January can be a bit of a dull month,with the excitement of Christmas just a memory (except for the extra poundage as a result of too many Quality Street!). It always strikes me as a bit penitential, lettuce and salad in January plus exercise in the cold and wet is tough! So why not use this Friday to book a nice escape for yourself? Cape Clear B&B or the Costa del Cléire as we like to call it, is a true get away. Take the ferry over. As the mainland fades from view, let the pressures of work fade too! Here are some hacks to help you to plan your next visit to Cape Clear B&B.
Bank Holiday Dates 2019:
Easter 19th-22nd April
June May 31-June 3rd (full)
May Day 4th-6th May
August 2nd-5th
October 25th-28th
Here is the low down!
The ferry departs from Baltimore Pier (www.capeclearferries.com).
You can park your car in the free nearby car park, in peak season allow 30 mins in advance of ferry departure time to find the perfect free parking spot!
The trip over takes 45mins approx.(expect to see dolphins, whales, seabirds and stunning coastal scenery)
If you are sailing over or coming in a RIB you can dock at the local marina, free of charge at the moment.
When you reach the island, there will be a minibus waiting there (Bus Chléire) and for 2 Eur they will drop you to our door. (this is a good idea because the island is hilly and you don't want to carry luggage up the hills)
When you reach us, you can enjoy a complimentary welcome tea-coffee and home baking scones/ biscuits or cake depending on the day! (up till 6.30pm).
Comfortable newly decorated rooms, and delicious breakfast.
Lunches, evening meals, drinks are available at An Siopa Beag and Cotters' Bar, and drinks only at Club Chléire, all located at North Harbour.
There is no ATM on the island and not all businesses are able to accept credit cards.
So what can you do here?
The island is very beautiful and perfect for hiking around theway marked, looped walks, wonderful for wildlife spotting and photography.
Visit the local Museum and learn about the Fastnet Rock and Local history. (www.capeclearmuseum.ie)
Try delicious goats' milk icecream from Cléire Goats, visitors are welcomed to the farm. (goat@iol.ie)
go Wild Swimming or snorkling in the cleanest water in South Harbour or do some kayaking.
Visit Mara Farm, see and learn about heritage breeds once common in Ireland and enjoy some delicious treats at the cafe.
Bring your fishing rod and see if you can catch a tasty mackerel from rocks at South Harbour.
If boating is your thing, take a trip to fastnet rock on ferry or do a bespoke tour on the MV Gaisceanán (https://www.facebook.com/GaisceananBoatTrips)
Cape Clear is noted as an excellent place for birdwatching and there is a local Bird Obsveratory here (www.birdwatchireland.ie)
Invest in some locally made crafts and hand crafted knitwear available at local tourist information/shop.
If you are doing a cycling tour from Cork why not spend a night or two here on your journey and take a break from the hard miles and use ferry to take you over to Schull (summer)
For the romantics among you why not make your anniversary/ proposal extra special and visit the Ancient Celtic Marriage Stones.
September is storytelling time! (book your accommodation with us soon as rooms are going fast.(www.capeclearstorytelling.com)
What to bring?
Suncream
Swimming togs /snorkel/ wetsuit
Waterproof hiking shoes or boots
Waterproof jacket
Torch (no street lighting)
Camera
Medications (no pharmacy here)
The spirit of Adventure!
Follow the Country Code!
Leave only your footprints and take only pictures!
There are no public litter bins so please take all your litter home with you.
Please don't climb over stone walls they are an ancient part or our built heritage and we would prefer to keep them standing.
Please respect 'No Entry' signs and closed gates, they are for your safety.
We are taking booking deposits now for season 2019, we open again on St. Ciarán's Day, March 5th.
See you soon!!
Book Accommodation Now!
