Overview
The East Clare Way is a National Waymarked Trail that forms a 168.8 km loop around the eastern side of County Clare. It begins and finishes at the ‘Between the Waters’ car park in Killaloe and is designed to be completed in eight days, with daily stages typically ranging between 20 km and 30 km. Walkers follow a blue arrow on a white background (Sport Ireland), though you may also spot older yellow-on-black Discover Ireland markers along the route. Entry is free, parking is available at every trailhead, and the path is accessible year-round.
Trail Route & Terrain
The route connects nine key trailheads: Killaloe, Broadford, O’Callaghan’s Mills, Tulla, Feakle, Flagmount, Whitegate, Mountshannon, and Scarriff. Roughly half the trail follows quiet local roads, which means you’ll share the path with occasional traffic, particularly near the larger villages. The remaining sections offer proper off-road walking across forestry tracks, bog roads, and open field paths. The total ascent sits at around 3,060 m, making the overall difficulty moderate. The highest point, Cragnamurragh, rises to approximately 1,730 ft and delivers a clear view across the lakelands.
History & Heritage
The trail was established to highlight the eastern side of Clare, a region defined by limestone hills, shallow lakes, and a dense concentration of early Christian and medieval sites. Many of these landmarks connect to Brian Boru, the 11th-century High King who built his stronghold overlooking Killaloe. In Tuamgraney, you’ll pass St Cronan’s Church, a 10th-century stone building that has remained in continuous use for over a millennium. Further along, the ruins of St Flannan’s Cathedral in Killaloe and the monastic island of Inis Cealtra (reachable by boat from Mountshannon) anchor the route’s spiritual history. Walkers will also encounter scattered dolmens, including the striking Bohatch Dolmen near Mountshannon, and a network of holy wells that punctuate the landscape.
What to See Along the Way
Lakes and Mountains
The loop skirts Lough Graney before climbing into the rugged boglands of the Slieve Aughty Mountains. From there, it descends toward the expansive waters of Lough Derg. The Slieve Bernagh range runs parallel to parts of the route, offering sweeping panoramas of the surrounding countryside.
Wildlife
The open moorland and forested tracks support a range of native species. Birdwatchers often spot the hen harrier and swift merlin riding the thermals over the bogs. Herds of Sika deer frequently graze near the forestry sections, and the wetland areas burst with wildflowers during the warmer months.
Seasonal Conditions & Trail Updates
The East Clare Way operates year-round, but ground conditions shift significantly with the seasons. Early spring can raise water levels on the lakes and soften the bog tracks, while autumn brings crisp air and vibrant foliage along the forest paths. Following Storm Eowyn, sections near Sellernaun, Mountshannon, and Derrainey have experienced intermittent blockages. Always verify the current trail status on the Sport Ireland website before heading out, as temporary diversions or closures are occasionally implemented for safety and maintenance.
Tips for Walkers
- Dog policy: Dogs are not permitted on any section of the trail.
- Footwear: Waterproof walking boots are essential. Bog paths become deeply saturated after rain, and uneven ground is common on off-road sections.
- Navigation: Carry a printed map or load the official GPX file onto your device. Waymarks can be sparse on forest tracks and bog roads.
- Supplies: Stock up on food and water in the villages. Remote stretches have limited services, though most trailheads are within easy reach of a shop or café.
- Safety: Let someone know your planned stages and expected arrival times, particularly when walking the isolated bog sections or tackling the trail in winter.
Practical Information
Getting There
The Killaloe trailhead is a short walk from Killaloe railway station, which is served by the Shannon–Limerick line. Bus Éireann and Local Link route C2 (Scarriff–Killaloe) also stop nearby. Drivers can access the area via the M18, and Shannon Airport is roughly 30 km to the north.
Maps & Navigation
Sport Ireland provides downloadable PDF maps for each stage of the route, covering Killaloe to Broadford, Broadford to O’Callaghan’s Mills, and the remaining segments back to the start. A complete GPX file for GPS devices is also available on the official trail page.
Accommodation & Services
Each of the nine villages along the route offers B&Bs, guesthouses, and small hotels. Grocery stores, pubs, and cafés are located near most trailheads, making it straightforward to resupply between stages. Free car and coach parking is provided at every official trailhead.
Contact
The East & Mid Clare Way Limited and the East Clare Way Committee oversee the route, with day-to-day support from Clare Walks. For route enquiries or updates, email info@clarewalks.ie or visit www.clarewalks.ie.
Nearby Attractions
If your itinerary allows for extra time, several major Clare landmarks sit within easy reach of the trail:
- Bunratty Castle – a fully restored medieval fortress paired with a traditional folk park.
- Cliffs of Moher – dramatic coastal cliffs with dedicated visitor trails and viewing platforms.
- Burren Way – a long-distance trail that crosses the distinctive limestone karst landscape of north Clare.
- Clare Museum – located in Ennis, this museum covers everything from prehistoric settlements to modern Irish history.
Planning a multi-day walk on the East Clare Way requires a bit of preparation, particularly around the bog sections and road crossings. Download the stage maps, check the weather forecast, and pack waterproof layers to make the most of the route. The trail opens at dawn and closes at dusk, so timing your starts around the village services will keep your days comfortable and well-supplied.