Protected sectors

How to get in?

The entrance to the bay which is open to the northwest lies between the Aughrus and Cleggan promontories and is about 0.75 miles wide, and the bay extends inland for about 2 miles in a southeast direction. Cleggan Bay has easy access and is largely protected from the Atlantic swell by the off lying islands of Inishbofin and Inishshark, and it affords tolerable shelter especially during the summer sailing season, but with east winds the squalls are heavy off the surrounding hills.

Anchorages can be taken in the outer part of the bay, or preferably in 6 to 7 metres depth abreast of the the quay at Cleggan village which lies 1.25 miles southeast of Cleggan Point on the south shore and about 0.5 miles from the head of the bay.

Why visit here?

At the head of Cleggan Bay lies the small sleepy fishing village of Cleggan, Irish : An Cloigeann, which means head or skull apparently referring to the coastal headland. Legend however provides a different origin of the name, St Ceannanach is said to have been beheaded by a pagan chief and folklore has it that the chief then picked up the head and took it to the Holy Well in Clooncree where he washed it before lying down to die. Cleggan is one of the most westerly points of Connemara and indeed Ireland, and it is situated approximately 7 miles northwest of Clifden and 9 miles to the west of Letterfrack. The village, which is sheltered by Cleggan Hill to the north, is the departure point for ferry services from the mainland to the islands of Inishbofin and Inishturk, and it is also the centre of the fishing industry in northwest Connemara.

The outstanding feature of the landscape around Cleggan is the blanket bog, as Connemara and Ireland contain the last surviving blanket bogs in Europe. Few plant species can live in the acid conditions of the bog, but those that do form a vegetation not found outside of Ireland.

Traditionally fishing, supplemented by small farming has been the areas main source of income although latterly tourism makes a significant contribution. The islands of Inishbofin and Inishturk attract more and more visitors each year and the ferries to them leave Cleggan pier daily.

A focal point of Cleggan village is the pier which was built by the engineer Alexander Nimmo in 1822 and later extended in 1908, and from which tourists can hire boats for deep sea angling or trips to the islands.

In 1927 in what has become known as the Cleggan Disaster, 25 fishermen from the area drowned during a freak storm which arose whilst they were mackerel fishing in the bay.

The area between Cleggan and Ballynakill Lough has a fine collection of prehistoric monuments including tombs, standing stones and walls for those interested in archealogical finds, but for the more adventurous try taking a walk to Omey Island 7 miles southwest of Cleggan which can be reached on foot at low tide. The interior of the island is dominated by Fahy Lough but it also has some lovely long beaches on which pony races on the sand take place during August. It is truly a lovely island well worth visiting if in the area.

Cleggan beach on the Ballynew road is also the perfect location for an enjoyable walk along the sand or for a swim in the crystal clear waters, and it is also a great place for surfing. There are other notable walks in the area such as the walk to the summit of Cleggan Head where your reward will be a commanding view of the harbour and some breathtaking views including taking in the remains of Cleggan Tower, a signal tower built in 1816 when an invasion of Ireland by Napoleons' troops was feared.

Water is available at the pierhead at Cleggan and fuel can also be delivered to the pier by arrangement if a reasonable quantity is required, and the village boasts a small general store, a grocery shop, a post office, a restaurant and four bars. There is also a launching slip inside the boat harbour that has been built by the RNLI.

What facilities are available?

Water is available from a tap at Cleggan pierhead, and fuel can be delivered to the quay by arrangement if sufficient quantity is required. Cleggan village has a small general store, a grocery shop, a post office, a restaurant and four bars. A slipway is available inside the inner harbour.

With thanks to:

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