Cape Clear (which is the local name for the island) is Ireland’s most southerly island. To the northwest of the Island is Mizen Head, the mainlands most southerly point. Cape Clear is a 45min boat trip from Baltimore or Schull by ferry, ideal for a day trip or for an overnight stay if you are interested in birdwatching. The island is 3 miles long and 1.5 miles wide and has a population of 120 persons. It lies 8 miles off the coast of West Cork and three miles east of the Fastnet Lighthouse. Because of its southerly position, the climate is milder than mainland Ireland.
Clear Island is part of the Gaeltacht which is the Irish-speaking part of Ireland. It has a Summer School for Irish children to brush up their spoken Irish and has its own Regatta in late July/early August. It is possible to stay the night on the island in a B & B and there is also a pub. It has many interesting birds and is a noted paradise for bird watchers. It houses Ireland’s only manned bird observatory, established in 1959.
www.wildlifeextra.com/go/uk/cape-clear.html
Ciarán Danny Mikes Pub & Restaurant on Cape Clear
This pub is open all year, serving food and drink. The menu includes soups, sandwiches, home- made bread, maincourse platters, steak, salmon, chicken and vegetarian dishes.
Regularly, musicians from the mainland play at the pub. Mary (Mrs. Ciarán Danny Mike) the landlady also sings and plays guitar, so it even boasts a resident musician.