12 Best Things To Do in County Clare (For 2024)

Categories Kerry , Things To Do

A region practically surrounded by bodies of water on all sides, County Clare offers visitors a diverse and rich number of attractions.

Historical villages with either a quirky dance festival or the best traditional Irish music, stunning limestone areas and cliffs, beautiful open museums, and even islands that take you back in time – County Clare has got something for everybody.

Spend a few hours, a day, or a weekend – this list of best things to do in County Clare should help you figure out your itinerary and make the most of your visit.

Things you'll find in this article

1.Dysert O’ Dea Castle

2.the burren, co. clare, 3. cliffs of moher, 4.lisdoonvarna town, 5.scattery island, 6.aillwee cave, 7.bunratty folk village, 8.fanore beach, 9.shannon estuary, 11.aran islands, 12.loop head and lighthouse.

Dysert O’ Dea Castle Co Clare

It is situated at the periphery of the Burren just south of Corrofin and Killinaboy, and one of the best places to see in Co. Clare is an ideal location for anyone wishing to visit the many archeological sites in the region.

The castle dates back to the 15th Century and is named after the Clan who ruled it – the “O’Dea Clan”.

The five-story-high tower house was built in 1480 by Diarmuid O’Dea, Lord of Cineal Fearmaic and was the home of the O’Dea chiefs up until 1692.  Visitors to the authentically restored castle have access to all the floors including the wall walk.

The castle grounds also have the Clare Archaeology Centre that consists of 25 original field monuments, one of which is a beautiful 12th century High Cross.

There’s an Archaeology/History Trail to help navigate the 25 sites,  all within a few kilometers radius of the castle. This attraction has been at the heart of Irish cultural tourism for as long as it existed.

Opening Hours

Open daily – 10.00 – 18.00hrs, 1st May to September 30th. Other times by appointment. School and coach tours welcome. Pre-arrangement advised.

Admission Fee

Adults: €7 Children: €3 Students/Senior Citizens €5. Groups: €5 each Concessions: €5 Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) €20.

Contact Information

Address: Dysert O’Dea Castle & Clare Archaeology Centre Corofin, County Clare, Ireland

Phone: 353-(0)65-6837401 

Email::[email protected]

Karst Landscape The Burren

A UNESCO-recognised geopark, the Burren in Co. Clare is the longest cave system in Ireland, the largest stalactite in Europe and plenty more.

Also known as a Karst Landscape, the Burren is world-famous because it is one of the very few places on the planet that is natively home to the Arctic, Alpine and Mediterranean plants.

The Burren is one of the top attractions in County Clare and known as a historical, geomorphic, geological and archaeological wonder.

Another interesting feature of this barren limestone area is the ancient burial sites with over 70 megalithic tombs scattered throughout. The most famous of these is the Poulnabrone Dolmen which is over 5,000 years old.

Some of the remains recently excavated here even dates to 3800 BC.

Apart from these, the Burren is also an ideal place to roam, cycle, spot unique flora and fauna on and even follow a food trail over. It is also one of the 6 national parks in Ireland.

Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs Of Moher, Image by Christine Rogador

Standing at 702 feet above the crashing Atlantic swells, the Cliffs of Moher is one of Ireland’s most visited natural attractions.

A trip here is one of the best activities to do in County Clare, with its superb visitor center, an impressive coastal walking route, diverse birdlife and exquisite view in its hefty 8km breadth.

The breathtaking high views of the Cliffs of Moher are as iconic as Ireland itself, but when planning a visit, you must ensure that there is good weather, as even the littlest bit of rain would make it difficult to see over the edge due to high altitude mixed with coastal wind.

January – February , November – December – 09:00 -17:00. March – April -08:00 – 19:00. May to August 08:00 – 21:00. September – October -08:00 –19:00.

Gate Rate Adult:€8.00 Child Under 16: FREE Student: €7.00 Senior:€5.00

Address: Cliffs of Moher, Liscannor, Co. Clare, Ireland

Phone: +353 65 708 6141

Email: [email protected]

Buy your ticket online here.

Lisdoonvarna Town County Clare

A town steeped in history, love, and tradition, Lisdoonvarna goes back hundreds of years.

In the 1800s, it was a spa town with healing mineral waters that was said to cure many diseases. Lisdoonvarna was so famous that people literally go in groups, and due to this influx of visitors mixing with the locals, a new tradition was born.

Hundreds of Bachelor farmers would arrive specifically in September after the harvest was complete, and with this yearly occurrence, something unique and fun was started.

Lisdoonvarna is already an interesting town in itself, but the Matchmaking Festival all weekends of September has become such a tourist attraction, too. It is really a dancing festival, done on weekends.

The music kicks off early on Friday evening and goes all weekend until the wee hours of Monday morning.

The idea behind this Irish festival is that if you do enough dancing you will eventually meet your perfect match. Everyone is there for the fun, the music, the dancing and maybe, to meet the man or woman of their dreams.

Scattery Island Co Clare

Scattery Island is a small monastic settlement a few kilometers from the Kilrush shore, and a genuine must-visit in County Clare,

The island boasts of a still-functioning lighthouse, a sixth-century monastery, a round tower, cathedral, oratory, castle, Elizabethan tower, eighteenth-century batter and one of the highest round towers (120 feet) in the country.

You need to ride a boat to get to Scattery, and a trip here surely takes you back in time.

Apart from the monastic settlement, this historic island also has breathtaking views, and plenty of far-fetched legends and tales to tell.

23rd May – 25th September Daily 10.00 – 18.00 (Recommended visiting times) Last Admission 45 mins. before closing

Address: Kilrush Marina, Kilrush, Co. Clare

Phone: +353 (87) 995 8427

Email:  [email protected]  

Ailwee Cave Co Clare

If you’re up for a more extreme adventure where you get to explore Co. Clare’s famed landscape from the other side, a trek down the  Aillwee Cave is a must.

One of Ireland’s most popular and famous tourist attractions, Aillwee became open to the public in 1973.

A tour of the  Aillwee Cave takes you on a stony underworld of winding passages, chasms, strange rock formations, massive stalactites, stalagmites, and frozen waterfalls .

This large series of caverns stretch to about a kilometer and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Daily-10:00 am- 5:30pm

Cave Only Adult:€15.00 Children:€7.00 Family Ticket 1:€34.00 (2 Adults & 1/2 Children) Family Ticket 2:€40.00 (2 Adults & 3/4 Children)

Address: Aillwee Cave Ballyvaughan Co. Clare Ireland

Phone:+353 (0)657077036

unratty Folk Park Co Clare

Bunratty folk village is a whole town dedicated to looking the way Ireland appeared during the 19th century. There’s just so much to see and do here, making it one of the best things to do in Co. Clare on weekends.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park dates back to 1423 and is now a tourist attraction where the history of Ireland comes to life, literally.

From the everyday working life in Ireland featuring fishermen or pig farmers to great banquets in the castle — your day trip here is guaranteed to be full and satisfying.

Bunratty Folk Park is an open-air museum that has around 30 buildings, including the Ardcroney Church of Ireland church, which was relocated to the park in 1998.

In the evening, a must in Bunratty is to attend a once-in-a-lifetime banquet at the Castle.

Here you’ll be welcomed by the Earl’s Butler, listen to medieval music, have a glass of wine and honey mead, and enjoy a feast inside a 15th-century castle. It is also one of the must-see castles in Ireland. 

Fanore Beach County Clare

Fanore Beach is a great place for a long walk, a picnic or a swim if you’re feeling extra brave, and regarded as one of the best beaches in Clare if not one of the most beautiful along Ireland’s spectacular Wild Atlantic Way .

Fanore is also famous for surfing along with the west coast of Ireland that’s considered a worldwide famous destination for surfers .

Definitely one of the best places to see in County Clare, Fanore is a hit with walkers, surfers, anglers, families, and more.

It’s also a small village that has hotels and surfing schools, and home to the brightly painted O’Donohue’s Pub, where you can stop by for a pint or a warm cup of tea.

Shannon Estuary

Since Co. Clare is surrounded by water practically on all sides, a good way to explore it and see the sights is by taking a ferry.

A ride takes you across the Shannon Estuary, then into the Atlantic ocean where you can marvel at views all the way to Kerry . Definitely a good way to relax while enjoying a scenic ferry ride, it is one of the best things to do in Co. Clare.

Aside from the stunning scenery, the Shannon Estuary is also home to a large pod of bottle-nosed dolphins, as well as the deserted Scattery Island with its remains of an 8th-century monastery and round tower.

Doolin Fisher Street Clare

When on your way to or from the Cliffs of Moher or going to the pier to set out to Aran Islands, you’ll most likely pass by Doolin .

This long extended street lined with countless B&Bs, guesthouses, and hostels doesn’t sound very inviting at first, but it is one of the best places to visit in Co. Clare if you’re up to a few hours of chilling or relaxing.

Doolin is best known for its three pubs that offer quality traditional Irish music sessions 7 nights a week, 363 days a year. This is not like the singing pubs of Killarney or the rebel ballad singing in Dublin pubs .

All three pubs (O’Connor’s, McDermott’s, McGann’s) have fiddles, banjos, flutes, accordions, tin whistles, bodhrans, bagpipes, and spoons. They also serve good food so you can really just eat, sit back, relax and treat your ears to a feast for a change.

Another must-visit in Doolin is the tiny Doolin Chocolate Shop close to the pier. Make sure you get their dark chocolate rocky road and buy some edible souvenirs to take home with you.

