UPDATE: 16 JULY 2024 — now fully booked

Thanks to everyone who booked places and looking forward to seeing you there in September!

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Will you meet me on Clare Island?

This exciting An Taisce member event takes place on Clare Island from Monday, September 9th to Wednesday, September 11th.

It mirrors the discoveries of An Taisce’s founding father, Robert Lloyd Praeger, as he explored the special flora and fauna of this beautiful Island.

Pictured: members of An Taisce exploring Clare Island on a Field Trip in 2023

Event leader:

The An Taisce membership event will be led by Professor John Feehan, an esteemed Irish geologist, botanist, author and broadcaster.

Some background information

One hundred years ago, Irish naturalist Robert Lloyd Praeger led a survey of the natural history and cultural heritage of Clare Island at a level of detail greater than any area of comparable size at that time.

Almost a century later, the Royal Irish Academy set about repeating the exercise with the intention of assessing and evaluating change on the island over the intervening years.

In his book, ‘Clare Island’, Professor John Feehan distils the results of the two great surveys exploring the natural and cultural heritage of the island and shares his wider ecological knowledge to help us understand the role each species plays in the life of this remarkable place.

Robert Lloyd Praeger, Ireland’s most famous field botanist of his time, was the founding father and first President of An Taisce. He dedicated his life to protecting Ireland’s landscapes and authored several books, including 'The Way That I Went', a celebration of his explorations during the 1930s.

We aim to follow in Praeger's footsteps, exploring the western side of Clare Island, known for its beauty, geology, history, archaeology, and flora and fauna. The event promises to be another unforgettable experience, bringing our members together to share this wonderful journey.

Due to limited accommodation on the island, bookings will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you aren't currently a member, please consider joining to be able to book your place and also to support the work of An Taisce — protecting and celebrating Ireland's built and natural heritage.

Why not click here to join and also see the different types of membership available.

Early booking is advised. To book, please email [email protected].

Event Details

Monday, September 9th

12:45pm: Train from Dublin Heuston to Westport, arriving at 15.50pm.

Stops include:

• Portarlington

• Tullamore

• Clara

• Athlone

• Roscommon

• Castlerea

• Ballyhaunis

• Claremorris

• Manulla Junction

• Castlebar

• Westport

15.50pm: Arrival in Westport Station

• Transfer from Westport Station to Roonagh Pier for the ferry crossing to Clare Island @ 5pm.

• Island Bus transport to B&B accommodation.

18:30 pm: Welcome & talk by Professor John Feehan at the Community Centre, followed by dinner.

• Evening entertainment in the bar.

Tuesday, September 10th

• Breakfast

• Pick up at B&B to be brought to collection point at the community centre. Time Tbd.

• Packed lunches provided.

• Field trip duration: 4-5 hours. (Good footwear is essential due to rough terrain.)

• Dinner at Macalla Farm.

• Evening get-together in the bar.

• Island Bus transport back to B&Bs.

Wednesday, September 11th

• Free time for a swim or a walk, followed by breakfast and farewells.

11:30am: Pick-up from B&Bs for the ferry crossing.

• Transfer to Westport Station.

13.10pm: Train from Westport to Dublin

Cost of trip 

Accommodation – two nights BB, two dinners + packed lunch - €180pp

Train Ticket – Dublin-Westport and Ballina Rail fares from irishrail.ie

Bus transfer – from Westport to Roonagh Pier - €18pp return trip

Ferry crossing – Adults €27 return, Student return €12 & Free Concession for Seniors

Please note: Irish Travel Passes are accepted on train and ferry.

Please note: Some places on the Island can only accept cash payments.

We hope that you can join us for this special event