County Clare, on Ireland’s west coast, offers a rich blend of dramatic landscapes, historic sites, and cultural treasures for travellers seeking adventure and beauty. With its rugged cliffs, ancient ruins, and welcoming villages, this county provides a diverse range of experiences. From the iconic Cliffs of Moher to quiet Burren trails and traditional music haunts, Clare invites visitors to discover its unique attractions at their own pace.
The Cliffs of Moher, rising 214 metres above the Atlantic, are a breathtaking natural landmark. Visitors can walk the cliff-top trails, stretching 18km, to enjoy sweeping ocean views and spot seabirds like puffins. The visitor centre offers exhibits on the cliffs’ geology and wildlife, while an observation tower provides a vantage point for photography. Guided walks and accessible paths make this a must-visit for all.
The Burren, a UNESCO Global Geopark, spans 250 square kilometres of limestone pavements, wildflowers, and ancient monuments. Visitors can explore trails like the Burren Way, passing megalithic tombs and ring forts, with guided tours offering insights into the area’s ecology and history. The karst landscape, dotted with rare orchids, is ideal for walkers and nature enthusiasts seeking a peaceful escape.
Bunratty Castle, a 15th-century stronghold near Shannon, is one of Ireland’s best-preserved medieval castles. Restored to its former glory, it features period furnishings and tapestries, with guided tours bringing its history to life. The adjacent folk park recreates 19th-century Irish village life, complete with thatched cottages and a working mill. Visitors can wander the grounds, enjoy home-baked treats at the tearoom, and explore this living history.
Ennis, Clare’s lively county town, is a hub for traditional Irish music. Historic pubs like Brogan’s and Cruise’s offer nightly sessions, where visitors can listen to fiddles and bodhráns over a pint. The town’s medieval streets, lined with colourful shopfronts, invite leisurely strolls, while the Ennis Friary, a 13th-century ruin, showcases carved tombs and Gothic arches for history lovers to explore.
Doolin, a coastal village, is a gateway to the Aran Islands and a haven for music enthusiasts. Its pubs, such as Gus O’Connor’s, are renowned for traditional sessions, creating a warm atmosphere for visitors. The village serves as a base for ferry trips to Inisheer or cliff walks to the Cliffs of Moher, with local guides offering insights into the area’s folklore and geology.
Loop Head Peninsula, at Clare’s southern tip, offers a scenic drive along rugged coastlines and quiet beaches. The Loop Head Lighthouse, open to visitors, provides panoramic views of the Atlantic and chances to spot dolphins. Walking trails like the Kilkee Cliff Walk lead to natural rock pools, ideal for a refreshing dip or a peaceful stroll with ocean breezes.
Aillwee Caves, in the Burren, offer a fascinating underground adventure. Guided tours take visitors through limestone caverns filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and an underground waterfall. The site’s Birds of Prey Centre features flying demonstrations with hawks and owls, delighting families. A farm shop selling local cheeses adds a tasty stop to the experience.
Craggaunowen, near Quin, is a living history site that recreates Ireland’s prehistoric and early medieval past. Visitors can explore a reconstructed crannog, ring fort, and a replica of Brendan the Navigator’s boat, with costumed guides sharing stories of ancient life. The site’s wooded grounds and castle ruins create a serene setting for a family-friendly day out.
Lahinch, a seaside village, is a haven for surfers and beachgoers. Its sandy beach, backed by a promenade, offers opportunities for surfing lessons, swimming, or leisurely walks. The nearby Lahinch Seaworld includes an aquarium showcasing local marine life, making it a fun stop for families. The village’s pubs and cafés provide a relaxed spot to unwind after a day by the sea.
Kilrush, on the Shannon Estuary, is a market town with a rich maritime heritage. The Vandeleur Walled Garden, set in a former estate, features exotic plants and a maze, perfect for a quiet stroll. Visitors can also take dolphin-watching boat trips from Kilrush Marina to spot bottlenose dolphins in the estuary, offering a memorable encounter with Clare’s wildlife.
County Clare’s mix of natural wonders, historic landmarks, and cultural experiences creates a rewarding destination. Whether scaling cliffs, exploring ancient caves, or enjoying traditional tunes, travellers will find plenty to enjoy in this inviting corner of Ireland.
County Clare:
Ireland’s county Clare is renowned for its dramatic cliffs and traditional heritage, with the Cliffs of Moher offering breathtaking views over the Atlantic. The Burren’s unique limestone landscape provides hiking and rare flora, while Bunratty Castle offers medieval history with its restored interiors. Check out the traditional music scene in Doolin and the county’s coastal beaches. Clare is Ireland’s eighth largest county by size (3,188 square km) and 19th largest by population (127,938). Population peaked at 286,394 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 73,597 in 1966. In terms of hospitality, Clare is Ireland’s sixth most visited tourist county with around 485,000 international visitors per year.
Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Camping – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels8 – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Musicians – New – Name – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Spas – Sports – Sunsets– Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837– 1846 – 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –
Things to do
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