There’s also the Stonecutters Kitchen, a warm and welcoming family-run restaurant that’s located inside a 100-year-old stone cottage.

They serve up delicious fish, meat and vegetarian dishes and their desserts are said to be the best in town, especially the banoffee pie.

Aran Islands

A visit to the Aran Islands will take you to another Ireland, one obviously ancient and yet most definitely living and thriving in the 21 st century.

Located just 10km off the coast from Doolin, Aram is made up of three islands and each has a distinct charm.

Inishmore, the largest of the islands contains most of the historical sites of interest and is the most visited. Inisheer is the smallest and closest to Doolin is also popular, while for quietness and solitude, you should visit Inishmaan.

Aran is one of the most interesting things to visit in Co. Clare, as you can enjoy a bike ride or walk past rocky fields, intricately built stone walls that crisscross the wild terrain, cute cafes and lively pubs, friendly donkeys and spectacular cliffs.

Here is also where you can encounter and learn a few new words from Irish speaking farmers and fishermen.

Loop Head and Lighthouse Co Clare

For a more unique experience and for a  different perspective of the Wild Atlantic Way, one of the best things to do in County Clare is to drive out to the Loop Head Lighthouse.

It is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline, with the drive taking you from the picturesque town of Kilkee to the splendid Loop Head Peninsula, right on the very edge of Clare where you’ll find this pristine 350-year old lighthouse.

This magnificent drive lets you enjoy the beautiful flora, the headland teeming with coastal birdlife and views that extends all the way to the stunning Cliffs of Moher.

Climb up to the top of the lighthouse to take it all in and watch out for the 160+ dolphins that call these waters home.

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Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries for the past 8 years. I also lived in 3 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia to Africa. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.

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Flowers and grass on the edge of the Cliffs of Moher in  County Clare

Irish people love getting away to The Banner County for a break. Here are ten great reasons why.

  • 1 . The Cliffs of Moher
  • 2 . Lahinch
  • 3 . The Burren
  • 5 . The Burren Food Trail
  • 6 . Golfing in Clare
  • 7 . Aillwee and Doolin Caves
  • 8 . Scattery Island
  • 9 . Loop Head and Lighthouse
  • 10 . The Shannon Ferry from Clare to Kerry

When you think of Clare , you probably think of the Cliffs of Moher looming 700 feet above the crashing Atlantic along 8km of rugged, unspoiled coastline. Whether you tackle one of the coastal walking routes or make a quick pitstop to see the natural masterpiece, a visit should be high on your list.

Head to Clare for a coastal walk along the world-famous Cliffs of Moher.

A short drive from the cliffs, Lahinch Beach’s famed flooding tide makes it ideal for surfing, sea kayaking and kite surfing. Seasoned surfers travel here from all over the world, but beginners can sign up for lessons at one of the many local surf schools. 

If you prefer gazing out over Atlantic waves than catching them, book a table at Barrtrá , a whitewashed country cottage overlooking Liscannor Bay that serves up some of the best seafood and steak in the county — try the mussels.

Surfers at Lahinch Beach in County Clare

Heading inland, the 1,500 hectares of the Burren are open all year round and free to access, but it’s worth booking a guided walk or exploring the Burren Discovery Trail . You'll learn about the famous limestone pavement and the many rare species of flora and fauna in the area.

The Burren in County Clare

Head back to the coast towards Fanore Beach . With the rocky Burren in the background, walk along the stretch of sand, admire the network of sand dunes and take plenty of pictures that show off the beautiful coastline. 

Fanore Beach, Fanore, County Clare

If you find yourself working up an appetite whilst in the area, check out the Burren Food Trail for a selection of curated gastronomical expeditions with themes like Farm to Fork and Taste the Ocean. Stop at every point and chew down of delicious dishes, or simply dip in and out along the way.

World-class scenery makes for some pretty spectacular golf . From the stunning natural terrain at Lahinch Golf Club’s ‘Old Course’, to the scenic crescent beach at Doonbeg Golf Club with Atlantic views on almost all of its 18 holes, Clare is a golfer's paradise.

Doonbeg Golf Club in County Clare

Clare is also home to two of the country’s most famous caves. The tour at Aillwee Cave (aka "The Very Dark Caves" from that Father Ted episode) takes you through winding passages and chasms, past unique rock formations and even an underground waterfall. If you have time to spare, make the 30-minute trip to the Doolin Cave where you’ll see the biggest stalactite in Europe.

The Great Stalactite

Head further south to discover historic Scattery Island in the Shannon Estuary . Just a 30-minute boat ride from Kilrush , hear all about the Viking raids and battles that took place on the island during a walking tour of the monastic settlement, which boasts the highest round tower in Ireland. 

A grave yard on Scattery Island in County Clare

Loop Head Peninsula is easy to spot on the map; it’s the bit of Clare that juts right out into the Atlantic. At the very tip you’ll find Loop Head Lighthouse – climb it for views that stretch from Kerry to the Cliffs of Moher. The only thing between you and the sea is the huge white letters carved out of the grassy headland spelling EIRE – a relic from WWII to let pilots know they were entering neutral airspace.

An aerial view of Loop Head Lighthouse from land at sunset

If you fancy a day trip to the Kingdom County, the Shannon Ferry is the most scenic shortcut you’ll ever take. Breathe in Atlantic air and peaceful sea views, keeping a close eye out for dolphins, as you and your car sail from Killimer near Kilrush, across the Shannon Estuary to Tarbert , in just 20-minutes.

Aerial view of ferry on the Shannon Estuary.

For your next getaway, start planning a few days of fun and excitement in Clare . 

A car driving the Shannon Estuary Way in County Limerick

Winding through counties Clare, Limerick and Kerry, the Shannon Estuary Way covers 207km of some of the most historic sites and beautiful natural landscapes along the Wild Atlantic Way. Whether you’re wandering polished manors and gardens or spotting dolphins along the shores of the River Shannon, a day (or two) spent along the Way is full of surprising discoveries.

Ballinskelligs Dark Sky Reserve, County Kerry

Hollywood icons, ancient sites, unbeatable scenery and mythical Irish folklore - the Wild Atlantic Way is a fascinating place. Travel the length and breadth of this scenic route, you’ll uncover some amazing stories along the way.

Green fields and cliffs at Skellig Ring, Co. Kerry

With its legendary lakes, picture-postcard landscape and majestic craggy coastline, Kerry is the perfect backdrop for a family break. Embark on a Hawk Walk, kayak across the pristine lakes and visit an ancient island in spectacular Kerry.

Sunny day with some low lying clouds at Cliffs of Moher, County Clare

Towering cliffs, playful dolphins prancing at sea, and a spectacular lunar landscape… these are just some of the magic moments to experience in County Clare. Discover natural wonders, from an unforgettable sunset on Spanish Point Beach to the rocky limestone paths of The Burren.

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Poulnabrone dolmen in Burren, County Clare, Ireland.

©Robert Prucha/500px

County Clare

County Clare combines spectacular windswept landscapes and vibrant Irish culture. The ocean relentlessly pounds Clare's coast year-round, eroding rock into fantastic formations, and fashioning sheer rock crags including those at the iconic Cliffs of Moher and at ends-of-the-earth Loop Head. Right along the coast, the waves are a magnet for surfers, and surf schools set up on many of Clare's beaches in summer.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real County Clare. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Poulnabrone Dolmen

Poulnabrone Dolmen

Also known as the Portal Tomb, Poulnabrone Dolmen is one of Ireland's most photographed ancient monuments. Built more than 5000 years ago, the other…

Hazel Mountain Chocolate

Hazel Mountain Chocolate

Book ahead to watch chocolate being made in small batches using rare Trinitario cacao beans and raw sugar on a 45-minute tour of this heavenly smelling…

Burren Perfumery & Floral Centre

Burren Perfumery & Floral Centre

The Burren's wildflowers are the inspiration for the subtle scents at this wonderful perfumery and floral centre, which creates scented items such as…

Gleninsheen Wedge Tomb

Gleninsheen Wedge Tomb

One of Ireland's most famous prehistoric grave sites, Gleninsheen lies beside the R480 7km south of Ballyvaughan. It's thought to date from 4000 to 5000…

St Tola Irish Goat Cheese

St Tola Irish Goat Cheese

Creamy St Tola goat's cheese is served at some of Ireland's finest restaurants, with award-winning lines including ash log, Greek-style feta and gouda…

Dysert O'Dea

Dysert O'Dea

The centrepiece of this fascinating historic site where St Tola founded a monastery in the 8th century is the four-storey, 15th-century O'Dea Castle…

Ennis Friary

Ennis Friary

North of the Square, Ennis Friary was founded by Donnchadh Cairbreach O'Brien, a king of Thomond, between 1240 and 1249. A mix of structures dating…

Corcomroe Abbey

Corcomroe Abbey

Moody and evocative, marvellously ruined Corcomroe Abbey sits in a quiet green hollow, 2km inland from Bellharbour, surrounded by the stark grey Burren…

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Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

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The karst rock formations at the Burren, County Clare, Ireland

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15 best things to do in clare {ireland} complete travel guide.

Cazzy Magennis

County Clare is one of the greatest areas in Ireland.

It’s absolutely bursting with great things to do and see and it’s certainly a spot you cannot miss on an Ireland roadtrip .

So, keep reading to check out my guide to the best things to do in Clare.

Travellerspoint

1. Explore Bunratty Castle and it’s awesome folk park

visit clare ireland

Bunratty Castle is a pretty cool one and Bradley and I did visit, we just didn’t get past the gift shop.

Basically, we arrived just as the last entrance has closed, so we couldn’t get in.

