Clew Bay Cruise: 90-Minute Islands & Seal Colony Tour

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/23

Duration1h 30m

GroupUp to 50

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Westport’s wild islands, Croagh Patrick views, and seal colony moments

You’ll set out from Westport for a 90-minute Clew Bay cruise with live commentary and an easygoing local guide. See Croagh Patrick rising above the water, pass John Lennon’s private island, spot lively seals basking nearby, and warm up with coffee or a drink on board as Atlantic air fills your lungs.

1h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Clew Bay 90-minute sightseeing cruise

Begin with Westport Harbour history
Pass Clew Bay oyster farms
View Achill Disaster site
Admire Croagh Patrick mountain
See Maharishi Island of Peace
Cruise among southern islands
Visit John Lennon's island
View Inishgort Lighthouse
Spot Clare Island in distance
Observe seal colony habitat

The Experience

I still remember the first thing that hit me — that salty smell when we pulled away from Westport Harbour, with gulls circling and this low hum from the boat’s engine. Our guide (I think her name was Maura?) started telling us how the harbour used to be one of Ireland’s busiest, which honestly surprised me. It’s quiet now, just a few fishermen waving as we glided past. There was a group of local kids up top who kept pointing at every little island like they were counting them — “That’s number 27!” one shouted. I lost track after five.

The water was glassy in some spots, then suddenly choppy near the oyster farms — you could actually see the rows under the surface if you squinted. We passed where that Achill Disaster happened (Maura got kind of quiet talking about it), and then Croagh Patrick just appeared out of nowhere on the left, all misty and huge. You can’t really get how big it is until you’re looking up from the bay. Someone asked about climbing it and Maura just laughed — “You wouldn’t catch me fasting for forty days up there.”

There was this weird moment when we floated by John Lennon’s island — I didn’t even know he had one here? The guide played a bit of Beatles music over the speakers, which felt cheesy but also kind of perfect. Then suddenly everyone rushed to one side because someone spotted seals. They were everywhere — flopped on rocks, popping their heads up in the water like they were eavesdropping on us. The boat got close but not too close; you could hear them snuffling and barking over the engine noise.

I grabbed a coffee from the bar downstairs (not bad actually), then went back up to watch Inishgort Lighthouse come into view. The wind picked up so much I had to hold onto my hat. By then my hands were freezing but I didn’t want to miss anything — there’s something about being surrounded by all those tiny islands that makes you feel small in a good way, you know? I keep thinking about that last stretch before heading back, when everyone just went quiet for a second watching Clare Island in the distance.

What’s included

Your day includes free onsite parking at Westport Harbour before boarding a modern passenger ship with enclosed heated lounge, upper viewing deck, onboard WiFi and toilets. There’s live guided commentary throughout your 90-minute Clew Bay cruise plus an onboard bar and café for drinks or snacks along the way.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Westport Cruises