The incredible landscape of County Clare, on the west coast of Ireland, attracts visitors from all over the world. The Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark is an internationally important natural wonder which has to be seen to be believed! However, there is more than amazing scenery to enjoy in this delightful corner of Ireland…

Nestled between the counties of Galway, Tipperary and Limerick, towards the south west of Ireland, Clare is a magical place which boasts a dramatic rocky coastline, a unique weathered landscape, hundreds of significant ancient monuments and dozens of fascinating historic buildings to explore. It is a hub for lovers of traditional Irish music, played in many of the pubs across the county, and Clare is a magnet for those who enjoy activity holidays. With a truly diverse range of excellent accommodation and a plethora of pubs and restaurants serving fresh, locally sourced food, Clare is a fantastic destination for a vacation in Ireland.

The unique landscape of The Burren

Perhaps the most famous landscape in County Clare is The Burren, a remarkable limestone area which is unique in Europe and often described as a lunar landscape. Its geology, flora, archaeology and history set it apart from the rest of Ireland as a place of great mystery and beauty.

At the heart of the Burren is Poulnabrone Dolmen, the oldest megalithic structure in Ireland and one of the most iconic. This ancient monument is thought to date back 3,800 years and archaeological excavations have revealed that the bones of 16 adults and six children were placed within the tomb, most likely after ritual funeral ceremonies. The location of Poulnabrone Dolmen on the open expanse of the Burren makes this site extra special.

Poulnabrone Dolmen

The world-famous Cliffs of Moher, which forms the UNESCO geopark with The Burren, is Ireland’s most visited natural attraction. The cliffs stretch for nine miles along the coast and reach over 700 feet at their highest point. O’Brien’s Tower, located on the highest cliff, is an exceptional viewing point and a boat trip from Doolin to see the cliffs from the sea is an unforgettable experience!

Cliffs of Moher

The charming coastal village of Doolin is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and it's also the gateway for those looking to visit the fabled Aran Islands, the last land to the west before you reach America, famous for their wild landscapes, distinctive knitted jumpers and pretty cottages.

The pretty village of Doolin

Doolin is a discovery point on the Wild Atlantic Way, the remarkable tourist route which stretches for 1,600 miles along Ireland’s west coast – one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world. Clare’s section of the Wild Atlantic Way route includes 17 special Discovery Points and two Signature Points – the Cliffs of Moher and Loop Head. Murrooghtoohy, at the most northerly tip of County Clare, has amazing views over Galway Bay, the Aran Islands and Oranmore Bay, to the east of Galway city. 

Fanore Beach

As well as towering cliffs, the coast of County Clare is famous for its beautiful beaches. Fanore Beach, for example, is an extensive sandy beach near the village of Fanore in the heart of the UNESCO Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark. The beach is extremely popular with surfers, swimmers and walkers, and is backed by amazing sand dunes.

County Clare is bordered to the south by the mighty River Shannon, the longest river in the whole of the British Isles. This majestic river, with idyllic Lough Derg, is a top location for water sports enthusiasts. Killaloe marks the spot where the river enters the lough, making it a hugely popular leisure destination and popular stop-off point for anyone sailing up and down the River Shannon. Killaloe is steeped in history: explore quaint narrow streets before climbing the steep hillside to look down over St. Molua’s Church and the 13th century St. Flannan’s Cathedral.

Killaloe

Holy Island (Inis Cealtra) on Shannon’s Lough Derg, is one of Ireland’s most famous monastic sites. Accessed by boat from the pretty village of Mountshannon, the island has been an important religious site since the fifth and sixth centuries. Visitors to the island today can see the round tower, several churches, and a ‘bargaining stone’ used to seal a deal with a handshake through a hole in a rock!

Holy Island (Inis Cealtra)

The town of Shannon on the Shannon estuary is something else entirely! Served by an international airport, this is one of the first places many visitors to Ireland will pass through, but it’s worth pausing to visit the Aviation Museum in the town.

