County Clare captivates visitors with its dramatic western coastline, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the stark, moon-like limestone landscape of the Burren. The county is home to the iconic Cliffs of Moher, rising from the churning seas to offer vertiginous views that embody the raw power of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.
Culture and nature exist in remarkable harmony here. The Burren’s unique ecology supports Arctic, Alpine and Mediterranean flora side by side, creating a vibrant ecosystem in an environment that appears barren. Meanwhile, the region pulses with traditional Irish music; the lively pubs of Doolin and the medieval lanes of Ennis provide warm hospitality and some of the finest musical sessions in all of Ireland.
The county is a mesmerising showcase of dramatic landscapes and deep-rooted heritage. From the towering Cliffs of Moher to the rugged Loop Head Peninsula, the coastline offers breathtaking panoramas at every turn. Inland, the fascinating Aillwee Cave and the ancient Poulnabrone Dolmen reveal the prehistoric secrets of the Burren, while the 15th-century Bunratty Castle and Folk Park provides a vibrant glimpse into mediaeval life. For an unforgettable adventure, visitors can catch a ferry to the monastic settlement on Scattery Island or explore the majestic coastal routes by foot and bicycle.
County Clare is not just a visual spectacle but a cultural powerhouse, celebrated globally for its vibrant traditional music scene. The welcoming pubs of Doolin and Ennis resonate nightly with the sounds of fiddles and song, ensuring a spirited atmosphere year-round. This lively community spirit is further highlighted by unique local events, from the culinary delights of the Burren Slow Food Festival to the legendary matchmaking festivities in Lisdoonvarna. With thrilling water sports in Lahinch and world-class golf along the coast, the county guarantees an exhilarating and deeply memorable Irish experience.
Ballyvaughan, clare
Aillwee Cave runs a 45-minute guided tour through more than 600 metres of passage carved by glacial meltwater, reaching 90 metres below the Burren limestone, with the skeletons of an Ice Age brown bear found here in 1976. Above ground there's a birds of prey centre, the Burren Gold cheese farm shop and a woodland walk over Galway Bay.
Mountshannon, clare
A free community park in the centre of Mountshannon, built around a maze of timber, stone and foliage that traces around 9,000 years of Irish spirituality and ends in a quiet labyrinth. Villagers opened it in 2000 to save the last green space in the village; it now also holds a playground, a book-swap and a summer information desk, a short walk from the boats out to Holy Island.
Ennistymon, clare
Situated on Lahinch Road near Ennistymon, the An Gorta Mór Memorial offers a quiet, contemplative space to reflect on Ireland’s Great Famine. The stark stone composition and detailed interpretive panels bring the human cost of 1845–1852 into sharp focus, making it a meaningful stop for history and heritage visitors.
Northern bank of the River Shannon, clare
Ardnacrusha is the site of Ireland’s pioneering Shannon Scheme, where a massive hydro-electric plant still powers the nation. Visitors can walk the head-race canal, stand beneath towering turbines and discover the story of a nation electrified.
Ballinalacken Castle, clare
Ballinalacken Castle combines a well-preserved medieval tower house with a refined country-house hotel perched on a limestone outcrop. Guests can explore the battlements, dine on locally sourced Burren produce, and walk through a thriving wildflower meadow overlooking Galway Bay.
Ennis, clare
Ballyallia Lake is a 308-hectare wetland on the River Fergus just north of Ennis, protected as a Ramsar site, Special Area of Conservation and bird sanctuary. A flat loop trail circles it, a small stony slipway gives summer swimming (lifeguarded July and August), and Clare WaterSports hires kayaks and paddleboards in summer. In winter the lake draws up to 40 whooper swans.
Kilfenora, clare
Ballykinvarga’s defence is a chevaux-de-frise: a double band of upright stone spikes set in the field outside the wall, meant to break a charge on foot. It’s the best surviving example in Ireland after Dún Aonghasa on Inis Mór. The cashel itself has limestone walls up to 4.5 m high and 6 m thick, on private farmland near Kilfenora.
Ballynacally, clare
Set on the banks of the Shannon Estuary, Ballynacally pairs early Christian heritage with rugged Norman ruins and thriving wetland habitats. Walk the Lissycasey Cascades Loop, explore the secluded St Martin’s Holy Well, and take in sweeping estuary views from this peaceful West Clare village.
Corofin, clare
One of the few Gaelic tower houses in Clare to come through the 17th century intact, Ballyportry sits on a rocky outcrop near Corofin in the heart of the Burren. The whole castle rents as a single let, sleeping eight across six bedrooms, with a vaulted Great Hall at the top and a kitchen at ground level. It is not open to day visitors.
Ballyvaughan, clare
Ballyvaughan sits on a sheltered inlet of Galway Bay, where a working pier, the ruins of an O'Loghlen tower house and the bare limestone of the Burren meet. The 35 km Burren Way starts and ends here, and the slipway rebuilt in 2006 draws kayakers, paddle-boarders and divers.
