the Tapestry of Clare Island | Life on an Irish Island
Clare Island is a 45 minute ferry from Westport, Ireland …yet it is a million miles away in attitude. While home to just 160 people, it has the largest community heart I’ve seen.
It is a tight-knit community for sure. Families are mostly related. Most have been there for generations and they all have each others’ backs.
And then there are the blow-ins; those who’ve felt a calling to live here. Ciara Macalla, founded Macalla Farm, which is now an organic farm and yoga retreat that focuses on mindfulness, meditation and wholesome food. She grows most of her own food, welcomes every spiritual being that comes her way and she and her husband have turned this idea they had into a lifestyle.
Ciara Macalla of Macalla Farm on Clare Island.
The view of Clew Bay from Macalla Farm.
And there is Beth Moran, a photographer-turned weaver, emmersed in natural textiles and art. She came to Clare Island on a whim and she didn’t just love it here, she says she felt ‘called’ here. She learned the old world art of weaving from those who practiced it. And she has become a world renowned weaver. In fact, students now travel here to Clare Island to learn from her. She collects plants for natural dyes, boils the yarns she uses in a huge pot in her kitchen, swims in the sea every day, and revels in the beauty of where she lives.
Ballytoughey Loom workshop, Clare Island.
There are so many characters here. From Oliver and Mary who run one of the few bed and breakfasts on the island, to the beautiful family that runs the community center which also serves as the island’s pub, information center and public gathering spot; to those who run a local salmon farm.
They’ll tell you it isn’t always convenient living on an island with only an essentials shop, a pub and community center, and a youth hostel. But it is always rewarding.
Hear their stories in this episode of Erin’s Isle.