Ireland.com

County Clare

The Burren and Cliffs of Moher

Set on the rugged Atlantic coast, County Clare is one of Ireland’s most scenic tourist destinations.

The unique and barren limestone landscape of the Burren is matched by the spectacle of the Cliffs of Moher - Ireland's most famous cliffs - and historic treasures like Bunratty Castle and Dromoland Castle with their rich associations with Ireland's ancient history.

Clare is the home of Brian Boru, a legendary 10th century king of Ireland, who was born in the picturesque Shannon town of Killaloe.

The O'Brien clan which descended directly from Brian Boru are still in situ in the county with the Lord Inchiquin - Conor O'Brien - only relatively recently leaving Dromoland Castle, now a five-star hotel.

Brian Boru’s father was king of the ancient region of Thomond, which straddled the river and incorporated part of the modern counties of Clare and Limerick. The name Thomond is proudly borne in neighbouring County Limerick - the local teacher training college is called Thomond as is the Munster rugby team’s home ground.

Clare offers the visitor plenty to do - whether walking the Burren and its terraced mountains, visiting the spectacular Ailwee caves or donning a wet-suit in Lahinch and joining the growing band of surfers.

The Cliffs of Moher are the number one attraction in the county and Lisdoonvarna is famous for its matchmaking festival and its traditional music.

Clare has long been a place of retreat - the Irish Literary Revival movement based itself in Coole House, the home of Lady Augusta Gregory who played host to the likes of WB Yeats, Sean O'Casey and Douglas Hyde.

Points of Interest

The Burren
Clare's main attractions are the Karst limestone formations of the Burren stretching over 100 miles across the north of the county. The Burren literally means 'a stony place' which perfectly describes the seemingly barren landscape which yields rare and delicate plants through the cracks. The fissures and cracks of the coastal burren are great for hiking as are the more challenging treks through the moon-like mountains of terraced plates.