Kilkee, clare
Rising 40 metres from the Atlantic, Bishops Island (Oileán an Easpoig Gortaigh) is a striking sea-stack separated from the mainland over the last millennium. From the roadside viewpoint near Kilkee, visitors can spot the dry-stone church and beehive hut of an early Christian settlement, perched precariously on the rock's summit.
Black Head, clare
Black Head marks the western edge of the Burren, where the limestone drops into Galway Bay below a small 1936 lighthouse. It is the trailhead for a hard 26km loop walk over Green Roads and limestone pavement, with a shorter 14.5km version for most walkers.
Bunratty, clare
Bunratty pairs a 15th-century O'Brien tower house, reroofed and refurnished in the 1950s, with a 26-acre folk park of rescued thatched cottages and an 1804 Georgian house. The castle runs medieval banquets nightly, and the whole site sits ten minutes from Shannon Airport off the N18.
Ballyvaughan, clare
Founded in 1993, the Burren College of Art is built around Newtown Castle, a 16th-century tower house its founders restored on the limestone edge of the Burren. Visitors can see free contemporary exhibitions, climb the castle, join week-long summer workshops, and follow a sustainability walk past the college’s woodland and solar array.
Lisdoonvarna, clare
Step inside the Burren Smokehouse to discover the craft behind Ireland’s celebrated smoked salmon. This family-run visitor centre combines traditional oak-kissed kilns with interactive exhibits, craft-beer tastings, and a gourmet shop, all set against the dramatic limestone landscape of County Clare.
Lahinch, clare
The Burren Way runs 118.8 km from Lahinch to Corofin, crossing Ireland's largest area of karst limestone over about five days. It takes in the Cliffs of Moher, Poulnabrone dolmen and the music pubs of Doolin, though roughly 85% of it is on quiet public roads rather than open hill.
Fanore, clare
The Caher is the one river in the Burren to flow its entire course above ground, down the Caher Valley to the sea at Fanore. For a few wet weeks a year it becomes a fast, technical grade 3-4 kayak run; the rest of the time it's the spine of a 14km valley walk past a fulacht fiadh and an old church, under hills named for their ring forts.
Burren National Park, clare
Cahercommaun is a triple-ring stone fort set on the edge of a limestone cliff above a wooded valley in the Burren. A 1934 Harvard expedition dug out its souterrains, a silver brooch and the tools of a 9th-century wool-farming community. It is unguided, free, and reached only on foot.
Cappagh, clare
Cappagh Pier (also Cappa Pier) sits on the Shannon Estuary just outside Kilrush, its oldest stonework dating to 1764. The small rocky beach beside it is the estuary's only Blue Flag bathing spot, lifeguarded in summer, and the pier is an embarkation point for the short ferry to the monastic ruins on Scattery Island.
Ballyvaughan, clare
Rising to 312 m on the edge of the Burren, Cappanwalla Mountain rewards walkers with sweeping views across Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Accessible via a moderate 6.3 km loop or as part of the challenging 26 km Black Head Loop, it sits in a UNESCO Global Geopark famous for its ancient karst landscape and rare wildflowers.
Carran, clare
Carran is the only village in the high Burren, a scatter of houses around Cassidy's pub above the region's largest turlough. It is the birthplace of Michael Cusack, co-founder of the GAA, whose family cottage is now a visitor centre, and home to the Burren Perfumery, Ireland's oldest, which is free to visit. A 5 km loop from the pub takes in a 15th-century church ruin and a holy well.
Carrigaholt, clare
Seven Spanish Armada ships sheltered in Carrigaholt's bay in 1588, and the McMahons' 15th-century tower house still stands over the pier, now for external viewing only. The main draw today is the Shannon Estuary's resident bottlenose dolphins, watched from boats out of the Castle Pier, alongside seafood, sea angling and a small sandy beach.
Ennis, clare
Dominating the Fergus floodplain, Clare Abbey stands as the largest surviving Augustinian complex in County Clare. Its towering square belfry and 15th-century traceried windows overlook a tranquil riverside setting, offering a quiet escape just minutes from Ennis.
Ennis, clare
Clare Museum on Arthur's Row in Ennis tells 6,000 years of County Clare through one permanent exhibition, The Riches of Clare. It is free, fully accessible and comfortably done in an hour. Among the objects are finds from Poulnabrone portal tomb, letters from Daniel O'Connell and the pen Neville Chamberlain used in 1938.
Clarecastle, clare
Perched on the banks of the River Fergus, Clarecastle blends medieval history with tranquil riverside scenery. Explore the castle ruins, wander the heritage trail, and enjoy a village that serves as a perfect base for exploring County Clare.
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Towering over the Atlantic on the Wild Atlantic Way, the Cliffs of Moher offer striking geology, abundant wildlife and centuries of coastal history. Explore O’Brien’s Tower, walk the rugged headlands, and discover the visitor centre’s interactive exhibits on this iconic Irish landmark.