It is pricey at over 20 euros in, but this does include entrance to the pretty awesome folk park too. 

If you’re looking for things to do in Clare with kids, then this is it!

They also have a brilliant gift shop selling all sorts of great things and an on-site cafe that does a great looking Irish coffee. 

We ended up having a late (Very late) lunch outside the castle grounds in the sunshine which was nice. 

So yes, this is definitely one of the top things to do in Clare, just make sure you get there before 4!

Read Also: The Best Things To Do In Northern Ireland

2. Visit the beautiful Dromoland Castle

Dromoland Castle

This is a castle hotel and if I had the spare cash, I’d definitely book a stay here because it looks amazing.

The outside and the surrounding grounds are also beautiful and amazing. It’s worth driving, parking up and simply having a walk around. 

It’s one of the most beautiful castle grounds out of any castles to visit in Ireland .

3. Have Ice cream at Kilkee

klkee baech

Killkee is a coastal town in Clare and it’s a brilliant place to spend some time when the sun is shining in Ireland.

You can swim in the water if you’re brave enough and there are lots of ice cream shops, cute cafes and much more. 

This is one of the nicest places to visit in Clare with kids! 

4. Visit the coastal town of Lahinch

Lahinch, Ireland

If you’re a golf fan then you probably already know about Lahinch.

It hosted the Dubai Open and it’s one of the top 100 best golf links courses in Ireland. 

As well as that, it’s a lovely little coastal town with a great beach, lots of pubs and souvenir shops. 

When Bradley and I visited, it was during the open, so the traffic was crazy and everything was full, so basically we didn’t hang around. (Even though Brad is a big golf fan!). 

Read Also: Our Ultimate 16 Day Ireland Road Trip Itinerary

5. Catch sunset at the beautiful Doonagore Castle

doonagore castle

Doonagore isn’t a large castle and there is no entrance fee or tourist centre.

But what it does offer is an amazing drone opportunity and a stunning backdrop for the sunset.

As you drive down towards it, you can pull into the side and get your pictures and enjoy the sunset. 

It really is beautiful and one of the top things to see in Clare!

The cover image of this post is the awesome beginning of the sunset with our Spacespaces Campervan.

P.S. You can check out our full Spaceships Campervan Rentals review here.

6. Explore the cute town of Doolin

Quaint Village Doolin, Ireland

Doolin is one of my favourite places to visit in Clare and Ireland in general.

It’s such a small, cute, typically Irish town and it’s a great base for exploring the Cliffs of Moher and other brilliant spots in Ireland. 

We stayed in a campsite in Doolin that offered an amazing sunset and we had a delicious dinner in the local pub which also had irish traditional music playing.

It’s a great place and there is a pier in which scenes of Father Ted were filmed (if you’re interested).

Read Also: The Best Things To Do In Belfast, Ireland: Complete Travel Guide

7. Explore the best islands of Ireland with an Aran Islands day trip

Aran Islands, Ireland

There are 3 Aran islands located off the coast of Galway (and easily accessible from Clare).

The smallest of them is  Inis Oirr which is well known for its Irish charm, and the largest is Inishmore which is well known for its ancient sites. 

This is a unique experience that will allow you to see another, unique and beautiful side to Ireland and it’s one of the most popular things to do in Clare. 

You can DIY the trip over yourself by getting the boat from the pier at Doolin, or you can take a pre arranged tour if you prefer organisation and convenience.

This is a well priced tour from Doolin that lets you explore them all.  

Once you get on the islands, the best way to explore them is via bike rental which you can arrange on the island itself. 

Bradley and I cancelled our trip to the Aran islands last minute because we were running out of time.

However, we fully intend on visiting in the future alongside some of the other islands off the coast of Ireland! 

8. Awe at the amazing Cliffs of Moher

cliffs of moher

The Cliffs of Moher have been on my bucket list for years.

The are the most famous tourist attraction in Clare, and (according to official Irish tourism statistics ) they are the second most popular paid attraction in Ireland.

Every year, millions of people flock to see them.

Well, I can tell you, they do not disappoint. 

The Cliffs of Moher are stunning; widely regarded as one of the best bucket list destinations in Ireland .

We visited as soon as it opened at around 8 am and there were no crowds, so I recommend you visit before 8.30 in order to enjoy all the views and the walkways without lots of people. 

When you enter the official site, there is a charge.

But it’s 4 euro charge online and 8 in person, so book online. 

This includes your parking and entrance to the visitor centre.

‍ Now, the “official” area has walls that help prevent you from falling over the cliffs. 

But, when you walk outside of those areas, you need to be super careful and it is 1000% possible you could fall over the edge.

Do not go near the edge if it’s windy! ‍

The walks around the cliffs are beautiful and we were super lucky and got there on a clear blue sky, sunny day!

It was amazing! 

You can go up the O'brien's tower to get a lovely view of the cliffs and it’s only a couple of euro.

But it wasn’t open when we visited, but perhaps it was still too early.

If you’re doing it via a tour, you can get tours from all over the country, some of which I’ve listed below! 

Read Also: Where To Go In Ireland

9. Take a Ferry around the Cliffs

cliffs of moher picture

From Doolin you can actually take a little ferry around the Cliffs of Moher and I think it’s a unique way to see the sights and gain a different perspective. 

It’s also not very expensive.

I didn’t realise you could do this until I saw a ferry in the water and googled it when I got back. So now you know!

I found this awesome cruise that’s less than 15 Euro. 

Definitely one of the more unique things to do in Clare. 

10. Explore the unique Burren National Park

burren national park

The Burren National Park is one of the best things to do in Clare, Ireland, simply because it’s so beautiful and so unique! 

I don’t even know how to describe it other than a lunar/space type landscape, which is pretty cool to drone too! 

If you go to the Burren National Park information point in the little town, you can park your vehicle and then take the free shuttle bus into the national park.

Basically there isn’t a lot of parking up near the park, so they encourage you to take the shuttle bus which is only about 15 minutes. 

There are a variety of walking routes available and you can do as little as 30 minutes, up to a couple of hours and go higher and higher.

So depending on your time constraints and fitness level there is something for everyone. 

I thought this area was really cool and you should definitely put it on your clare itinerary! 

A lot of inclusive tours will include the Burren alongside a trip to the Cliffs of Moher. 

Read Also: The Best Things To Do In Donegal, Ireland: Complete Travel Guide

bus to burren national park

11. Tea at Father Ted’s House

visit clare ireland

Father Ted fans, rejoice!

You can have a cup of tea in the Father Ted house.

So, the inside of the house wasn’t actually used, just the exterior and it’s a private house so you can’t just wander in at any time.

But you can pre arrange a private afternoon tea at the house for only €10 per person.

It’s closed on Monday and Tuesday and you can find out more about arranging a visit here. 

One of the more odd things to do in Clare, but if you’re a fan, then you’ll love it! 

12. Explore The Burren Perfumery

Why not stop by The Burren Perfumery , a little-known rustic shop near Burren National Park. This family company creates organic perfumes and cosmetics influenced by its surrounding landscape.

Not only is this charming headquarters the first Irish-based perfumery, it is one of its most alluring. I recommend touring the site where you can see the Blending Room and Herb Garden. These are well intimate batches of perfume, lotions and candles are made from native herbs.

Oh, there is also a Tea Room to sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery, where seasonal drinks like the Elderflower Cordial usually steal the spotlight. They even offer a range of sumptuous cakes and scones.

If you come during the summer season, there may even be talks on perfume-, cream-, and soap-making.

13. Visit Aillwee Cave

Another essential Clare destination is Aillwee Cave , a stunning caves system in the Burren’s karst landscapes. It extends more than a kilometre into the depths of the mountains. Inside, you can come across an underground river and waterfall.

Exploring the massive stalactites and stalagmites, I imagine it’s hard not to be impressed! This is also believed to be Ireland’s last bear den and one of the county’s oldest caves.

Aillwee Cave is privately owned and also home to the Birds of Prey Centre . Here, you can see birds such as eagles, falcons and hawks fly against the beautiful Burren background.

Opening Times: 10am - 5pm (Birds of Prey Centre)

14. Witness the The Bridges of Ross

The bridges of ross, Ireland

Once a trio of breathtaking sea arches, the Bridges of Ross showcase some of Ireland’s impressive natural feats. Even though only one such bridge still stands today, the plural name remains. 

This extraordinary rock sculpture is the result of pummeling from the raging Atlantic waves. You can find it near Kilbaha Village and is quite easy to find. There’s also a free car park area just a few hundred metres off the view point.

Not only that, I recommend visiting this place if you want to get some birdwatching in too. Especially in autumn, this area will be flocked with thousands of exotic seabirds during their migration. From Little Auks and Storm Petrels to Manx Shearwater.

15. Water Sports at Lough Derg

Lough Derg, Co Clare, Ireland

What better way to immerse in the natural landscape than by having as much fun in it? If you thrill-seeking activities are your thing, I suggest doing some water sports out at Lough Derg .

It is located a bit inland and might take you 1 hour 20 minutes by car. However, if you have the time to spare, this is definitely an experience you shouldn’t miss! This beautiful paradise offers many different outdoor activities.

You can kayak and canoe around the lake as you drink in the picturesque scene. Not to mention organized group trips where you can meet other solo or couple travelers. Not a bad way to make new friends!

Additionally, I think this is a great way to really connect with the serene natural charms of Irish countryside. You can even enjoy a nice picnic or BBQ in this area.

Planning what to do in Clare (Ireland): All common questions answered

When is the best time to visit clare.

