Clare Island is located at the entrance to Clew Bay on the Mayo coast. It’s a small mountainous island with a population of just 145 people. Famously known as the home of the pirate queen Gráinne O’Malley there is a definite feel of wildness about the place. The island is an ideal location for someone looking to get away from it all and in recent years has become a popular destination for groups. Clare Island Adventures is a joint venture between Adventure West, Go Explore Hostel / Sailor’s Bar & Restaurant and Clare Island Ferry Company, who have all come together to make the island accessible for people who want to take part in outdoor adventure activities. They cater for companies who want to encourage team building, schools and college groups, sport team training breaks, hens and stags, outdoor groups and singles weekends. I recently went along to the singles weekend which was held last September. I didn’t find love, mind you, but had a great weekend’s craic.

Weekend

The weekend kicked off at Roonagh Pier on a Friday evening. I left my car in the car park at Roonagh which was free. A car is the easiest way to get to the pier but there are other options. You can get a taxi from Westport if travelling by train. Most of the group were there waiting to board the last boat of the evening (6:45pm). Some people came on their own while others arrived in small groups of friends. Clare Island Adventures were very good at putting people in touch if they wanted to share lifts or make alternative travel arrangements.

Clare Island Ferry Company brought us all across and the crossing was grand, it was a chance to make the first introductions with the different people taking part in the weekend. Everyone was friendly and there was a definite sense that we were all in the same boat (pardon the pun). There was an even split of twelve lads and twelve ladies. The average age, at a guess, was mid-thirties and the range was from 27 to 50. The mix of people on the trip was interesting, with some keen to find a partner while others were just looking forward to the outdoor activities. They were from all different types of backgrounds and from different parts of the country but what I liked was everyone was willing to chat and be friendly. A few of the group members had been on similar weekends there in the past.

The ferry crossing took just 20 minutes and hostel staff met us at the pier and transferred our luggage to the hostel where we were staying. It was a nice evening so as a group we took the short walk to the hostel. We checked into our dorm rooms and got settled. There were seven other lads in my room. For those who didn’t want to stay there the option was available to stay in a local guest house. I have to say the hostel was ideal, it was clean and modern and that’s all anyone can ask for in fairness. What’s more we got a slap-up meal which was all included in the price of the weekend. After dinner there was an ice-breaker session, this was good enough craic as it got some shyer types to introduce themselves and take part. No-one in the group was left a stranger by the end of the first evening.

After the icebreakers everyone headed to the bar next door. There was live music there and by the end of the night everyone was up dancing thanks to the locals. Some group members even started putting in the ground work – if you know what I mean.

The next morning after breakfast, the whole group took part in a beach challenge. Ahead of the weekend we were told to bring comfortable outdoor clothing like tracksuits or leggings, comfortable walking shoes and waterproof coats, which was the correct attire alright. Without giving too much away, the beach challenge was good fun and I have to say I haven’t laughed as much in a long time. It’s not too strenuous either which I was thankful for after a late night out.

So after lunch (tea and sandwiches in the hostel), we broke into two groups. During the booking process we were asked which activity we would prefer, coasteering or hiking – I went with coasteering.

For coasteering, we were told to bring a swimsuit, towel, old runners (to wear in the water) and a tight t-shirt or rash vest. Luckily the weather was good, otherwise if the swell was too strong in the sea an alternative activity might have had to be organised for the afternoon session. For anyone who isn’t au fait with coastering here’s my simplistic description: it involves climbing and walking along the rocky coast and jumping off rocks into the sea. We all wore life jackets in case you’re wondering and it was a fantastic experience. The water was warm, the sea was calm and there is a great thrill jumping off high rocks into the water below. No one was forced to jump off the high rocks, it was left up to you to do whatever you were comfortable with.

Following the afternoon activities we had time to shower and change. I heard the hiking was good too but for me it wouldn’t have a patch on the coasteering. That Saturday night we all had a great meal again provided by Sailor’s Bar & Restaurant. It was onto the bar then for more live music. The drink wasn’t bad either. Now that everyone knew each other a little better people were quicker to get up dancing and by the end of the night the ground work that was put in the night before by some came to fruition. There was a bigger crowd in the bar on the Saturday night as the locals were marking the end of the tourist season. A stag do was also present to add to the mix of people.

On Sunday morning we had a nice full Irish breakfast and had time to take a leisurely stroll around the island before our ferry back to the mainland.

Verdict

I travelled to Clare Island that weekend not knowing what to expect and, if I’m being honest, with a hint of trepidation. However, I am very glad I went because it was very enjoyable and a memorable weekend. The staff were all dead sound and friendly which makes a huge difference. The meals were all top quality too. At €250 per person for food, accommodation and activities it really is value for money. I was probably a bit young (mid-late 20s) for the singles weekend, though there are no set ages for the weekend which is something to be considered but it still shouldn’t put you off going. The organisers do remind everyone that it is not a match-making weekend. “We facilitate single people who are into outdoor adventures coming together for a fun weekend to meet new like-minded friends - any romance that blossoms should be considered a bonus,” one organiser said. The island itself is a lovely place and perfect if you need an escape for a couple of days.