Near Bellharbour, clare
Corcomroe Abbey is a Cistercian church set in a green hollow of the grey Burren, founded for monks from Inislounaght around 1195 and built in the early 13th century. The carved capitals and ribbed vault at the east end are among the finest medieval stonework in any Irish Cistercian ruin. It is free, unstaffed and open in daylight, near Bellharbour in north Clare.
Corofin, clare
Corofin sits at the edge of the Burren, offering a relaxed base for exploring limestone landscapes, ancient monastic sites, and tranquil lakes. The village is home to the Clare Heritage Museum, a thriving traditional music scene, and the seasonal Burren & Cliffs Explorer shuttle.
Fanore, clare
A small rural graveyard on the R477 near Fanore on the Clare coast, also called Fanore Cemetery. Its weathered slate markers and Celtic-cross headstones are unmistakably 19th-century, set against Burren pasture and the distant Atlantic. The Clare Library puts the area's 1901 Census, Griffith's Valuation and historic OS maps online, so the stones can be cross-checked against named families.
Cratloe, clare
Cratloe combines a quiet village atmosphere with a sprawling 700-hectare forest that once supplied oak for Westminster Hall. Visitors can follow marked woodland trails to ancient oak stands, explore medieval tower houses, and enjoy sweeping views across the Shannon estuary toward the Galtee Mountains.
Corofin, clare
Cross Inneenboy is a rare 12th-century tau cross, barely half a metre high, carved from a single block of Burren limestone with double heads facing up from each arm. The original sits in Corofin's heritage centre after being stolen twice; a free replica stands on Roughan Hill, on the Burren Way.
River Fergus, clare
Just a short boat ride from Ballynacally, Deer Island offers a quiet escape into County Clare’s past. Wander through early Christian ruins, visit the holy well of Tobar Breedia, and reflect on the island’s history as a monastic retreat and aristocratic deer park.
clare
On the edge of the Burren, Doolin bursts with traditional music, towering limestone cliffs and a world-class cave. From the bustling pubs to the pier that launches you to the Aran Islands, the village is a compact gateway to Ireland’s wild Atlantic charm.
clare
Doon is a Coillte forest on the shore of Doon Lough, 3.5km northwest of Broadford in east Clare, with flat unwaymarked walking tracks, a lakeside picnic site and a noted pike lake. The tower house and mansion that gave 'the fort' its name are both long demolished, but three canoes over 2,000 years old were found in the lake in 1986. Free to visit, with a lay-by car park off the R466.
Doonagore, clare
Doonagore Castle stands as a striking sandstone sentinel above Doolin, its 16th-century tower house framing sweeping views of the Atlantic and the Burren. Though privately owned and closed to interior visits, the castle remains a compelling stop for history enthusiasts and photographers, with straightforward roadside access and a rugged coastal setting.
Kilrush, clare
A 15th-century tower house by a seven-arched bridge, a Blue Flag strand for swimming and a surf beach that isn't one, and a Trump-owned links course – Doonbeg packs a lot into Ireland's self-styled longest village.
West End, clare
One bare wall with five gaping windows is all that survives of Dough Castle, a tower house on a tidal sandbank where the Inagh River meets the sea at Lahinch. Time your visit for low or mid-tide: at high water the approach goes under.
Newmarket-on-Fergus, clare
Step into a 16th-century O'Brien estate where polished stone halls meet rolling parkland and a tranquil lake. Dromoland Castle combines centuries of Irish heritage with modern luxury, making it a premier base for exploring the Wild Atlantic Way.
Ennis, clare
Set within the 400-hectare Dromore Woodland Nature Reserve, this shallow freshwater lake offers peaceful walking trails, rich birdlife and the atmospheric ruins of a 17th-century O’Brien tower house.
Kilkee, clare
At the western mouth of Kilkee’s horseshoe bay, Duggerna Reef exposes a network of turquoise tidal pools at low tide. Visitors can wade, snorkel or simply admire the striking contrast between grey limestone and sparkling sea, all sheltered by a historic natural breakwater.
Dysert, clare
Perched on a limestone outcrop south of Corofin, Dysert O’Dea Castle blends a meticulously restored medieval tower house with a 12th-century church and carved high cross. Visitors can wander furnished rooms, climb to an enclosed roof-walk for sweeping Burren views, and follow a marked trail linking 25 ancient monuments.
Dysert, clare
The carved stone doorway of Dysert O’Dea Church rises from the stark limestone of north County Clare, framing centuries of early Irish monastic life. Visitors can walk among the ruined nave, a damaged round tower and a 12th-century high cross, all set against a sweeping Burren landscape.