At the mouth of the River Shannon, on the Loop Head peninsula, stands the historic Loop Head Lighthouse, which offers spectacular views of the river itself as well as the Clare coast, from Kerry Head and Dingle in the south to the Cliffs of Moher in the north. Loop Head Lighthouse, one of the most important lights on the Irish Coast, has been guarding the entrance to the busiest river in Ireland since 1670.

Loop Head Lighthouse

Lying at the mouth of the Moyarta river as it enters the horseshoe-shaped Carrigaholt Bay is the picturesque fishing village of Carrigaholt. The largest village on the Loop Head peninsula, Carrigaholt is renowned for its seafood restaurants, bustling piers, cliffs and small beach, and a 15th century castle that stands guard over the mouth of the River Shannon. On the way to the Loop Head peninsula, it’s also worth a short detour to visit wonderful Vandeleur Walled Garden, one of the finest in Ireland.

Vandeleur Walled Garden

Just south of the town of Shannon lies Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. One of Ireland’s best known tourist attractions, Bunratty Castle is considered to be the most complete and authentic castle in Ireland. The Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet ticks all the boxes for anyone seeking a dining experience with a difference!

Adjacent to the castle is the enchanting folk park, which replicates 19th-century village life in Ireland. The pet farm in the folk park hosts an array of Irish rare breeds and the Fairy Trail is perfect for kids of all ages.

Bunratty Folk Park

Durty Nelly’s, in the shadow of the castle, is one of Ireland’s most famous Irish pubs, which hosts traditional music sessions every night of the week. In fact, Clare is considered to be the spiritual home of Irish music and visitors can enjoy traditional music sessions in pubs in towns and villages throughout the county – perfect for a fun evening of great music, friendly conversation and tall tales!

No visit to Clare would be complete without a visit to the county’s capital, Ennis. The medieval town is one of Ireland’s most picturesque, crammed as it is with narrow streets and characterful buildings. The town is a perfect base for visitors and offers a diverse range of shops (it is described as the boutique capital of Ireland!), cosy cafés, top-class restaurants and excellent accommodation.

Quin Abbey

The quaint village of Quin, just outside of Ennis, is centred around an ancient Franciscan abbey. Built on the foundations of an earlier Norman castle, 14th century Quin Abbey is one of the finest and most complete in Ireland. The cloisters, which remain one of the abbey's most prominent features, were constructed in the 15th century.

Quin is close to several sites of natural, archaeological and architectural heritage significance, and in fact walking is one of the best ways to fully absorb the beauty of Clare. A network of quiet country roads, forest paths, mountain and coastal trails traverse the county.  

County Clare is a magnet for adventure tours and offers a wide range of outdoor activities. With its wonderful coastline and wide river, Clare is the perfect destination for water lovers, and visitors flock from all over Ireland and beyond to enjoy surfing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, angling and diving. On land, horse-riding, hiking, climbing and cycling are popular, and for those who like to take their exercise at a slower pace, Clare has eleven top-quality golf courses to choose from. 

When it comes to accommodation, Clare offers something for all tastes and budgets, ranging from luxury castles and top quality hotels and guesthouses to farmhouses, self-catering holiday homes, camping and glamping. Five star Dromoland Castle has been welcoming guests since the 16th century. Dromoland Castle is the ancestral home of the O’Briens of Dromoland, whose lineage dates back 1,000 years to Brian Boru, one of the last High Kings of Ireland.

Dromoland Castle luxury hotel

The Atlantic Ocean, as well as the rivers, lakes and pasturelands provide Clare with a rich harvest of fine food ingredients. These ingredients are creatively used, and great food is available in casual and formal dining establishments from hotels and restaurants, to cafés and pubs. 

Perfect for a short break or a longer vacation, Clare has so much to offer, and one of the most remarked upon features by visitors to the county is the warmth of the welcome they receive. In Clare, first and foremost, you are spending time among friends.

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made tour of County Clare in Ireland, please do contact our friendly team today.

With thanks to Visit Clare.