Clare Island: a Unique, Boutique Wedding Venue

Our chef is building a name on Clare Island and the reputation of Sailor’s Bar as a destination for wholesome traditional cuisine with a bit of a difference. He sources as much local produce as possible, such as Clare Island salmon, homegrown vegetables and Ballinrobe beef. Just check out our Tripadvisor comments by searching for Go Explore Hostel and Sailor’s Bar, Clare Island.

The O’ Grady family also operates the Clare Island Ferry Company so we can organise special boats for your wedding. Carrying up to 100 passengers at a time, we will bring your guests safely to and from the island with speed.

Capacity

Our maximum capacity is 80 people for traditional three-course sit down setting. However we can accommodate up to 150 for a buffet style menu.

Typical Itinerary

Friday – Wedding Celebration Day

• 12.00pm – Guests arrive at Roonagh Pier and are welcomed by an ice-cream van or something similar
• 12.15pm – Guests welcomed on board the special ferry, Clew Bay Queen with bubbly and strawberries by Groomsmen and crew
• 12.20pm – Ferry departs Roonagh Pier
• 12.40pm – Ferry arrives on Clare Island and guests welcomed by accommodation providers for transfer to accommodation
• 2.00pm – Wedding celebration at Clare Island Church or at chosen location such as beach for civil celebration
• 3.00pm – Canapés and drinks reception with local traditional musicians at Sailor’s Bar or on beach etc followed by speeches
• 5.30pm – Guests invited to sit for dinner (either buffet or set 4 course menu) between 3 adjoining locations, the bar (bride and groom) seating max 80, the lounge seating max 40 and the dining room seating max 40.
• 7.00pm – Guests invited outside for festival themed cup cakes and bubbly
• 8.00pm – Live band starts followed by disco or entertainment of choice
• 11.00pm – Late evening food

Saturday – Post Wedding Celebration

• 2.00pm – Group organised activity such as adventure activity, guided walk, historical talk, whiskey tasting, beach football, pier jumping or just sit outside Sailor’s /bar and take in the stunning views
• 6.30pm – BBQ at Sailor’s Bar followed by live band that night

Honeymoon Suite

Clare Island is the setting of one of Ireland’s most prestigious boutique guesthouses, the Clare Island Lighthouse. We recommend that the wedding couple stay at the lighthouse. Rates for the lighthouse vary depending on room choice. Please visit the following web-site for more information. www.clareislandlighthouse.com/en/

Clare Island Accommodation

If the Clare Island Lighthouse is unsuitable for your needs, we recommend O’Grady’s Guesthouse as the location for the marriage couple. O’Grady’s Guesthouse is a 4 star property located on the beach beside the harbour. It is only five minutes’ walk from Sailor’s Bar.

• O’Grady’s Guesthouse / Tel – 098 22991
• O’Grady’s Self-catering / Tel – 098 22991
• Nelly Woods B&B / Tel – 098 22986
• Granuaile House B&B / Tel – 098 26250
• Cois Abhainn B&B / Tel – 098 26216
• Cloch na Scith B&B / Tel – 098 25893
• Kieran & Ann’s B&B / Tel – 086 823 2229
• Kieran & Ann’s Self Catering / Tel – 086 823 2229
• The Lodge Self Catering / Tel – 087 659 4992
• Seabreeze B&B / Tel – 098 26746

Marriage Celebration in Local Church

The Clare Island church is located 2 km from Sailor’s Bar & Restaurant. There are a number of mini buses on the island that can be hired to transport people to and from the church. On special request to the ferry operator, a small number of guests can bring in their own vehicles for the weekend to help with transportation. The church is coordinated by the Westport Parish. Visit the following link for information and contact details for the priest. You will need to speak directly with the priest in charge (currently Fr. Karl Byrne) to make arrangements and bookings. www.westportparish.ie/

Civil Ceremony

Independent Celebrant: non-faith and multi-faith ceremonies

Tricia Hudson – Marry Me Ireland

(wildatlanticceremonies@gmail.com / 003535 87 7994513)

Terms & Conditions

• All wedding parties must take all 6 bedrooms in the hostel for a minimum of 2 nights
• The wedding party and guests must use Clare Island Ferry Company (O’Grady’s) for transportation services to and from Clare Island
• We cannot accommodate wedding celebrations on Bank Holiday Weekends unless small numbers
• Initial numbers are given during booking. Final numbers must be confirmed 3 days before wedding day. This is the minimum numbers charged on the day.
• In the event of cancellation the deposit can only be refunded if date is sold to a similar size event and dealt with on an individual basis.
• To secure a date a deposit of €500 is required

To Book

• Contact Carl O’Grady on carlogrady@gmail.com