The best time to visit County Clare is in the months of June, July, August and September.

This is the best chance to get decent weather in Ireland.

Of course, you can visit outside of these months, but be prepared for rain! Some areas may not be open either as some tourist spots in Ireland close for the winter season.

Getting around Clare

There are a few options to get around Clare.

Firstly, if you have a car then you can create your own Clare itinerary and get from A to B with ease. 

However, if you don’t have access to your own wheels, then  you can easily take tours around Clare that will take you to the major tourist spots.

I talk more about arranging tours in Ireland below. 

Read Also: Best campervan rentals in Ireland

How long do you need in Clare?

Clare has lots of great spots to visit, including day trips to other islands, so you will probably need at least 4 days to see everything comfortably.

Of course you can do it quicker and you can do it slower, but that’s my recommendation to really see it all properly! 

Where to stay in Clare?

During our road trip around beautiful Ireland we actually decided to rent a campervan with the awesome Spaceships Rentals and it was amazing. You can check out  our in-depth review of them here .

Because we had our own transport and place to sleep, we spent most nights either wild camping in Ireland or staying in campsites.

But, if you need hostels, hotels, b&bs or a good homestay, then there is plenty on offer in County Clare. We recommend you use the following sites to get a great deal on accommodation in Clare. 

  • Airbnb - We use this for all of our homestays in Europe [Get money off when you book through our link]
  • Booking.com - We use Booking.com for all of our hotel bookings
  • HostelWorld - Great for finding cheap deals on the most popular hostels
  • Couchsurfing - The cheapest way to find places to stay in …

Can you book tours in Clare?

You absolutely can! Thanks to the popularity of the Cliffs Of Moher, tours run to Clare and its top tourist attractions from all over Ireland. 

Whether you’re heading from Cork , Galway or Dublin !

If you prefer not planning your own Clare itinerary, then opting for an organised tour is your best bet. And I think they are great value in Ireland. 

Whenever we book tours, we always use these 2 sites:

  • GetYourGuide - Our typical choice
  • Viator - Sometimes have a different selection of tours 

Useful tools for planning your visit to Clare 

If you need great value flights to and from Ireland wherever you are in the world, we suggest using Skyscanner .

Don’t forget to make sure you have insurance for your trip to Ireland. A good place to start is World Nomads for great value. 

If you’ve been tempting at creating your own awesome Irish road trip then look no further than Spaceships Rentals to get excellent campervans and motorhomes for your adventure. 

And, if you’d just like a car, then try RentalCars.com for a great range and price. 

Other useful posts for planning your trip to Ireland

If you need some further inspiration for planning your trip to Ireland, then check out these useful posts. 

  • Complete Guide To Packing For Ireland
  • Best Things To Do In Ireland 
  • Guide On Kerry (Ireland)
  • Things To Do In Dingle
  • Our Epic Guide To Visiting Ireland ‍

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide on the best things to do in Clare.

If you’ve got any more places to visit in Clare that you think I should add to the list, then please do drop me a comment below and I can pop it in! 

Happy travels! 

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County Clare is renowned for its legacy in traditional Irish music and is home to an abundance of visual riches and spectacular scenery.

Clare is located on the far west coast of Ireland, bordered by Galway Bay to the north, Lough Derg to the east, the River Shannon to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. In Clare you'll find some of Ireland's most recognisable picture postcard icons, from the stunning Cliffs of Moher overlooking the Atlantic, to the Neolithic tomb, the Poulnabrone Dolman and the famous Bunratty Castle . This 13th Century castle now forms the heart of a heritage park and host world famous medieval banquets and lively entertainments.

In the far north western region of Clare is the Burren , a unique landscape of limestone karst, that in spring is awash with colourful flora. This harsh but beautiful region is popular with walkers, cyclists and cave explorers. While the sleepy villages here and in the rest of County Clare such as Doolin , Lisdoonvarna , Ennis and Feakle are renowned for their lively entertainments and festivals of traditional Irish music.

Many of Ireland's best traditional musicians and balladists have come from the Banner County as Clare is known. These include, the piper Willie Clancy and contemporary Irish musician Christie Moore and the county was famously the royal home of the last High King of Ireland, Brian Boru.

Also in County Clare you'll find the world famous Lahinch Golf Links Course and Shannon Airport , Ireland's second largest airport behind Dublin .

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Welcome to County Clare, in the West of Ireland!

The Wild Atlantic Way, from the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher to wind swept Loop Head Peninsula; the towns of Ennis, Lahinch, Kilrush and Kilkee; historic places like Bunratty and Knappogue; Lough Derg and the Shannon: the unspoiled natural beauty and the spectacular coastline are not the only assets of County Clare. It is also well known for the hospitality of its people, for the traditions of Irish music and dance and for the colourful small shops and cozy pubs. Our pages will give you an overview of what to see and what to do while staying in our county! > What to see and to do in Co.Clare

Places to visit

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Some of the Best Places to Stay in Co.Clare!

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Places to Visit in County Clare Map

10 Places to Visit in County Clare

by Orla Spencer

visit clare ireland

Clare is a county on the west coast of Ireland with a varied terrain ranging from rolling countryside to a Wild Atlantic coastline. There is no shortage of places to visit in Clare from the ancient monuments and castles that are scattered across the county to the Cliffs of Moher which offers amazing views across the Atlantic Ocean.

Our Recommended Top 10 Places to Visit in Clare

Places to visit in county Clare Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher is one of Ireland’s most visited attractions and when you will visit you will see why! The cliffs rise to a height of 120 metres above the Atlantic Ocean and even reach 214 metres at the highest point near O Brien’s Tower, an observation tower built by local landlord Cornellius O’ Brien. The views are stunning and on a clear day you can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay and even as far as Connemara!

visit clare ireland

On the opposite side of County Clare in the East, you will find Lough Derg. There are two Lough Derg’s in Ireland, the other one is in Donegal.  Lough Derg in Clare is the second-biggest lake in the Republic of Ireland and the third-biggest on the island of Ireland. It shares is shores with northwest Galway and eastern Tipperary. On the Clare side, some nice places to visit along the lakeshore include Killaloe, a picturesque town with nice bars and restaurants and a 13th-century cathedral, Scariff and Mountshannon where you can take a boat trip across to Holy Island in the centre of the lough.

visit clare ireland

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

Bunratty Castle is the most complete Castle in Ireland, it is completely furnished on the inside giving the visitor a real sense of what the castle would have looked like for residents in the 15 th century. Bunratty Folk Park which surrounds the castle is a reconstructed village where buildings like the rural farmhouse, the village shop and post office and several different types of traditional cottages have been recreated. The folk park gives a fantastic insight into what life was like for different segments of Irish society in the early 19th century. If you are staying in Clare region, think about visiting Bunratty at night to take part in one of their famous medieval banquets. Advance booking is required for this and we can book this for you as part of any tour visiting Clare.

Places to visit in Clare. Craggaunowen Pre-Historic Folk Park, County Clare, Ireland.

Craggaunowen

This attraction is especially good if you have children with plenty of parkland to run around in and a collection of unusual animals such as wild boar! On-site the primary feature is a reconstructed Crannog; an artificial island on which people built houses, kept animals, and lived in relative security from rival clans, a ring fort. The attraction also has a souterrain which is an underground tunnel used for storage or to hide from would-be attackers, a fulacht fia which was used for cooking in the Bronze Age and Craggaunowen Castle, a typical example of a fortified tower house built in 1954.

Places to visit in county Clare The Burren

The Burren – UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Burren refers to the regions of Clare and south Galway which share a unique karst landscape known for its rare species of flora and fauna. The main towns in the Burren region are Ballyvaughan, Kinvara, Tubber, Corfin, Kilfenora and Lisdoonvarna. The Burren National park is located in Corofin, here you will find five marked walking trails that take you through many different fascinating and beautiful habitats, such as limestone grasslands, hazel/ash woodlands and limestone pavements. If you plan to visit the national park, a good place to start is the Clare Heritage Centre in Corofin. In the village of Balllyvaughan consider visiting Ailwee Caves, a cave system consisting of over a kilometre of passages leading into the heart of a mountain.

Places to visit in County Clare, Poulnabrone Dolmen

Poulnabrone Dolmen

This is perhaps the most photographed attraction in Clare after the Cliffs of Moher. It is situated 8 km south of Ballyvaughan, about 10 km north-west of Kilnaboy. The structure dates from the Neolithic period, and excavations which uncovered the remains of sixteen adults and six children have shed light on burial customs of Clare’s early farming communities

visit clare ireland

The Loop Head Peninsula

The Loop Head Peninsula at the very tip of southwest Clare is a scenic coastal drive which takes in the coastal villages of Kilrush, Carrigaholt, Kilbaha, Loop Head, Kilkee and Kilrush – the entire journey is a distance of around 81 km.  Top sights to take in include Loop Head’s main town Kilkee which was frequented by the likes of Charlotte Bronte and Alfred Tennyson and Carrigaholt which has outstanding sea views. One of the most beautiful natural features on the peninsula are the Bridges of Ross on the western side of Ross Bay harbour, looking north to the Atlantic Ocean. At the very tip of the peninsula, you will find Loop Head and its famous lighthouse.

visit clare ireland

Clare is a very popular surfing destination and it is known throughout the world as a surfing lovers haven! Fanore, in particular, is famous for surfing and water sports but also for its stunning coastal views. Fanore is a small little village and it has lovely accommodation options along the beach to stay and enjoy the serenity of the the ocean.

visit clare ireland

Aillwee & Doolin Caves

Due to its unique limestone landscape, the Burren area of Clare has many underground cave systems and two of them are open to the public.  Take a tour at the Aillwee Cave and explore the winding passages, chasm, rock formations and waterfalls. The on site Birds of Prey Centre at Aillwee has been educating and entertaining visitors with dynamic flying displays since 2008. Doolin Cave is famous for its Great Stalactite, at 7.3 metres (23feet) it is the longest free-hanging stalactite in Europe.  Doolin Cave also has a lovely family nature trail with local flora and fauna as well as some resident animals!

visit clare ireland

Scattery Island

Scattery Island or in Gaelic ‘Inis Cathaigh’ can be reached by boat from Kilrush pier during the summer season and guided tours are usually available. Scattery is a monastic island and named after the mythical monster called ‘Cathach’. It was St. Senan who founded the monastic settlement on the island in the 6th century. Over the years, the island has been attacked by the Vikings and others, but in spite of this the round tower, cathedral and oratory can still be seen. The last island dwellers left in 1978 for the mainland, the ruins of the village remain with streets and several churches still standing. There is also a Holy Well on the island which is said to have healing properties.

