County Clare

There’s something special about County Clare. This striking county captivates visitors with the rugged beauty of its coastline, the unique terrain of the Burren and the warm hospitality of its pubs, where traditional music fills the air night after night. This is a destination to enjoy at a leisurely pace, kayaking on Lough Derg in the amber-hued sunset, savouring the county’s ever-evolving food scene at places such as Burren Fine Wine & Food, or watching surfers conquer the waves at Lahinch. Add to that the Cliffs of Moher – one of Ireland’s most popular attractions – and you’ve got a must-visit spot that combines the coastal charm of the Wild Atlantic Way with the laidback vibe of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

Everywhere you go in Clare, the scenery astounds. From the soaring heights of the majestic Cliffs of Moher (part of the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren UNESCO Global Geopark), you can gaze out across the Atlantic Ocean to the distant Aran Islands, havens of traditional culture. Head inland to the tranquil waters of Lough Derg and you’ll find the perfect slow travel experience with 160km of Blueway trails to explore. 

The Burren’s moon-like karst limestone landscape is dotted with gems like the Poulnabrone Dolmen and Doolin Cave, and adorned by wildflowers that thrive in the cracks between the limestone pavements.

Loop Head Peninsula is a narrow finger of land jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean and crowned by a lighthouse at its very tip. Walkers and cyclists delight in spectacular views from its cliff-top trails, and a stay in the lightkeeper’s cottage here offers the ultimate escape from a busy world.

Stay in a lightkeeper’s cottage

County Clare is celebrated for its vibrant traditional music, with tunes handed down through generations and a distinctive easy lilting style that sets it apart.

The best way to experience it for yourself is to visit a traditional music session in one of the county’s lively, music-filled pubs such as Cooley’s House in Ennistymon or Gus O’Connor’s in Doolin. 

Discover 5 great trad music pubs in County Clare

With a food scene that ranges from smokehouses to Michelin-starred restaurants and famous seafood pubs, County Clare is a must for any foodie. The county boasts a community of passionate craftspeople who work in harmony with nature to produce everything from oysters and mussels to smoked salmon and farmhouse cheese.

Experience Clare’s slow food ethos along the Burren Food Trail; see artisans at work in Lisdoonvarna’s Burren Smokehouse, head to New Quay to taste lobster fresh from the sea in Linnane’s Lobster House or treat yourself to dinner at Homestead Cottage, a Michelin-starred restaurant in the buzzy village of Doolin. Clare really is a destination to savour.

Where to taste Ireland’s traditional foods

If you want to get active, Clare has something for everyone. With a magnificent coastline on one side and the still waters of Lough Derg on the other, the county is a paradise for watersports enthusiasts. Surf the waves at Spanish Point or Lahinch, paddle the Blueway trails on Lough Derg or take a dip in the bracing Atlantic waters at stunning beaches like Kilkee and Fanore.

Want to stay on dry land? Follow the walking and cycling trails through the Burren or tee off on the links golf course in Lahinch, where the resident herd of goats acts as a barometer for golfers. If you see them hovering around the clubhouse, beware – the weather prospects are poor!

A guide to Ireland’s links golf courses

With a location on the wild western edge of Europe, Clare is surprisingly close to some of Ireland’s most vibrant cities. Just north lies the bohemian cool of Galway, with its cobbled streets, buzzing bar scene and award-winning restaurants.

To the south is Limerick, home to the bustling Milk Market, fascinating museums and the 1,000-year-old King John’s Castle, which stands proudly on the banks of Ireland’s longest river – the Shannon.

Slow-travel experiences are just a cruise away along the Shannon, where the tranquil towns and villages of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands make perfect stop-offs.

For more coastal adventures, continue south along the Wild Atlantic Way, where the wave-lashed coastline and mountain passes of County Kerry and West Cork await. Make sure to spend some time exploring the picturesque peninsula of Dingle before being wowed by the natural beauty of Killarney National Park.

You’ll find that a break in Clare is not just a holiday – it’s the experience of a lifetime.