East Clare, clare
From the expansive waters of Lough Derg to ancient stone churches and quiet country lanes, East Clare offers a peaceful blend of outdoor adventure and living history. Paddle across calm lakes, explore medieval ruins, and walk the region’s scenic trails away from the busy coast.
clare
Between crumbling medieval churches and paved car-park trailheads lies the East Clare Way, a 170 km loop that threads both solitude and convenience. Hikers negotiate quiet bog tracks and bustling village roads, experiencing centuries-old burial sites one moment and a welcoming café the next.
Ennis, clare
Ennis sits on the banks of the Fergus, where medieval stonework and bustling market lanes coexist with a thriving arts scene. Visitors can wander the roofed nave of the 13th-century Franciscan friary, enjoy a meal at The Cloister, and then step into Glór Gallery's ever-changing exhibitions. The town's lively pubs and traditional music sessions round off a truly Irish experience.
Ennis, clare
The Ennis Friary collection of 15th- and 16th-century limestone carving is among the finest in Ireland, including the McMahon tomb and an effigy of St Francis showing the stigmata. Founded around 1242 by the O'Briens of Thomond, the friary is free to enter and staffed by an OPW guide in season.
Ennistymon, clare
Percy French immortalised Ennistymon’s West Clare Railway in his jaunty ballad, keeping the town’s rail heritage alive long after the tracks vanished. The Cascades, a series of charming rapids on the River Inagh, can be admired from the historic Falls Hotel terrace, which now runs on its own hydro-electric turbine.
clare
Perched where the Caher River meets the Atlantic, Fanore blends a wide Blue Flag beach with limestone hills and a quiet Irish-speaking village. From surf lessons and sea-cliff climbing to ancient dolmens and starlit dunes, the Burren coast offers adventure and history in one striking setting.
Doolin, clare
Fitz's Pub at Hotel Doolin runs a live traditional session every night of the year, which makes it North Clare's most dependable bet for trad if you've only one evening. It brews its own Dooliner ale, stocks over 100 whiskeys, and sources most of its food within 90 miles. The catch: tour buses crowd it at lunchtime.
Loop Head, clare
Gentle bleats and the soft rustle of wool greet guests as they arrive at the wind-swept Loop Head farm. The family-run attraction lets visitors feed, pet and even lead Suri alpacas, then watch a hands-on wool-making demonstration before relaxing in the on-site café.
Formoyle West, clare
Formoyle Chapel is a low, roofless ruin on the green road above Fanore in the Burren, its walls now only about seven feet high and its Gothic windows blocked up. It went out of use in 1870 when St Patrick's Church was built at the foot of the Caher valley. It's a waypoint on the Caher Valley Loop rather than a destination in itself.
Gleninagh, clare
Perched on a grassy ridge at the edge of the Burren, Gleninagh Castle overlooks a rugged pass that drops into a valley of cracked limestone and wild flora. Follow the Black Head Loop to explore medieval ruins, historic wells and sweeping panoramas of Galway Bay.
Ennis, clare
The gallery occupies the foyer and upper floors of Glór, the County Clare arts centre that opened in 2001, and rotates through five to seven exhibitions a year. Recent shows have ranged from a Cartoon Saloon animation display to the youth-led Lasta festival. Entry is free and the café runs alongside.
Ballyvaughan, clare
Restored tower houses whisper of the O’Loughlen family’s medieval legacy, while the adjoining Georgian manor delivers contemporary luxury. Set against the stark limestone of the Burren, Gregans Castle combines Michelin-recognised service, foraged-ingredient cuisine and tranquil, TV-free rooms.
Cliffs of Moher, clare
Hag's Head is the southern tip of the Cliffs of Moher, where the rock forms a profile like a woman's head looking out to sea. It's the free, quiet end of the cliffs – no visitor centre, no fences, the ruined Moher Tower for company and a long view north along the whole 14km wall. Getting here is the catch: parking is a mess and the cliff path through to the visitor centre has been closed since 2024.
Lough Derg, clare
A short boat ride from Mountshannon reveals Holy Island, an evocative open-air museum of early Irish Christianity. Wander among six ruined stone churches, a soaring roofless round tower, and a cemetery where interments still take place today.
Inagh, clare
Tucked in the foothills of Slieve Callan, Inagh blends ancient heritage with modern rural life. Explore 6th-century church roots, walk the 148km Mid Clare Way, tour the award-winning St Tola goat cheese farm, and enjoy authentic Clare hospitality in a village that sits perfectly between Ennis and the Wild Atlantic Way.
Crusheen, clare
Lough Inchicronan stretches over 2.5 km through rocky uplands, its calm waters framing a secluded island home to a 12th-century Augustinian priory and a late-medieval tower house. With lakeside walking paths, historic holy wells and quiet fishing waters, it offers a peaceful escape just north of Ennis.
Kilrush, clare
Saint Senán founded a monastery on this uninhabited island in the Shannon Estuary around 535 AD, and its 26m round tower is one of the few in Ireland with a ground-floor doorway. The last residents, a community of river pilots, left in 1969. A free OPW ferry tour from Kilrush includes the round tower, six churches and a Napoleonic battery.