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Clare Maps and distances to help orientate you

Any of clare’s wonderful highlights can be easily reached within a morning or afternoon..

County Clare is less than 130 km (80 miles) from end to end. When staying within the County, any place, attraction, or activity can be easily reached within a morning or an afternoon. Below is a simple map, some sample distances, and a link to a map that will show you what’s nearby to wherever you are in Clare or wherever you plan to visit.

A simple overview map of Clare

This map features some of the main towns and villages, to help orientate you.

visit clare ireland

Above is a simple overview map of County Clare, highlighting the different broad areas, to help orientate you. These broad areas are also useful to know when filtering any search results by area.

Travel distances within Clare

This can help you plan your days.

visit clare ireland

This distance matrix can help you plan your itinerary during you time in Clare. Distances are approximate and are based on the most direct routes, by car.

Travel times within County Clare

visit clare ireland

This travel time matrix can also help you plan your days in Clare. Times are approximate (in minutes) by car and are are based on the most direct routes. It’s important to note that times are for planning purposes only. They will also vary based on weather, traffic conditions, road works etc.

See our ‘Show near to’ map

Here’s a great tip.

visit clare ireland

Our ‘show near to’ google map is really handy. Pick any place in Clare and you can see what’s near to it. You can also use the distance ‘slider’ to set any distance parameter (the default is 50km) and then filter by attractions, activities, places to eat, or places to stay. For example, places to eat within 10km of Ennis (the county capital); or places to golf within 60 km of wherever you are staying in Clare. You can view the ‘Show Near to” map here.

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Co Clare area is an ‘iconic literary landmark,’ expert says

This unique and unusual landscape in co clare inspired jrr tolkien's "lord of the rings.".

A double rainbow over The Burren in Co Clare.

The Burren in Co Clare, which inspired JRR Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," has been named an "iconic literary landmark" by literary experts.

One of the best parts of reading a great book is the new world it transports you to. Sometimes, that world is a fantasy, but sometimes your favorite author transports you to cities that actually exist, enabling you to experience the setting of your favorite stories in the real world.

With that in mind, literary analysis site Summary Guru has shared its top five literary landmarks around the world that every reader and book lover will want to experience,

The Burren in Co Clare was chosen for inspiring fantasy writer JRR Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings."

The Burren in  Co Clare. (Ireland's Content Pool)

The Burren in Co Clare. (Ireland's Content Pool)

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Summary Guru writes: "The Burren, a swirling, gray, rocky landscape that formed under the sea 50 million years ago, is a mystical terrain of vast limestone rock formations, caves, and fossils.

"It has an other-worldly, almost lunar feel, giving off what visitors have described as a magical energy. Naturally, a place like this has inspired numerous writers, including fantasy legend JRR Tolkien. 

"While exploring the unusual yet intriguing landscape that inspired JRR Tolkein’s Mordor from 'The Lord of the Rings', you may also want to pay a visit to a particular cave called Pollnagollum, which means ‘Hole of Gollum.’ Sound familiar?

"It is almost certain that this very cave inspired the infamous creature Gollum, who plays a major role in the Lord of the Rings series. Haunting calls and chirps coming from within the cave create raspy echoes eerily reminiscent of the melancholic voice of the creepy creature."

The Burren in Co Clare. (Ireland's Content Pool)

Looking for Irish book recommendations or to meet with others who share your love for Irish literature? Join IrishCentral’s Book Club on Facebook and enjoy our book-loving community.

Other locations recommended by the literary experts include The Windmills in Consuegra, Spain, which inspired Cervantes’ most well-known scene in "Don Quixote;" Hyde Park in London, a setting in such masterpieces as "Peter Pan," "The Picture of Dorian Gray," and the Harry Potter series; Luxembourg Gardens in Paris, which featured in "A Tale of Two Cities" and "Les Misérables;" and The Plaza Hotel in New York City, which featured prominently in "The Great Gatsby."

"A good book is the ultimate escapism. You find yourself totally immersed in a different world–making what feels like a personal connection to these characters," says Summary Guru.

"Now imagine if this imaginary world could be somehow brought to life…Wouldn’t you do it?’

Related: Books , The Burren

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The Irish Road Trip

Clare Island In Mayo: One Of The Wild Atlantic Ways Hidden Gems

By Author Emma Baird

Posted on Last updated: December 31, 2023

Clare Island In Mayo: One Of The Wild Atlantic Ways Hidden Gems

A visit to Clare Island is one of the more unique things to do in Mayo .

Immortalised in song by the Saw Doctors and in the Michael Morpurgo book, The Ghost of Grania O’Malley, Clare Island is one of Mayo’s true hidden gems.

There is plenty to see and do on the island and while many people enjoy a visit on a day trip, we recommend a few nights’ stay to take advantage of all that peace, quiet and scenery.

In the guide below, you’ll discover everything from things to do to places to eat, sleep and drink (plus the ferry info, of course!).

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows about Clare Island in Mayo

the lighthouse at night

Photo via Clare Island Lighthouse

A visit to Clare Island isn’t as straightforward as some of the other Mayo attractions , but it’s well worth the trip over from Roonagh Pier. Here are some need-to-knows.

1. Location

The island can be found three miles off the west Mayo coastline and it’s accessed via the Clare Island Ferry.

2. Getting to the island

To travel to the island, take the Clare Island Ferry from Roonagh Quay (west of Louisburgh) to the island. The journey takes 15 – 20 minutes and allows you to take in the area’s gorgeous scenery – Achill Island , Croagh Patrick  and the Nephin mountain range.

3. A very ‘hidden’ gem

Clare Island is a bit off the beaten path, which means that it doesn’t attract hoards of visitors, like some of Mayo’s other attractions. This just adds to the splendor of the island, as you’ll often feel like you have the whole place to yourself as you explore it on foot.

About Clare Island in Mayo

Clare Island ferry

Photo by Eoin Walsh (Shutterstock)

Clare Island (known as Oileán Chliara in Irish) is a mountainous island that guards the entry to Clew Bay and is well-known for being the home of the 16th century pirate queen Gráinne O’Malley.

The small island has a population of roughly 150 and is surrounded by other islands – Caher Island, Inishturk and Achill Island .

Clare Island was part of the O’Malley family’s lands and the remains of an old watch tower can be found close to the pier on the island’s east side. The abbey was founded by the family and may be the site of Grace O’Malley’s tomb.

In the late 16th century, a ship from the Spanish Armada was wrecked on the islands, its soldiers and sailors killed by the O’Malleys. A lighthouse was established on the island in 1806, later taken out of service in 1965. 

The Saw Doctors’ track Clare Island from the Same Oul’ Town album refers to the peaceful nature of the island, and it was also the setting for the 1987 Bob Quinn’s film Budawanny. He also shot a documentary there (The Island) in 1966.

Where you get the Clare Island Ferry from

things to do on Clare Island

Photos via Clare Island Ferry Co. (O’Grady’s) on Facebook

So, as you’ll have probably guessed at this stage, you need to take the Clare Island Ferry to get across to the island. Don’t let this put you off, as it’s nice and straightforward.

How long it takes

The Clare Island Ferry leaves from Roonagh Quay (west of the town of Louisburgh) and is a mere ten-minute journey .

How much it costs

Adults are charged €17 return, 13-18-year-olds and students €12 and children aged 5-12, €8. Under fives and OAPs with an Irish travel pass/NI smart travel card travel for free. There is a 10 percent discount if you book online (prices may change).

When it leaves

There are different timetables for summer/winter. During the busy months of May to September, there are five ferry journeys a day Monday to Friday, and four on a Saturday and Sunday. Journeys start at 8.30am through to 11am, depending on the day of the week (times may change).

Things to do on Clare Island

There’s plenty of things to do on Clare Island that make it well worth a day trip and, as you’ll see when you get down to the pubs section, well worth a stop-over.

Below, you’ll find everything from walks and the Clare Island Lighthouse to a  very  unique heritage tour and more.

1. Bask in beauty

The island is small and tends to be quiet. A visit here is like stepping back in time to days when traffic and the urban sprawl was not as commonplace as it is now. Revel in the scenery and the sound of the ocean.

2. Try one of the looped walks

walks on the island

Photo by Sandra Ramacher (Shutterstock)

Clare Island has a varied terrain, which makes it terrific for walking. There are some spectacular cliffs where you will see large numbers of nestling seabirds, and there are hills, bogs and woodland to explore.

