This island of 160 inhabitants stands at the entrance to Clew Bay and is famous for being used by pirates as a den. Grace O'Malley, who made it her headquarters in the 16C, is said to be buried in the ruins of the Cistercian abbey, near the beach. Inside, you can make out traces of frescoes on the ceiling – very rare in Ireland. The lovely Clare Island is guarded by impressive 90m-high cliffs, dominated by Knockmore (461m). Pretty panorama from the lighthouse.