Liscannor, clare
Tucked into the heart of Liscannor, the John P. Holland Centre brings naval engineering to life through hands-on exhibits and historical displays. Step inside to explore the story of the local inventor whose designs changed maritime warfare forever.
Near Carran, clare
Keelhilla, also called Slieve Carron, covers 145.5 hectares of stark limestone pavement, fragrant wild garlic and rare orchids that carpet the grassland in spring. History runs through a 6th-century stone oratory, a holy well and a legend of a saint’s miraculous fast. Walk the colour-coded loops for birdwatching, goat-tended cliffs and sweeping Burren vistas.
clare
Kilchreest offers a peaceful escape into County Clare’s rural heart, where medieval tower houses overlook the River Fergus estuary. Discover the quiet village of Ballynacally, explore atmospheric castle ruins, and enjoy coastal walks along one of Ireland’s most scenic tidal landscapes.
Kildysart, clare
Kildysart sits on the north bank of the Shannon Estuary, offering a blend of maritime activity, early Christian history, and tranquil lake walks. Visitors can explore the 12th-century Canon Island Abbey, join July pilgrimages, or cast a line in the estuary and nearby trout lakes.
Kilfenora, clare
Kilfenora, a tiny village on the edge of the Burren, is famed as the ‘City of the Crosses’ and home to a striking medieval cathedral. Visitors can wander roofless stone arches, admire ancient high-crosses under glass, and discover the surrounding ring forts, a visitor centre and even a Father Ted filming trail.
clare
Set on a sheltered horseshoe bay, Kilkee combines a golden Blue Flag beach with dramatic Atlantic cliffs and a lively Victorian promenade. Known for its clear tidal pools, cliff-top walks, and summer surf culture, it’s a relaxed coastal escape with plenty of outdoor activity.
Kilkee, clare
Towering over Moore Bay, Kilkee Cliffs offer sweeping Atlantic panoramas, natural rock pools and a network of cliff-edge trails. Walk past Bishop’s Island, spot nesting seabirds, and finish with a coffee at the Diamond Rocks Café.
labasheeda, clare
One of six limestone forts built between 1811 and 1814 to cross-fire any French ships entering the Shannon, Kilkerrin Battery is the best-surviving of the chain. You can walk its dry moat, find the iron pulleys that once raised the drawbridge, and look across Clonderlaw Bay to Kerry. A 2019 survey found protected lesser horseshoe bats roosting inside the blockhouse.
Killaloe, clare
Perched on a sweeping bend of the River Shannon, Killaloe blends royal history with lakeside charm. Its iconic 13-arch bridge links Clare and Tipperary, while nearby trails, cruises and kayaking invite visitors to soak up stunning views of Lough Derg.
Killilagh, clare
Killilagh is the civil parish that holds Doolin, and its history is written in stone you can still walk to: a church built in 1470 and burned by Cromwellian troops in 1645, a 5,000-year-old court tomb at Teergonean, and quarries that once paved London. Every site is free and open year-round.
Killimer, clare
Killimer is the County Clare end of Ireland's busiest car ferry, a 20-minute hop across the Shannon Estuary to Tarbert in Kerry that saves driving the long way round through Limerick. No booking, first come first served, and dolphins in the estuary on a good summer day.
Liscannor, clare
Stone silhouettes rise from the coastal fields as the roofless Kilmacreehy Church frames a stark Atlantic view. The surrounding graveyard, dotted with weathered Celtic crosses and 19th-century folk motifs, offers a quiet place for reflection amid wildflowers and sea air.
North of Ennistymon, clare
Kilmoon sits in the rolling hills north of Ennistymon, where early Christian stones and 15th-century castle ruins meet the rugged limestone of the Burren. Follow the gentle Lisdoonvarna Heritage Trail along Kilmoon Stream, or wander the quiet townlands to uncover centuries of local history.
Kilnaboy, clare
Kilnaboy sits on the southern edge of the Burren, offering visitors a compact mix of medieval church ruins, a rare Sheela-na-gig carving and ancient wedge tombs. The village serves as a practical trailhead for the Mullaghmore Loop walk and a quiet base for exploring County Clare’s most striking karst landscape.
Kilrush, clare
A Heritage Town with a Georgian grid laid out by the Vandeleur family, Kilrush is where boats depart for Scattery Island – six ruined churches and a 36-metre round tower – and for dolphin-watching on the Shannon Estuary. Just beyond the centre, the community-restored Vandeleur walled garden keeps a Victorian glasshouse, a beech maze and a café in the old stables.
Labasheeda, clare
Ancient stone arches of the sixth-century St Kieran’s Church stand beside the sleek cabins of the Beds of Silk glamping site, marrying millennia of faith with modern seaside leisure. The peninsula’s 19th-century Kilkerrin Battery Fortress watches over the Shannon Estuary, while an IRA memorial and vibrant music festivals keep the local spirit alive.
