The Clew Bay cruise
A round trip of Clew Bay's islands, with no stop-offs, aboard the modern 50-passenger ship Spiorad Naomh Phádraig. Departures leave from Westport Harbour through the season.
Westport Cruises
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About
A round-trip boat cruise from Westport Harbour into Clew Bay — 365 drumlin islands, a 400-strong seal colony, John Lennon's island and Croagh Patrick on the skyline.
Things to Do
The seal colony
The boat sails within metres of a colony numbering around 400 seals in their natural habitat. In June, July and August you will see that year's new pups.
John Lennon's island
The cruise inches past the shores of Dorinish, bought by John Lennon in 1967 as a planned retreat and never lived in.
Croagh Patrick from the water
Ireland's holy mountain towers over the bay; the cruise gives you a panoramic angle on "The Reek" rather than the pilgrim's climb.
The 365 islands
Local folklore counts one island for every day of the year. They are drumlins exposed by the last Ice Age — one of Europe's finest examples of drumlin topography.
Pirate queens and shipwrecks
On-board commentary tells of Grace O'Malley (Grainne Uaile), the pirate queen who ruled these waters, and the 1894 Achill disaster in which more than 30 islanders drowned.
Inishgort Lighthouse
The route passes Inishgort Lighthouse, where the bay opens towards Clare Island and the Atlantic horizon.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Sailings run every day from 1 May to 31 October. Westport is a tidal harbour, so sailing times vary each day — check the calendar on the Times & Prices page before travelling.
- Parking: Free car park and free street parking at Westport Harbour; no paid parking.
- Food: A bar and café serve food and drink on board the ship.
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