Clare Island Lighthouse In Mayo

Clare Island lighthouse is one of the Wild Atlantic Way’s most unique stays.

Give me Clare Island Lighthouse over the likes of Ashford Castle any day. Although I’d gladly spend a month in Ashford…

There’s a handful of beautiful old lighthouses dotted across Ireland’s glorious coastline that have been carefully transformed into boutique accommodation in recent years.

The best of the bunch, in my opinion, can be found on Clare Island in County Mayo. You’ll find everything you need to know about it below.

Welcome to the incredible Clare Island Lighthouse

Photo via Clare Island Lighthouse

You’ll find Clare Island Lighthouse, unsurprisingly enough, on the windswept Clare Island in County Mayo on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.

The island, which lies off the south Mayo coast at the entrance to Clew Bay, boasts spectacular cliffs, hills, bogs and woodlands.

The lighthouse is situated at the most northerly point of the island, high up on cliffs, offering an incredible view of the surrounding mountains and coastline.

About the lighthouse on Clare Island

Photo via Clare Island Lighthouse

Built in 1806 by the Marquis of Sligo, Clare Island Lighthouse was decommissioned in 1965, after an impressive 159 years of faithful service.

Ironically enough, the lighthouse was decommissioned due to an issue caused by the height of the point where it was built.

It’s so high up on the cliffs that it was regularly shrouded in mist. The current owner purchased the property in 2008 and ensured that it was carefully renovated back to its former glory.

What it’s like inside Clare Island Lighthouse

Photo via Clare Island Lighthouse

The inside of the lighthouse on Clare Island looks seriously swanky! Imagine kicking back in that chair with a cup of coffee and gazing out at the sea while the wind rushes against the windows. Magic.

There are a number of different rooms that you can choose from (full list here), but I’d be aiming to rest the head in the ‘Achill View’ room.

This room is located at the top of a curved oak staircase in the original Lighthouse Keeper’s residence. On a clear day, you’ll have unbeatable views out over Achill Island.

Fancy seeing some more unique Irish accommodation?

Photos via Airbnb.ie

If you love unique and quirky places to stay, you’ll enjoy having a poke around in the where to stay in Ireland section of our site.

It’s packed with unusual and alternative accommodation. G’wan – click here to have a little browse!

Keith O'Hara

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.