Lahinch, clare
Lahinch blends a sweeping crescent beach, championship links and a lively promenade into one coastal haven. From surf lessons on Atlantic swells to tee-offs on the historic Old Course, the town offers adventure and history in equal measure.
clare
Leamaneh Castle blends a medieval Gaelic tower with a grand 17th-century manor, its upper windows deliberately shrunk to create an optical illusion. The ruins stand as a dramatic roadside landmark in the Burren, steeped in the fiery folklore of Red Mary and the O’Brien dynasty.
clare
Perched on the wild coast of County Clare, Liscannor blends maritime history with rugged Atlantic scenery. Visitors can explore 16th-century castle ruins, learn about submarine pioneer John P. Holland, and take summer ferries from the historic harbour to the Aran Islands or Cliffs of Moher.
Lisdoonvarna, clare
Set against the rugged limestone landscape of the Burren, Lisdoonvarna’s Spa Wells and Twin Wells offer a unique blend of natural history and Victorian heritage. Visitors can sample the iron-rich and sulphur springs, explore the restored heritage centre, and experience the lively atmosphere that has drawn travellers and locals alike for generations.
clare
Perched at the western tip of County Clare, Loop Head offers sweeping Atlantic vistas, a 19th-century lighthouse and rugged coastal trails. Visitors can climb the tower, watch dolphins from the Shannon Estuary, and meet alpacas on this windswept stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Mid-West Region, clare
Tucked into the Burren’s limestone landscape, Lough Atedaun offers free access to over 20 marked walking routes, rich birdlife, and peaceful lakeside views. An ideal base for nature lovers and casual walkers seeking a quiet escape near Corofin.
Burren National Park, clare
Step off the tourist trail on the Lough Avalla Farm Loop, a thoughtfully waymarked circuit through County Clare’s rugged limestone landscape. Follow purple markers past ancient standing stones, a historic holy well, and grazing Galloway cattle before finishing with homemade apple tart at the farm tea house.
Clare, clare
Lough Derg, the sparkling heart of the Shannon, offers dramatic mountain backdrops, ancient monastic ruins and vibrant villages. Walk the 68.9 km Lough Derg Way or paddle its blueways for an unforgettable Irish adventure.
clare
Mist rolls over the limestone basin of Lough Gash each winter as the turlough fills, turning the flat expanse into a shimmering mirror. When the water recedes in summer, the exposed mud reveals a mosaic of mud-tolerant plants that thrive in the dramatic rise and fall unique to Ireland’s turloughs.
The Burren, clare
Set against the stark limestone of the Burren, Lough Inchiquin glistens with tranquil waters edged by ancient oak woodlands. The crumbling walls of Inchiquin Castle loom over the lake, offering dramatic backdrops for walkers, anglers and photographers alike.
clare
Miltown Malbay is the beating heart of West Clare’s traditional music scene, hosting the world-renowned Willie Clancy Summer School and year-round pub sessions. Beyond the fiddles and flutes, visitors can explore Blue Flag beaches like White Strand and Spanish Point, follow self-guided heritage trails, and base themselves for trips to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren.
Mooghaun South, clare
Perched on a limestone ridge near Newmarket-on-Fergus, Moogna Hill-Fort is Ireland’s biggest Bronze Age stronghold. Walk its massive stone walls, glimpse early-medieval cashels and the remains of round-houses, and enjoy panoramic vistas over the Fergus River and Shannon Estuary.
Mountshannon, clare
Perched above Lough Derg, Mountshannon blends a vibrant lakeside village with a world-class heritage site. Take a short boat trip to Holy Island to explore a roofless round tower, medieval churches, and centuries of monastic history, then return to the shore for family-friendly trails and water sports.
Moyasta, clare
Moyasta is a historic hamlet on the Wild Atlantic Way, best known for its restored West Clare Railway station and the nearby Moyasta Oysters farm. Visitors can ride the Slieve Callan steam engine, tour the oyster beds in Poulnasherry Bay, or explore the coastal trails connecting Kilkee and Kilrush.
Ballyvaughan, clare
A striking medieval tower house stands sentinel over Pouldoody Bay on the wild Muckinish peninsula. Discover free coastal walks, historic stone ruins, and quiet Atlantic scenery just minutes from the Burren's main route.
Newmarket-on-Fergus, clare
Set on the banks of the River Fergus, Newmarket-on-Fergus blends quiet town life with ancient history. Walk the ramparts of Mooghaun Hill-Fort, follow the Mid Clare Way into the Clare hills, or visit the nearby Dromoland Castle estate for a day of heritage and outdoor activity.
Cliffs of Moher, clare
Built in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O’Brien, this distinctive stone tower crowns a dramatic headland at the Cliffs of Moher. Visitors enjoy panoramic views of Liscannor Bay, the Aran Islands, and Galway Bay, all included with standard visitor centre admission.
