Information
City: ClareCountry: Ireland
Continent: Europe
Clare, Ireland, Europe
Overview
On Ireland’s wild west coast, County Clare draws visitors with crashing Atlantic waves, storybook villages, and a history etched into its ancient stone walls.The county’s known for its breathtaking scenery-towering Cliffs of Moher with waves crashing below, emerald fields, gentle hills, and quiet, glassy lakes.In Clare, rolling green hills meet centuries-old stone walls, where nature’s beauty flows effortlessly into the region’s rich culture and history.First.Clare’s scenery shifts from sheer limestone cliffs that catch the wind to soft green pastures and quiet coastal villages where fishing boats bob in the harbor.The county’s best-known sight is the Cliffs of Moher, where sheer rock walls soar 214 meters above the Atlantic and the wind carries the crash of waves from far below, with the green hills rolling away behind you.You can stroll right along the cliff edge, feeling the wind whip past, or step inside the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre to explore exhibits on the area’s geology and wildlife.Just inland lies the Burren, a vast limestone karst dotted with rocky hills, hidden caves, and rare wildflowers.This UNESCO Global Geopark blends striking natural scenery with deep archaeological value, from the still waters of Lough Derg on the Shannon-where boats drift past anglers-to centuries-old ruins, sacred stones, and traces of life from long before written history.Bunratty Castle, a 15th-century fortified tower house, lets you step into medieval Ireland-stone walls, narrow staircases, and all.Right next to it, Bunratty Folk Park brings traditional Irish life to life in the open air, with whitewashed thatched cottages, a cobbled village street, and creaky old shops.Not far away stands the Poulnabrone Dolmen, a world‑famous stone tomb that’s been watching over the Burren since about 2500 BC.In the Burren, the portal tomb stands as a striking reminder of the area’s ancient past, its weathered stones cool to the touch.Kilfenora, known as the “City of Crosses,” draws visitors to its impressive high crosses and the ruins of a 12th-century cathedral.Across Clare, you’ll find lively towns and villages, each with its own character and traditions.Ennis, the county capital, bustles with market stalls and the lively strains of fiddles drifting from pub doorways.Ennis is home to the Ennis Friary, a 13th‑century Franciscan monastery, and its winding lanes spill into tiny shops, cozy cafés, and lively pubs.Kilrush, perched on the Shannon Estuary, is a seaside town with deep maritime roots.You can hop on a boat to Scattery Island, where early Christian ruins stand beside a weathered lighthouse.In Lahinch, surfers ride waves along a golden stretch of sand, and golfers tee off with the Atlantic spread out before them.Close to the Burren, the quiet village of Corofin makes a handy starting point for exploring the national park’s rocky landscape.The village also hosts the Burren Centre, where visitors can explore the region’s history and striking limestone geology.Clare’s wild cliffs and rolling green hills are a big part of its appeal.The county’s packed with options for getting outside-hike a shaded trail, take a slow walk by the river, ride the waves, or cast a line from the pier.Burren National Park is a haven for nature lovers, where you can wander past rare orchids, bright wildflowers, and ancient stone ruins all in one place.Hikers can wander among rocky outcrops, slip into cool, shadowed caves, and discover ancient monuments.At Loop Head Peninsula, sheer cliffs drop into the sea, where dolphins and whales surface in the spray, and the views stretch for miles.Perched on the edge of Ireland’s rugged coast, Loop Head Lighthouse rewards visitors with sweeping views of the ocean and jagged shoreline, while the Clare Coastal Walk winds 2.5 kilometers along the Cliffs of Moher, where sea spray drifts up from the Atlantic; across the county, Clare’s varied landscapes invite countless outdoor adventures that showcase its wild, breathtaking beauty.Hiking and walking in Clare come with plenty of choice, from the stony paths of the Burren Way to sea-sprayed tracks along the Cliffs of Moher and the quiet bends of the Loop Head Peninsula.These trails welcome every skill level, leading you to some of Ireland’s most breathtaking views.For surfing, head to Lahinch Beach, where steady waves roll in under a wide Atlantic sky and both newcomers and seasoned riders find their perfect ride.Spanish Point is a great place to catch waves in Clare, where the wind smells faintly of salt.The county also offers prime fishing on the River Shannon and its many lakes, with salmon, fly, and lake fishing all within easy reach.Lough Derg and the Shannon Estuary draw plenty of visitors, while Clare’s lakes, winding rivers, and rugged coastline invite you to glide a canoe past reeds or paddle a kayak across open water.You can paddle the calm stretches of the Shannon River or slip a sea kayak beneath the towering Cliffs of Moher, where the waves echo against the stone.Clare’s lively cultural calendar bursts with festivals year-round, celebrating everything from the lilting tunes of traditional Irish music to the rich flavors of local food and the charm of its literature.Every year, Ennis comes alive for the Clare Festival of Traditional Music, where fiddles, bodhráns, and quick-footed dancers fill the streets, and visitors can join workshops to learn a reel or two.In Bunratty, the International Folk Park Music Festival brings together the sounds and steps of Ireland and far-off places, filling the air with rhythm and color.St. Patrick’s Day sees parades winding through towns like Ennis and Kilrush, flags snapping in the breeze.All year long, Clare serves up fresh local produce, glistening seafood, and hearty Irish favorites.Clare’s rugged coastline yields a bounty of oysters, lobsters, mussels, and fresh-caught fish, best enjoyed in cozy seaside pubs or bustling local restaurants.Clare lamb, prized for its tender flavor, finds its way into hearty dishes like rich lamb stew or slow-roasted joints.The county’s cider makers, including Bunratty Meade & Cider, invite you to sample crisp, golden apple ciders straight from the source.And everywhere you turn, traditional pubs hum with fiddle tunes and the clink of pint glasses.County Clare remains one of Ireland’s most stunning and storied places.It’s lit, like the warm glow from a candle in a dark room.
Landmarks in Clare
