County Clare, celebrated for its dramatic Atlantic coastline, unique Burren landscape, and rich monastic heritage, sees several key developments in 2026 focused on improving accessibility, safety, and interpretive experiences at iconic sites. Ongoing projects and enhancements aim to elevate visitor engagement through better infrastructure and sustainable practices. Below is a detailed list of notable items due or progressing in 2026, with brief descriptions.
- Inis Cealtra (Holy Island) Visitor Experience Enhancements: Following planning approval and ongoing works, 2026 will see continued implementation of improved facilities on this sacred monastic island in Lough Derg, including new mown grass pedestrian paths to key monuments, a floating jetty and walkway for safer boat access, reconfigured parking and public realm upgrades in Mountshannon harbour. These changes enhance accessibility to the island’s ancient round tower, churches, and natural beauty, offering a more immersive historical and spiritual experience for visitors.
- Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk Safety and Accessibility Improvements: Large sections of the extended Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk remain closed into 2026 for essential maintenance and upgrades aimed at long-term safety and erosion management. While the main Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience (including paved paths, viewing platforms, O’Brien’s Tower, and interactive exhibitions) stays fully open, these works will gradually improve trail stability and accessibility, ensuring sustainable enjoyment of one of Ireland’s premier natural attractions.
- Implementation of County Clare Tourism Strategy 2030 Initiatives: Actions from this long-term plan continue into 2026, promoting regenerative tourism across sites like the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. Enhancements include potential new interpretive signage, dispersed visitor trails, and community-led experiences to extend the tourism season and reduce pressure on flagship spots, enriching overall visitor dispersal and cultural immersion.
- EarthCheck Sustainable Destination Certification Progress: Building on certification efforts, 2026 features advanced sustainable practices at attractions such as the Cliffs of Moher Experience and Vandeleur Walled Garden, including improved waste management, resident engagement programmes, and eco-friendly visitor guidelines. This elevates the county’s appeal for conscious travellers seeking low-impact experiences amid Clare’s stunning landscapes.
- Ongoing Upgrades at Managed Attractions under The Clare Collection: Sites like Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Craggaunowen, Knappogue Castle, Loop Head Lighthouse, and Vandeleur Walled Garden benefit from continued investment following recent transfers and reviews. Visitors can expect refined interpretive displays, maintenance works, and potential new seasonal events, enhancing historical storytelling and family-friendly engagement.
These developments underscore County Clare’s commitment to preserving its natural and cultural treasures while improving visitor safety and sustainability in 2026. For the most up-to-date information, refer to official sources such as Visit Clare, Discover Ireland, or Clare County Council, as project timelines may evolve.
New
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Clare:
Introduction – 1837 – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells –Hotels – Hotels8 – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Musicians – Name – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Saints – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers
