Ireland.com

County Clare

The Cliffs of Moher
Running for eight-kilometres, the cliffs rise 214m high over the Atlantic and form a rampart against the crashing waves of the Atlantic below. The cliffs, along with the new visitor centre, are one of Ireland’s top destinations, with close to a million visitors a year.

Ailwee Caves
The burren is full of caves, but few are accessible. The Ailwee Caves is a spectacle of stalactites, sub-terranean rivers, waterfalls and reputedly, the den of the last bear in Ireland.

Megalithic graves
There are over 70 megalithic tombs in the Burren but the Poulnabrone is the most accessible. When excavated in 1968, cremated remains of between 16 and 22 adults and 6 juveniles, including a newborn baby were found. Radiocarbon dating suggests the burials took place 3800 and 3200 BC.

Bunratty Castle
In south Clare, the massive bulk of Bunratty Castle is an official part of twee Ireland with twice-weekly re-enacted medieval banquets. It has a fascinating history however, and the banquets and coach-loads of tourists that deter so many locals from visiting belie the ancient stories behind the walls. It is one of Ireland’s oldest intact castles in Ireland - built in 1250 - and boasts the best collection of 14th to 17th century furniture and furnishings in Britain and Ireland. Twin arches, front and back, were meant to confuse would-be invaders looking for the entrance, thus giving the castle guard more time to prepare for battle.

Dromoland Castle
One of the most impressive castles in Ireland, now a distinguished hotel set in 410 acres of private demesne including lakes and forests. The castle, a magnificent Renaissance structure built in the 16th century, was once the royal seat of the O'Brien clan, direct descendants of Irish King Brian Boru. The family still exists with Conor O’Brien, holder of the ancient title Lord Inchiquin, living locally. Unlike many of the aristocratic families in Ireland, the O’Briens successfully held on to their land without changing their religion following King Henry VIII’s reformation when many Catholics’ land was gifted to those loyal to the crown.

Lisdoonvarna match-making festival
Lisdoonvarna, home of the six day matchmaking festival, which attracts throngs of tourists, many of whom are not single and flock to the village for the 'craic'.

Traditional music
Clare is considered Ireland’s capital for traditional music with Doolin and Lisdoonvarna competing for the number one slot. There are festivals in both towns and trad, as it is known, is a year-round feature in local pubs. Every July, Miltown Malbay in the north of the county hosts a traditional music festival to celebrates its best known musical son, Willie Clancy, who played pipes, the whistle, sing and told stories. Garda - police - are quite vigilant on parking in all three places during festivals, so be warned.