The walks take in all aspects of the island’s rich history – from the archaeological remains of prehistoric times to the medieval paintings that can be seen in the abbey. Old potato ridges that can be seen clearly when the sun sets mark the lives of the former population, as Clare Island was once home to 1,600 people.

3. Soak up some history at the Abbey

The medieval church on Clare Island dates to the 12th century, although it was rebuilt around the mid-15th, and is unique because of how many of its original wall paintings survived to this day.

A visit here provides the opportunity to see what a 12th century medieval church would have looked like from the inside during its heyday. The abbey went through major conservation works in the 1990s, leading to the discovery of more images.

4. Give the Heritage Tour and whiskey tasting a bash

the heritage tour

Photo via Clare Island Whiskey

The heritage tour and whiskey tasting is a great way to find out more about the island’s history. Clare Island Sea Aged Whiskey is the first whiskey worldwide to be matured at sea – for three years and a day, no less.

The tour starts at the pier and explores Grace O’Malley’s castle, the 5000-year-old landscape and the Great Famine. You will hear the story of Clare Island Whiskey, and sample three of Ireland’s whiskeys that also use an alternative maturation process.

If you’re looking for things to do on Clare Island with a group of friends, you can’t go wrong with this very unique tour.

5. Ramble along the Archaeological Trail

the Archaeological trail

Before the O’Malleys established their claim to the island, prehistoric populations made it their home, as is shown by the 53 Bronze Age mounds on Clare Island.

Radiocarbon dating techniques have aged two of them to 2000 BCE, and two to about 1000 BCE, indicating a continuous population for centuries. The Archaeological Trail explores these ancient monuments.

6. Step back in time at Granuaile’s Castle

Granuaile’s Castle

Photo by Wirestock Creators (Shutterstock)

The Ó Máille (O’Malley), Kings of Umaill built Granuaile’s Castle in the 16th century and it became a stronghold for the pirate queen, Gráinne Ní Mháille (Grace O’Malley), as it gave her dominion over the waters of Clew Bay and the seas off the west coast of Mayo.

The structure, which is one of the more unique castles in Ireland history-wise, was converted to a police barracks in the 1820s and was taken over by the coastguard in 1831.

7. And then soak up some more at the Napoleonic Signal Tower

As you might guess from its name the signal tower was built in 1804 to counter the threat from Napoleon’s forces and is part of a network of towers along the Irish coast. It fell out of use after Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo.

8. Hit the water with Clare Island Adventures

Clare Island Adventures

Photos via Clare Island Adventures on Facebook

Outdoor enthusiasts rejoice! Adventure West offers the Clare Island Adventure for all those who want to embrace kayaking, raft building, a beach challenge, orienteering or hillwalking.

You can also rock climb or abseil. Why not try snorkeling to get a glimpse of the rich marine life that has made the waters surrounding Clare Island their home?

9. Or keep your feet dry and take a saunter along the sand

Clare Island beach is a rural, sandy beach – a lovely place for a stroll, picnic and a paddle. The beach surrounds the main harbour on the east side of the island and is safe to swim in.

10. Grab some fine views from the lighthouse

The Clare Island lighthouse is at the entrance to Clew Bay and offers incredible sea views. The lighthouse is used for private accommodation these days, but a walk to it rewards the eager tourist. 

Clare Island accommodation

There’s a decent bit of Clare Island accommodation on offer, from camping and B&Bs to the Clare Island hostel and much more.

Clare Island Lighthouse

Seeing as the lighthouse offers such amazing views, why not stay there? The listed Clare Island Lighthouse has a clean, minimalist interior look and offers the weary traveller a sanctuary from the outside world. You can stay there from Wednesdays to Sundays.

The Go Explore Hostel  is located in the House of the O’Donnels, the landlords of the Clew Bay area in the mid-1800s and it sits on top of a small cliff. It has all the modern facilities you would expect of a hostel and there’s an in-house traditional bar. 

B&Bs and guesthouses

There are plenty of B&Bs and guesthouses on Clare Island, including the Sea Breeze B&B, and O’Grady’s Guest Accommodation. Expect a warm welcome and a hearty breakfast.

Clare Island campsite is close to the pier and has showers, a drinking water tap and toilets available, and it costs €10 per tent. Enjoy a stay on the island that gets you as close to nature as possible.

Clare Island pubs and places to eat

pubs and places to eat

Photo via Sailor’s Bar & Restaurant / Go Explore Hostel on Facebook

There’s a handful of places to eat and pubs on Clare Island and, as you can see from the snap above, they look a little bit deadly!

1. Sailor’s Bar & Restaurant

This place is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dinner options include Sailor’s fish and chips, made using locally caught fresh white fish deep-fried in beer batter, a gourmet beef burger topped with crispy bacon and cheese, and a roast aubergine korma served with rice for vegetarians/vegans.

2. Macalla Farm

This a small, family run yoga and meditation retreat centre and working organic farm. It offers seasonal vegetarian cooking courses and mindful eating retreats. Most of the dishes they make come from ingredients that are locally grown and they specialise in sour dough bread making, which you can learn to do yourself on one of the courses.

3. Clare Island Community Centre

You can also grab a bite to eat and a pint at Clare Island Community Centre. This is a community owned property and all of the profits that are made here go back into the Clare Island community. Now, although we’re struggling to find much info on this place, the Google reviews (4.6/5 from 77 reviews) rave about the chowder, the chips, the coffee and the staff.

FAQs about visiting Clare Island in Mayo

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from how to get to Clare Island to what are the best things to do on Clare Island.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Is Clare Island worth visiting?

Yes. If you like incredible scenery, exploring on food, gorgeous sea food and a unique experience, you’ll love this place.

How long does the Clare Island Ferry take?

It’s takes the Clare Island Ferry just 10 minutes to get from the mainland to the island.

Are there many things to do on Clare Island?

Yes, you can step back in time at Granuaile’s Castle, ramble along the Archaeological Trail, give the Heritage Tour and whiskey tasting a bash, soak up some history at the Abbey, try one of the looped walks and much more.

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Tactical breakdown: Clare’s wide open spaces a stark contrast to Limerick solidity

Clare again showed a weakness when it comes to conceding goals, while waterford used their aerial prowess brilliantly in walsh park.

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Limerick’s Sean Finn, Dan Morrissey, Kyle Hayes and Diarmaid Byrnes with Peter Duggan of Clare - the All-Ireland champion's ability to defend in numbers was obvious in the Munster SHC clash. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho

Concession of goals

Over the course of last week, it was highlighted that Clare were top of the round-robin table in Munster for the combined championships of 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023, marginally ahead of Limerick who have been dominant in the provincial finals, winning three of these. The really staggering figure in the table though was Clare’s concession of goals across those 16 games, with 28 conceded (1.75 per game) compared to 11 for Limerick (0.69 per game). This was again a part of their downfall in the final quarter in Ennis last Sunday as they conceded three goals from a winning position, ultimately losing a nine-point lead. The video below contrasts the Limerick defensive structure in a 20th-minute effort for Clare, where bodies were thrown in the way and Cian Lynch was part of the heroic defending, compared to the openness of the Clare defence for the Donnacha Ó Dálaigh goal and the incomprehensible marking of Gearoid Hegarty for Gillane’s goal.

Clare's Achilles heel in recent years has been the concession of goals

Limerick’s delivery platform

The delivery of ball to their inside two of Aaron Gillane and Seamus Flanagan is a vital component of the Limerick game plan. This delivery of ball to the men inside, aligned with the half-forward line coming deep, has been a hallmark of the Treaty men for the last number of years. This was an area Clare really shut down in the 2nd and 3rd quarters of the game. Limerick only managed six deliveries to their forwards in the 2nd quarter, winning just two of these and yielding no return on the scoreboard. This was a period that Clare won 1-4 to 0-3. The work rate of Clare shutting Limerick down in this period was typified by David McInerney turning over Hegarty for a converted free just inside the Limerick 45m line in the 20th minute. The 3rd quarter saw Limerick get their deliveries back up to nine, but they lost eight of these as they landed poorly directed ball onto Clare backs, with John Conlan making hay. This left Clare up by eight points, 1-15 to 0-10 entering the closing quarter.

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However, Limerick’s delivery game did function in the opening quarter where they got off nine deliveries, winning five and yielding a return of 0-2 – it could have been more but their shooting was wayward. It was however in the final quarter where Limerick did some real damage, as they mined 2-2 off deliveries, as they worked the ball further up the field and supported the deliveries with runners. Furthermore, Adam English brought energy to the middle sector and Cian Lynch started to influence the game in the middle third, while Hegarty’s placement inside created a new dynamic.

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Battle of the Skies

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Waterford used a far more direct game, as they shocked Cork at Walsh Park. Davy Fitzgerald has been derided for his short passing game but the Déise were happy to go long at times and they won the battle of the skies. Waterford won 10 clean aerial balls in the game, compared to Cork only winning 5. It was what Waterford did with these aerial balls that really stood out, as they managed to convert 1-3, and almost had another goal in the first half, as a Jack Prendergast catch and offload led to Michael Kiely being denied by a spectacular Patrick Collins save. On the other hand, Cork only scored 0-2 from their catches. The dominance aerially of Kiely and Prendergast is highlighted in the video below. This was a clear element of the Waterford game plan as Shaun O’Brien used short puckouts sparingly. Worryingly for Cork, Conor Lehane was the only starting forward to win an aerial ball and it was the 72nd minute before substitute Robbie O’Flynn became the second forward to win one.

