Set on the craggy cliffs of Clare Island, the lighthouse once believed to be the home of Irish Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley has gone up for sale.
The Clare Island Lighthouse has served as a nautical landmark overlooking Achill Island, Westport and beyond for over two centuries.
The most famous resident of the lighthouse was Ireland’s legendary Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley. For years now, the lighthouse has served as one of Ireland’s most interesting accommodations. Now, it’s up for sale.
The Clare Island Lighthouse – centuries of history along the Wild Atlantic Way
Clare Island, historically named Inishcleer, is one of the islands of Clew Bay in County Mayo. The population of Clare Island is minuscule, with only 138 residents, according to the 2022 census.
The Clare Island Lighthouse was established in 1806 by John Denis Browne, the 1st Marquess of Sligo. After 159 years of serving the surrounding area, the lighthouse was taken out of service in 1965.
It was replaced by the more modern Achillbeg Island Lighthouse on the south side of Achill Island. Following the refurbishments, the lighthouse has more recently served as an upscale guesthouse on the island.
Its optic is also on permanent display at the World of Glass Museum in St. Helens. To gain access to the island and the lighthouse, you must take one of the daily ferry services from Roonagh Pier.
For sale – it could be yours for a cool €2.9 million
After being run by the current owners for 12 years, the lighthouse is now up for sale for a cool €2.9 million. The current owners will continue operating the business until the end of September 2023.
According to the listing on Sherryfitz.ie, the special features of the lighthouse include “exceptional views over the Atlantic Ocean, Clew Bay, Achill Island and beyond” as well as a “superb commercial opportunity as a small events location, wedding venue (and) therapeutic centre”.
Once a “safe haven for sailors”, the lighthouse now offers someone a unique opportunity to own and operate in one of the most beautiful regions of Ireland.
The lighthouse is made up of a number of buildings, including two towers, some small cottages, and converted outbuildings.
Features include the tower house, the sauna suite, the banshee cottage, cliff corner, two snugs, and a helipad. The helipad is especially important for SAR helicopters in the event of an emergency.
Grace O’Malley and the Clare Island Lighthouse – Ireland’s Pirate Queen
Grace O’Malley and her family have a lot of history in Ireland and in County Mayo and the Clew Bay area in particular.
Her father, Eoghan Dubhdara Ó Máille, was the head of the Ó Máille (O’Malley) clan, one of the seafaring clans of Connacht.
The ruin of a Tower House dominates the harbour at the eastern edge of Clare Island, reminding everyone of the reign of this famous clan. The most famous resident of this Tower House – Grace O’Malley.
St Brigid’s Cistercian Abbey, a small but significant abbey near the south coast of the island, contains numerous tombs.
It Is alleged that this is the location of Grace O’Malley’s baptism, marriage, and burial. Find out more about the history of the lighthouse here.
