Loop Head is located on the western tip of County Clare. The coastline of Loop Head Peninsula boasts some of the most dramatic cliffs and spectacular views in Ireland. This is walking country. There are many excellent trails to take, including The Loop Head Heritage Trail. You may be rewarded with a sighting of bottlenose dolphins, basking sharks, seals, whales and a variety of seabirds. In 2010, Loop Head became a European Destination of Excellence in aquatic tourism. You can climb to the top of Loop Head Lighthouse for wonderful panoramic views and watch out for the Eire sign at the front of this beautiful lighthouse.
The Aillwee Caves were first discovered in the 1940s by a farmer who followed his dog in. He did not tell anyone of his find until almost 30 years later when he told cavers about it, and not long after this, work began to develop the cave into a tourist attraction. There are a number of facilities at Aillwee Caves which are fabulous, the cave itself, the Bird of Prey Centre and the Hawk Walk. Tickets for the caves cost €15 for adults and €7 for a child, and the tour lasts about an hour. For the Bird of Prey Centre, tickets cost €15 for adults and €7 for a child. A combined ticket is €22 for an adult and €12 for a child.
Another county brimming with beautiful natural scenery. While it does have a few tourist towns, that just proves how worthwhile it is to come and see the landscape here. Cliffs, coasts and campsites are the order of the day here.
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Driving to Clare shouldn’t take much more than an hour if you take the main roads further inland. But Clare lies just south of Galway, so you can afford to take the coastal road and drive slowly, taking in the gorgeous views with the Atlantic as your constant companion.
This campsite is just outside the quaint (but touristy) village of Doolin in north Clare. It has all the facilities you could ever need, but be warned, it’s a different vibe compared to Clifden Campsite – overall more commercially driven and busier, so you won’t have as much space. But if you ask for a sea view, towards the front of the site, it will be just as an enjoyable a stay as anywhere.
One little town in County Clare is Lisdoonvarna. Every September, it hosts a matchmaking festival. The Wild Atlantic Way is the perfect route to discover yourself, and Lisdoonvarna might just be the place to discover your true love! If you’re in the area in September, you’re sure to find a buzzing atmosphere with lots of laughs, music, and lovehearts.
Loop Head is located on the western tip of County Clare. The coastline of Loop Head Peninsula boasts some of the most dramatic cliffs and spectacular views in Ireland. This is walking country. There are many excellent trails to take, including The Loop Head Heritage Trail. You may be rewarded with a sighting of bottlenose dolphins, basking sharks, seals, whales and a variety of seabirds. In 2010, Loop Head became a European Destination of Excellence in aquatic tourism. You can climb to the top of Loop Head Lighthouse for wonderful panoramic views and watch out for the Eire sign at the front of this beautiful lighthouse.
The Aillwee Caves were first discovered in the 1940s by a farmer who followed his dog in. He did not tell anyone of his find until almost 30 years later when he told cavers about it, and not long after this, work began to develop the cave into a tourist attraction. There are a number of facilities at Aillwee Caves which are fabulous, the cave itself, the Bird of Prey Centre and the Hawk Walk. Tickets for the caves cost €15 for adults and €7 for a child, and the tour lasts about an hour. For the Bird of Prey Centre, tickets cost €15 for adults and €7 for a child. A combined ticket is €22 for an adult and €12 for a child.
Doolin village, is a popular tourist destination that is renowned for its quaint colourful houses and traditional Irish music. If you plan on visiting the Aran Islands (and you should), depending on which Island you visit, it takes about 15 minutes to 35 minutes to get from Doolin to the Aran Islands by ferry. The islands technically belong to County Galway, but geographically are closer to Clare.
Although not quite a hidden gem, this beach is generally quiet and peaceful, perfect for a rest after a long da of exploring. It’s surrounded by grassy dunes that block out the rest of the world and lends the beach a general cosy vibe. This is a beautiful beach any time of year, and is a great spot for watching the sunset, taking a nap (really – it’s that peaceful!), or just contemplating the awesomeness of Ireland.
Lahinch Beach, is a hot spot for swimming, surfing and kitesurfing. Lahinch Seaworld & Leisure Centre, located on the promenade, has a state-of-the-art Gym and Pool. Next door you will find Lahinch Adventures who offer surfing lessons and other activities.
The Bridges of Ross are located on the western side of Ross Bay near the village of Kilbaha. Originally there were 3 ‘bridges’ or sea stacks, but only one remains today. Walk the couple of hundred meters from the car park to view the remaining sea stack, as it cannot be seen from the road. This is a very popular spot for bird-watching as the seabirds pass very close to shore particularly during autumn migration. The coastal and Atlantic views are spectacular, and this quiet spot is perfect for a picnic or some meditation. Well worth a visit and a hidden gem for sure.
If you think all cliffs are the same, you’re wrong. The Cliffs of Moher are in a class of their own. Picture perfect and a UNESCO Global Geopark, if you visit during the summer, expect it to be busy. It will be worth it. The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre is open all year round, and there are over 800m of cliff-edge paths and viewing areas, plus the gothic style 19th-century O’Brien’s Tower. Instagram dump loading…
This stage of the Wild Atlantic Way has the effect of making you wonder if you have been beamed on to another planet. The reason being the fascinating karst landscape. It is a world heritage site and an area of special conservation, the stone stands out beautifully from the green in a uniquely Clare-esque way. Perfect for hikes and long walks.