Q&A: When do the All-Ireland SFC & Tailteann Cup draws take place and how will they work?

Q&A: When do the All-Ireland SFC & Tailteann Cup draws take place and how will they work?

Championship 2024: This weekend’s football and hurling fixtures, throw-in times and TV details

Championship 2024: This weekend’s football and hurling fixtures, throw-in times and TV details

Premier County hope to Tipp the balance in Munster opener against Limerick

Premier County hope to Tipp the balance in Munster opener against Limerick

Seán Moran: If you think this season needs an overhaul, take a glance backwards

Seán Moran: If you think this season needs an overhaul, take a glance backwards

The likes of Michael Kiely and Jack Prendergast caused Cork problems with their ability in the air

No Country for Old Men?

Has anything changed for Cork? Year after year people are giving out about the same old brigade in the forwards. The trio of Patrick Horgan, Seamus Harnedy and Conor Lehane endured difficult afternoons which could have been so different. Lehane hit four wides and a shot short in the first half, as he exerted influence on the game. Harnedy was also prominent in the first half but his impact wasn’t being felt on the scoreboard – he had three shots which failed to register a point and he also assisted three shots which again didn’t result in a single white flag being raised. The St Ita’s man was at the pitch of the game and found his shooting boots as he hit two points in the second half before being called ashore in the 60th minute, where he was visibly disappointed.

Cork's Shane Barrett and Alan Connolly both showed a directness to their play against Waterford

Horgan drew a blank from play as he hit three wides. He was flawless from frees as he landed seven from seven, but he didn’t win any of these. Some of Pat Ryan’s underage class of 2020 were the source as Alan Connolly won two frees and Shane Barrett won another three. They bought aggression and directness to the forward unit. Connolly was immense in possession, the problem was he didn’t get enough supply. He landed 1-2 from balls he won himself and he was two from two for frees, when he took on the responsibility after Horgan was substituted. Barrett landed three points from play and also won three frees that were scored. The Blarney man also won three Cork puck-outs, although two of these ended up in wide balls. He also had a score involvement as Ger Millerick advanced for a point.

The Cork forwards are not far from clicking and their clash with Clare is sure to be a titanic tussle as both teams know that their season is on the line in Cork.

Paul O’Brien is a performance analyst with The Performance Process ( twitter.com/NoPlanBGAA ).

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Cliffs of Moher, County Clare

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Mention the word “Burren” and a barren limestone landscape springs to mind. Scratch that – a barren moonscape springs to mind. But this extraordinary region, part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark and nestled in the middle of the Wild Atlantic Way, isn’t as lifeless as you may think. Come April and May, the Burren blossoms into a unique rock garden with millions of wildflowers bursting up through the clints and grykes. It’s an extraordinary sight, even more so when you consider the ancient seeds were borne from Alpine, Arctic and Mediterranean climates.

There’s a surprising amount to do in the Burren too. Every May, the Burren in Bloom Festival celebrates the surrounding blossoms, shedding a light on the region's formation. And even your gifts are sorted as the Burren is home to its very own perfumery .

The Burren

The Burren, County Clare © Shutterstock

A huge rocky pavement dotted with rock formations, caves, fossils and an incredible array of plant life, The Burren is one of Ireland's most compelling landscapes.

When it comes to Hollywood, Clare’s Loop Head is no strangers to skywalkers and stargazers. While taking in the awesome sights of the Wild Atlantic Way, the cast and crew of Star Wars: The Last Jedi captured the majestic atmosphere of this mighty cliff peninsula for movie lovers to enjoy for years to come.

From the galaxy of Star Wars  to the magical might of the Cliffs of Moher, reaching rugged heights of 214m complete with panoramic views of the vast ocean below. This star of the majestic UNESCO Global Geopark featured in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince , setting the scene for the boy wizard’s hunt for horcruxes with his trusted headmaster, Professor Dumbledore.

county-clare-cliffs-of-moher

The Cliffs of Moher

There's a reason why everyone is drawn to these awe-inspiring cliffs...

From ocean lovers to putting champions, Clare offers an array of options.

Ever since surfing first exploded onto the Irish scene well over a decade ago, Lahinch has been the spiritual (and commercial) hub of surfing in Ireland. Venture south and you have the brown sugar sands at Spanish Point. Head north, and there’s the terracotta fringe of Fanore. Now all you need to do is get wet.

When it comes to clubs and rolling greens, Dr Martin Hawtree’s famous links golf course in Doonbeg offers an 18-hole championship circuit. While Ennis Golf Club and Lahinch Golf Club are relaxing retreats perfect for the novice or expert golfer.

Lahinch 11th Hole_county-clare

Lahinch Golf Course, County Clare © Steve Carr Golf

Ireland: a links paradise

With an astonishing one third of all the world’s links courses, Ireland is an island paradise for golfers.

Beautifully situated between the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, County Clare is home to gorgeous spots such as Lough Derg and the River Shannon, as well as leafy villages like Mountshannon and Killaloe. It’s a delightful stopover that you won’t regret exploring.

Boats from Doolin carry visitors to the Aran Islands  offshore. In the pubs of Milltown Malbay , traditional music sessions wind up precisely 11.30pm (or not). Steven Spielberg is among the visitors to have chilled out in Ballyvaughan, and the angling is amazing off Black Head.

No matter where you visit, big screen stardom and outstanding views abound in the proud "Banner County" of Clare.

Want to see more?

Here are some great reads to get you started

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Inspiration

Wild Atlantic Way

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INSPIRATION

Ireland's Hidden Heartlands

Cliffs of Moher moody

Harry Potter and the Cliffs of Moher

Eyeries-village

6 charming towns of the Wild Atlantic Way

Republic of Ireland

Loop Head lighthouse, County Clare

Cliffs and coves

Clare highlights.

Don't miss these things to see and do

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Burren Smokehouse

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Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

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Accommodation

Loop Head Lightkeeper's Cottage

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Clare Surf Safari

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Brogans Bar and Restaurant

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The Long Dock

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Kilkee Cliffs

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Doolin Cave

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Dromoland Castle Hotel

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Shannon Golf Club

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Dolphin Discovery Kilrush

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park in Bunratty, County Clare, is one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks. From the elegance and attention to detail of the careful restoration within the castle walls, to the charm and authenticity of the village street and farmhouses, it is easy to see why visitors are so impressed by this iconic attraction.

Irish Landmark rescue and restore unique properties and give them new life by letting them as self catering holiday accommodation. The properties range from lighthouses and schoolhouses, to castles and gate lodges.

Clare Surf Safari is a mobile surf school can pick up and drop off up to five learner surfers for a...

Doolin Cave in County Clare is home to the largest stalactite in Europe and boasts the deepest underground experience in the Burren region. Doolin Cave is a must see when exploring Ireland.

Dromoland Castle Hotel, Golf & Country Club is a five star castle located just 13km from Shannon Airport in County Clare.

Getting to Clare

Fly to Shannon airport and you’re just a drive away. Or head to Dublin or Belfast and take the scenic cross-country route. Coming by ferry? Cork and Rosslare are your closest ports.

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  • Entertainment

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Watch: Late two-goal salvo from Limerick sees All-Ireland champions overcome Clare in Munster

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All-Ireland champions Limerick are off to the best possible start in the Munster Hurling Championship after two late goals nosed them to victory over Clare.

Hotly anticipated as the game of the weekend, the action did not disappoint and thrilled the 20,055 at Cusack Park to watch it as the Treaty eventually got over the winning line via an impressive comeback.

Today's top videos

Story continues below.

Clare were already two to the good when Aidan McCarthy goaled on the half hour after a smart lay-off from Shane O’Donnell.

Limerick forward Tom Morrissey is tackled by Clare's Darragh Lohan during the Munster Senior Hurling Championship Round 1 match between Clare and Limerick at Cusack Park. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

McCarthy clocked up 1-08 in all in a positive first half from Brian Lohan’s men, with Gearóid Hegarty knocking over three from play and Aaron Gillane comfortably splitting the posts with a pair of frees to keep Limerick five behind at the break.

There was more to follow from the Banner as the second half got underway, and as McCarthy kept his eye in from the dead balls there was also a pair of points from Mark Rodgers as well as an effort from Seadna Morey, the latter’s effort stretching Clare’s lead to eight with 52 minutes played.

Clare forward Shane O'Donnell is tackled by Limerick's Barry Nash during the Munster Senior Hurling Championship Round 1 match between Clare and Limerick at Cusack Park. Pic: John Sheridan/Sportsfile

Three Limerick points without reply were followed by a first goal of the game for John Kiely’s side as Diarmaid Byrnes’ 65 went in on top of the square before Gillane appeared to get the final touch with a deft flick to the back of the net.

David Reidy’s point made it a two-point game before Donnacha O Dalaigh latched onto a slip at the heart of the Clare defence and hared away before knocking an effort into the ground which beat Eibehear Quilligan in the Clare goal and put Limerick a point ahead.

LIMERICK GOAL! A Diarmaid Byrnes free finds its way to the Clare net as Aaron Gillane an Conor Cleary tussled in front of Eibhear Quilligan 📱Live updates https://t.co/YgCyiCIAIZ 📺Watch on @rte2 and @RTEplayer https://t.co/ZfZ9mA9XTY 📻Commentary on @RTERadio1 pic.twitter.com/AwiL6tTHGe — The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) April 21, 2024
TWO GOALS FOR LIMERICK! What a turnaround as the All-Ireland champions score two in as many minutes 📱Live updates https://t.co/YgCyiCIAIZ 📺Watch on @rte2 and @RTEplayer https://t.co/ZfZ9mA9XTY 📻Commentary on @RTERadio1 pic.twitter.com/9ON9ztZtHl — The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) April 21, 2024

Limerick went on to notch a second goal within two minutes, with Gillane pouncing on a rebound off the post to tap in his second major of the day before Cian Lynch launched a point over to steer them four clear with a minute of normal time remaining.