Sixmilebridge, clare
Follow the gentle O’Garney River through Sixmilebridge, where a 1610 stone bridge once linked Ennis and Limerick and powered a major oil-seed trade. Today, the tidal waters frame a flat, wheelchair-friendly walk past the famous Duck Inn, a striking limestone sculpture, and the quiet remnants of a working river port.
Kilkee, clare
Sun-warmed basins form as the Atlantic tide retreats from Kilkee’s rugged coast, creating clear, mineral-rich pools perfect for swimming and spotting marine life. A short walk from the beach, this free coastal spot combines easy access with a genuine slice of Ireland’s wild Atlantic shoreline.
Poulawack, clare
Poulawack Cairn rises from a limestone rise west of Carran, its 21-metre diameter framing the rugged karst scenery of the Burren. This protected National Monument reveals millennia of ritual through its three-phase construction, offering walkers a tangible connection to Ireland’s ancient past.
Burren, clare
Windswept and stark, Poulnabrone Dolmen rises from the Burren’s limestone plateau like a stone skeleton against the sky. Dating to 3800–3200 BC, this free-to-enter portal tomb offers a direct, unfiltered connection to Ireland’s Neolithic farmers and their burial customs.
Kilrush, clare
A Special Area of Conservation on the Shannon Estuary, Poulnasherry Bay is known for its extensive mudflats, five tidal islands, and a poignant memorial to the 1849 Cammoge ferry disaster. Today it draws birdwatchers, heritage visitors, and seafood lovers to its quiet West Clare shores.
Lisdoonvarna and Doolin, clare
The River Aille winds through the limestone landscape of north-west Clare, connecting Lisdoonvarna’s mineral Twin Wells with two remarkable stone bridges. Visitors can enjoy scenic riverside walks, explore centuries of engineering history and take in the rugged beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way.
County Clare, clare
The River Fergus winds 59km through County Clare, feeding a chain of glacial lakes before flowing through Ennis and into the Shannon Estuary. Anglers prize its clear waters for trout and salmon, while walkers enjoy riverside paths, restored mill wheels and a unique stretch where the river vanishes underground.
clare
Roughan Hill offers a peaceful escape in the heart of the Burren, where visitors can wander among Ireland’s most concentrated group of Neolithic wedge tombs and a well-preserved court tomb. A short stroll leads to the roadside replica of the 12th-century Cross Inneenboy, set against a backdrop of ancient field walls and rolling limestone country.
Shannon Estuary, clare
A short ferry ride from Kilrush lands you on Scattery Island, where Saint Senán’s 6th-century monastery sits beside a towering round tower and a Napoleonic gun battery. Explore medieval churches, a 19th-century pilot village, and watch choughs and seals against a backdrop of rugged Shannon estuary scenery.
Shannon, clare
From the runways of Shannon International Airport to the wild Atlantic coast, this region blends modern travel with centuries of Irish history. Explore world-class golf, unique limestone pavements, ancient castles and a thriving culinary scene across County Clare and beyond.
Clare, clare
The Shannon Estuary stretches from Limerick city out to the Atlantic between Loop Head and Kerry Head, with a tidal range of up to 5.4 m at the Limerick docks. The 207 km Shannon Estuary Way loops through Clare, Limerick and Kerry, taking in Napoleonic battery forts, dolphin-watching from Kilrush and the Killimer–Tarbert car ferry.
River Shannon and Lough Derg, clare
The Shannon-Lough Derg waterway stretches 238 km through the heart of Ireland, linking three large lakes, eleven locks and dozens of historic villages. Boaters, anglers and walkers follow the route past ancient monastic ruins, engineering landmarks and Blue Flag beaches, making it one of the country’s most accessible inland escapes.
Limerick, clare
The Shannon–Ballysadare Waterway links the Atlantic coast with the northwest, threading through historic towns, ancient monastic sites and tranquil wetlands. Ideal for boaters, cyclists and heritage seekers, the route offers a slow-travel experience across some of Ireland’s most characterful landscapes.
Slieve Callan, clare
Highest point in West Clare, Slieve Callan towers at 391 m and offers a 360° panorama that stretches from Mount Brandon to the Connemara Hills. A short drive to Moyasta unveils the restored 1892 steam engine, which now hauls heritage trains along a 2.5 km track, echoing the county’s railway legacy.
Slievenaglasha, clare
Perched on a windswept limestone ridge at the western edge of the Burren, Slievenaglasha wedge tomb is a dramatic remnant of Ireland’s late Neolithic past. What remains of the ancient burial chamber – a massive surviving wall slab – stands against a backdrop of karst scenery and local folklore about the mythical sea-green cow, Glas Gaibhne.
