouse
A selection of establishments outside the standard categories that should enhance the discerning travellers experience of Ireland Has Good Hotel Guide Url Denotes genuine Irish food culture, ie special Irish food products/companies/producers, and highlights the best places to shop for regional and artisan foods; the selection excludes obvious 'non-Irish' elements regardless of quality, eg ethnic restaurants and specialists in coffee, wine and other drinks, unless relevant to local production or history. Eat & Stay establishments are chosen for their commitment to showcasing local produce and Irish hospitality. Highly Recommended as a Special Place to Stay Outstanding Location, building or atmosphere Previous Georgina Campbell Guides Award Winner The "Best of the Best" - Only the very best establishments across various categories have been chosen for this accolade

In a lovely location - right on the harbour, with pretty water views when the tide is in - The Quay House is the oldest building in Clifden and was built around 1820. Since then it has had a surprisingly varied usage: it was originally the harbourmaster’s house, t ...

Read more
Stay

Mallmore Country House

Clifden, Co. Galway

B&B
'Best Budget' denotes moderately priced establishment (max. less than €50pps for accommodation or €35 for 3-course meal without drinks) The "Best of the Best" - Only the very best establishments across various categories have been chosen for this accolade

Alan and Kathleen Hardman’s restored Georgian home near Clifden is set peacefully in 35 acres of woodland grounds. Connemara ponies are bred here, and old woodland has been retained so the grounds are teeming with wildlife. The house has a warm and welcoming atmos ...

Read more
Drink & Eat & Stay

Ballynahinch Castle Hotel - Connemara

Recess, Co. Galway

Hotel / Restaurant
Denotes genuine Irish food culture, ie special Irish food products/companies/producers, and highlights the best places to shop for regional and artisan foods; the selection excludes obvious 'non-Irish' elements regardless of quality, eg ethnic restaurants and specialists in coffee, wine and other drinks, unless relevant to local production or history. Eat & Stay establishments are chosen for their commitment to showcasing local produce and Irish hospitality. Highly Recommended as a Special Place to Stay Outstanding Location, building or atmosphere Previous Georgina Campbell Guides Award Winner The "Best of the Best" - Only the very best establishments across various categories have been chosen for this accolade

Renowned as a fishing hotel, this wonderful place has been recognised by many well earned accoldaes, including the Guide's Hotel of the Year and our Irish Breakfast Awrads. A crenellated Victorian mansion, it enjoys a most romantic position in 700 acres of ancient woodl ...

Read more
Stay

The Anglers Return - Connemara

Roundstone, Co. Galway

B&B
1 euro 'Best Budget' denotes moderately priced establishment (max. less than €50pps for accommodation or €35 for 3-course meal without drinks) Outstanding Location, building or atmosphere The "Best of the Best" - Only the very best establishments across various categories have been chosen for this accolade

Lynn Hill’s charming and unusual house on the Ballynahinch River near Roundstone was built as a sporting lodge in the eighteenth century but you don’t have to be a fisherperson to warm to the special charms of The Anglers Return: Lynn’s warm welcome and ...

Read more
Eat & Stay

Currarevagh House

Oughterard, Co. Galway

Country House
Has Good Hotel Guide Url Highly Recommended as a Special Place to Stay Outstanding Location, building or atmosphere The "Best of the Best" - Only the very best establishments across various categories have been chosen for this accolade

Beautifully situated overlooking Lough Corrib and set in 180 acres of woodlands and gardens, the Hodgson family’s gracious early Victorian manor house was built in 1846 as a wedding present for the present owner, Henry Hodgson’s, great, great, great grandfath ...

Read more

Contact details

EMAIL
PLEASE MENTION IRELANDGUIDE.COM WHEN ENQUIRING

Address

Clare Island Lighthouse
Clare Island Co Mayo
Show me where this establishment is on the map.
Directions About Clare Island Trip Planning Tools
About four miles (6.5 km) off the south coast of Mayo, at the entrance to Clew Bay; daily ferry service from Roonagh pier near Louisburg on the mainland takes about 20 minutes. Clare Island Lighthouse is then 3.75 miles /6 km from the harbour, at the northern tip of the island.
  • Add to my Favourites +
  • View my Favourites
  • Local Recommendations
  • Hospitality
  • By Distance
    • All
      • Eat
        • Drink
          • Stay
            • Buy
              • Learn
                • Producer
                • By Category
                  • Comments

                  There are currently no comments

                  Leave a comment

                  You must be logged in to leave a comment
                  Not a member? Register for your free membership now!
                  Or leave a comment by logging in with:
                  Sign up with Twitter
                  Georgina Campbell's ireland-guide.com
                  Tweets by @IrelandGuide
                  © Copyright Georgina Campbell Guides 2023
                  • Disclaimer
                  • T & C
                  • Privacy Policy
                  • Site Map
                  • Links
                  • Advertise
                  • Ireland Hotels |
                  • Northern Ireland Hotels |
                  • B&B Ireland |
                  • Accommodation Ireland |
                  • Dublin Airport Hotels |
                  • Dublin Hotels |
                  • Dublin Restaurants |
                  • Belfast Hotels |
                  • Belfast Restaurants |
                  • Cork Hotels |
                  • Cork Restaurants |
                  • Galway Hotels |
                  • Galway Restaurants |
                  • Killarney Hotels |
                  • Killarney Restaurants |
                  • Kilkenny Hotels |
                  • Kilkenny Restaurants |
                  • Limerick Hotels |
                  • Limerick Restaurants |
                  • Sligo Hotels |
                  • Waterford Hotels |
                  • Westport Hotels
                  • My Ireland Guide - Log in
                  • My Favourites
                  • My Itineraries
                  • My Comments
                  • Special Offers
                  • Hire Cars
                  • Ferry Tickets
                  • Competition
                  This website uses cookies to help provide you with a better online experience. By continuing to browse this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Cookie Policy