There are various ways of visiting Clare Island. We opted for a route that took us to the two main summits which also brought us to the interior past a court tomb and past some of the surviving remains of the pre-famine population {1600 as against today's 160). We also saw some of the interesting west and south coastline but not the lighthouse to the north or the wildly serrated northern coast.

The first main place we reached was Knocknaveen. Although this is quite small it dominates much of inhabited Clare Island on the south and east coast.
Knockmore is steep but climbable on its landward sides.

On the way the route can take in some of the well made, untarred and mostly unused roads which presumably date from the period when there was a larger population.
Walking along the ridge of Knockmore is a superb experience on a day such as the one we had.

To the north the Corraun/ Achill peninisula, to the south Mweelrea, the Sheefrys and more, to the west Inishturk and the islands beyond such as Inishbofin.
Our visit to the north west coast also included a series of astonishing cliffs. At first all you can see is this curved cliff top.

Looking into the cliffs is a dizzying experience. Further west there are plenty more cliffs, rocks and seascape.

The return for this walk is along the main though infrequently used road to the east. It passes a magnificent old abbey and the island's main shop.