Lisdoonvarna, clare
Aromatic wafts of sulphur drift from the historic pump-house as guests step into Lisdoonvarna’s Spa Wells Heritage Centre. Interactive displays reveal the chemistry of the waters, vintage medical equipment and the social rituals that once defined Ireland’s only surviving Victorian spa town.
Spanish Point, clare
Two Spanish Armada galleons wrecked here in 1588, leaving behind a story of survival and a memorial still visited today. Now a vibrant coastal village, Spanish Point offers a Blue Flag beach, year-round surfing, a mature nine-hole links course and easy access to the Wild Atlantic Way.
Aughiska Beg, clare
Spectacle Bridge stands on the N67 near Lisdoonvarna, famous for the circular void cut through its main arch. This distinctive engineering feature frames the Aille River gorge below, creating a memorable photo opportunity and a quiet pause on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Ballysteen, clare
St Brigid's Holy Well offers a tranquil stone grotto, life-size bronze statue, and rag-tree draped with pilgrims' ribbons opposite Moher Cottage. Visitors follow the ancient turas up steep steps to a historic O'Brien graveyard, particularly on St Brigid's Day and the Feast of the Assumption.
Tuamgraney, clare
A massive early-Christian doorway opens into St Cronan’s Church, a 10th-century sanctuary still serving its local congregation. Inside, discover a rare Romanesque stone head, intricate medieval carvings, and a priceless 1906 stained-glass window, all accessible for free.
Kilfenora, clare
Clear water flows from St Fachtnan’s Holy Well, its 1687 stone house tucked beside Kilfenora Cathedral. Once known as an “eye well”, it now anchors a short biodiversity trail and serves as a peaceful resting point for walkers exploring the Burren foothills.
Killaloe, clare
Set on the banks of the Shannon, Killaloe’s St Flannan’s Cathedral anchors a remarkable medieval complex. Nearby, the rare stone-roofed Oratory and the healing well add layers of Viking, Romanesque and ancient Irish spirituality.
Killaloe, clare
St Lua’s Oratory is an early medieval chapel that once stood on an island in the Shannon. When the Shannon hydroelectric scheme threatened to flood the island in the 1920s, the building was taken apart stone by numbered stone and rebuilt on the mainland at Killaloe, where it now sits beside the Catholic church, free to visit.
Dysert O’Dea, clare
Rising above a quiet field in north County Clare, St Tola’s Cross is a masterclass in Hiberno-Romanesque stonework. Visitors can examine detailed biblical scenes, read 17th-century restoration inscriptions, and walk the ancient grounds of a monastic site founded by an early Irish saint.
Carran, clare
Set in the open limestone fields of the Burren, Temple Cronan is a roofless early Christian oratory dating to the 12th century. Its cyclopean masonry, mischievous corbel heads, and ancient gable-shrine tombs offer a quiet, evocative stop for walkers and history lovers alike.
clare
The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark blends glacial limestone pavements with dramatic sea cliffs, hosting 70% of Ireland’s native wildflowers and tens of thousands of seabirds. From Neolithic passage tombs to modern raptor displays, this 530 km² landscape offers a living museum of natural beauty and six millennia of human history.
Flag Rd, clare
Step into the heart of West Clare’s musical heritage at this compact visitor centre in Miltown Malbay. Through short films, display panels, and a historic Irish-language map, the attraction brings the region’s session culture and iconic musicians to life.
Toomullin, clare
Tobar Brecan is a tranquil holy well tucked into the rolling pastureland near Toomullin, County Clare. Long associated with early Christian pilgrimage and local pattern day customs, the stone-lined spring provides a quiet retreat for walkers and history enthusiasts exploring the edge of the Burren.
East Clare, clare
St Cronan’s 10th-century church stands at the heart of Tuamgraney, offering a rare link to High King Brian Ború and early Christian Ireland. Step outside the nave to discover a village woven with medieval history, handmade chocolate, traditional weaving, and quiet walks along the River Graney.
Lisdoonvarna, clare
Two distinct mineral springs bubble from the limestone banks of the River Aille, offering a tangible link to Lisdoonvarna’s Victorian spa era. Visitors can sample the waters, explore the restored pump-house, and walk the scenic riverside path at no cost.
Moyasta, clare
A short stretch of the old 3 ft narrow-gauge line has been relaid at Moyasta, where the 1892 locomotive Slieve Callan steamed again in 2009 after half a century cold. The line that Percy French lampooned in song closed in 1961; the heritage centre that revived part of it is currently closed to the public, so check the website before setting out.
Miltown Malbay, clare
White Strand is a clean, uncrowded Atlantic beach backed by compact dunes and rocky headlands. Its Blue Flag waters, reliable summer surf, and easy access make it a favourite with families, walkers, and surfers exploring the Clare coast.
Mayo, mayo
Stretching from Donegal to Cork, the Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland’s premier coastal touring brand. Mayo’s 543 km section delivers sheer sea cliffs, sheltered bays and world-heritage archaeology along a flexible, self-paced route.