A point from Tony Kelly in the 72nd minute made it a one-score game once again but Clare couldn’t find the second goal they so badly needed on a day when their opponents found theirs at pivotal moments to seal a dramatic win.

Joe Canning explains how Limerick managed to pull off comeback win vs Clare

Limerick star eyeing move for munster hurling final to croke park, ‘this was massive’ – davy fitzgerald comes out swinging after waterford overcome cork, must read gaa.

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  3. See the Cliffs of Moher and More–What to Do in County Clare, Ireland

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  6. Travel Guide to County Clare, Ireland

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COMMENTS

  1. Welcome To County Clare

    Stunning scenery sets the backdrop for great times Golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, pleasure lakes, islands, the River Shannon, the Burren GeoPark, and fabulous fun activities - all wrapped up in a warm welcome. Explore Places to go… Clare is a wonderful home of great times. In an area less than 2-hours drive from end-to-end, it...

  2. 32 Best Things To Do In Clare in 2024

    A visit to the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival is one of the more unique Clare attractions (especially if you're looking for love) and it's one of the older festivals in Ireland. The festival, which has been running for a whopping 160+ years, started its life as a way of helping local bachelors find love.

  3. Plan a Visit to County Clare with Discover Ireland

    Truly incredible experiences Discover iconic landscapes, surf on Ireland's most stunning beaches, visit caves and explore colourful villages steeped in history. More inspiration. Adventure and sports. 10 things to do on your trip to County Clare. Co. Clare. Cycling. Explore the Burren Discovery Trail. The Burren. The great outdoors.

  4. County Clare

    Local hotspots. Beautifully situated between the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, County Clare is home to gorgeous spots such as Lough Derg and the River Shannon, as well as leafy villages like Mountshannon and Killaloe. It's a delightful stopover that you won't regret exploring. Boats from Doolin carry visitors to the ...

  5. 12 Best Things To Do in County Clare (For 2024)

    9.Shannon Estuary. Since Co. Clare is surrounded by water practically on all sides, a good way to explore it and see the sights is by taking a ferry. A ride takes you across the Shannon Estuary, then into the Atlantic ocean where you can marvel at views all the way to Kerry. Definitely a good way to relax while enjoying a scenic ferry ride, it ...

  6. Plan Your Visit To County Clare

    Drive time from Dublin City to Ennis, the capital town of Clare, is less than 2.5 hours on a motorway, or from Dublin to the centre of Clare's Wild Atlantic Way coastline takes 3 hours. Cork City to Ennis is less than a two-hour drive. Galway City to Ennis takes less than 60 minutes, and Limerick City to Ennis is 36 minutes.

  7. 10 Things To Do in County Clare with Discover Ireland

    8. Scattery Island. 9. Loop Head and Lighthouse. 10. The Shannon Ferry from Clare to Kerry. View places on map. 1 The Cliffs of Moher. When you think of Clare, you probably think of the Cliffs of Moher looming 700 feet above the crashing Atlantic along 8km of rugged, unspoiled coastline.

  8. County Clare

    Walks, hikes and beaches in Clare. County Clare is a walker paradise, even though the terrain is relatively flat. From coastal walks, like the Doolin Cliff Walk, to beautiful beaches in Clare, like Fanore, there's countless places to stretch your legs in this corner of Ireland.

  9. County Clare travel

    Ireland, Europe. County Clare combines spectacular windswept landscapes and vibrant Irish culture. The ocean relentlessly pounds Clare's coast year-round, eroding rock into fantastic formations, and fashioning sheer rock crags including those at the iconic Cliffs of Moher and at ends-of-the-earth Loop Head. Right along the coast, the waves are ...

  10. County Clare Main Highlights

    The Burren in County Clare is a remarkable limestone area that is unique in Europe. Its geology, flora, caves, archaeology, history and farming traditions set it apart as a place of great mystery and beauty. Visit and you will discover ancient tombs, brooding castles, tranquil lakes, towering cliffs, golden beaches, ice age valleys, rock ...

  11. Things to Do in County Clare, Ireland

    4. Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations. Caherconnell Stone Fort, situated 1km south of Poulnabrone dolmen in the heart of the Burren Ireland, offers you the opportunity to visit an exceptionally well - preserved example of the stone forts or stone ringforts which are to be found in the Burren Ireland.

  12. 15 Best Things To Do In Clare {Ireland} Complete Travel Guide

    Witness the The Bridges of Ross. 15. Water Sports at Lough Derg. Planning what to do in Clare (Ireland): All common questions answered. 1. Explore Bunratty Castle and it's awesome folk park. Bunratty Castle is a pretty cool one and Bradley and I did visit, we just didn't get past the gift shop.

  13. Plan a Visit to County Clare

    Clare. County Clare is renowned for its legacy in traditional Irish music and is home to an abundance of visual riches and spectacular scenery. Clare is located on the far west coast of Ireland, bordered by Galway Bay to the north, Lough Derg to the east, the River Shannon to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.

  14. County Clare Ireland: Where to stay and What to do

    Welcome to County Clare, in the West of Ireland! The Wild Atlantic Way, from the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher to wind swept Loop Head Peninsula; the towns of Ennis, Lahinch, Kilrush and Kilkee; historic places like Bunratty and Knappogue; Lough Derg and the Shannon: the unspoiled natural beauty and the spectacular coastline are not the only assets of County Clare.

  15. Places

    VisitClare.ie is the official tourism website of County Clare. The website is managed by the Tourism Department of Clare County Council. County Clare is less than 130 km from end to end and yet, within it, you will find all the components of a magical visit. The welcome awaits.

  16. 10 BEST things to do in Clare in 2024 (we tried them all)

    10. Find love in Lisdoonvarna Town - a town steeped in history, love, and tradition. 9. Grab a cup of tea at Father Ted's house - ah go on, go on, go on. 8. Immerse yourself in history at Scattery Island - a historic island. 7. Go golfing at one of Clare's many great golf courses - perfect that swing. 6.

  17. Travel Guide to County Clare

    From cliffs to coasts, open limestone landscapes to lush hills, and snug villages to ancient heritage, County Clare has a plethora of places to discover. Clare is the perfect place to soak up the west coast of Ireland's natural beauty. Read our travel guide to get an overview of this small but amazing county along the central Wild Atlantic Way.

  18. 10 Places to Visit in County Clare

    On the Clare side, some nice places to visit along the lakeshore include Killaloe, a picturesque town with nice bars and restaurants and a 13th-century cathedral, Scariff and Mountshannon where you can take a boat trip across to Holy Island in the centre of the lough. Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.

  19. Burrent National Park Guide (Includes MAP With Attractions)

    Although a visit to the Burren National Park is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that'll make your visit that bit more enjoyable. 1. Location. You'll find the Burren in County Clare in south-west Ireland, where it's home to several little towns and villages and hundreds of things to see and do. 2.

  20. Map

    Our 'show near to' google map is really handy. Pick any place in Clare and you can see what's near to it. You can also use the distance 'slider' to set any distance parameter (the default is 50km) and then filter by attractions, activities, places to eat, or places to stay. For example, places to eat within 10km of Ennis (the county ...

  21. The Burren in Co Clare is an 'iconic literary landmark'

    Apr 23, 2024. A double rainbow over The Burren in Co Clare. Ireland's Content Pool. The Burren in Co Clare, which inspired JRR Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," has been named an "iconic literary ...

  22. Clare Island Info

    Find us. Clare Island Ferry Company is based out of Roonagh Harbour, Louisburgh, County Mayo, Ireland. Read More. Clare Island Info, Information for Visitors to the Island - Entertainment, Festivals, Events, Ferry and Accommodation listings on Clare Island.

  23. Clare Island Guide: The Ferry, Attractions + Pubs (2024)

    Clare Island pubs and places to eat. Photo via Sailor's Bar & Restaurant / Go Explore Hostel on Facebook. There's a handful of places to eat and pubs on Clare Island and, as you can see from the snap above, they look a little bit deadly! 1. Sailor's Bar & Restaurant. This place is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

  24. Tactical breakdown: Clare's wide open spaces a stark contrast to

    This was an area Clare really shut down in the 2nd and 3rd quarters of the game. Limerick only managed six deliveries to their forwards in the 2nd quarter, winning just two of these and yielding ...

  25. County Clare

    Local hotspots. Beautifully situated between the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, County Clare is home to gorgeous spots such as Lough Derg and the River Shannon, as well as leafy villages like Mountshannon and Killaloe. It's a delightful stopover that you won't regret exploring. Boats from Doolin carry visitors to the ...

  26. Watch: Late two-goal salvo from Limerick sees All-Ireland champions

    21/04/2024. All-Ireland champions Limerick are off to the best possible start in the Munster Hurling Championship after two late goals nosed them to victory over Clare. Hotly anticipated as the game of the weekend, the action did not disappoint and thrilled the 20,055 at Cusack Park to watch it as the Treaty eventually got over the winning line ...

  27. Clare steel to edge Cork change in April knockout clash

    Clare's mental steel should have edge over Cork's new blood in April knockout hurling. Updated / Wednesday, 24 Apr 2024 08:34. Hard to believe that the words knockout and April would ever be in ...