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Clare IslandClare Island is magnificent mountainous island guarding the entrance to Clew Bay in County Mayo, Ireland. It is famous as the home of the pirate queen, Grace O'Malley. About 120 people live there today. History Clare Island was throughout the Middle-Ages part of the lands of the O' Malley family. The ruins of an O'Malley tower-house, known as Grace O' Malley's castle because of it's most famous resident are close to the pier at the eastern edge of the island. The small Cistercian Abbey near the south coast of the island was founded by the O'Malleys and contains the O'Malley Tomb, a possible burial site of Grace O'Malley. The Abbey is known for its rare medieval roof paintings. In 1588 a ship from the Spanish Armada was wrecked on Clare Island and it's men killed by the O' Malleys. Transportation and Infrastructure Clare Island is accessible by daily ferry services from Roonagh Pier near Louisburgh. The island has a hotel. An old light-house has been transformed into a restaurant. Maps are available for walkers and hill-walkers. The island is also suitable for exploration by bicycle. The island has it's own primary school. Children go to the mainland for post-primary (high school) education.
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