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County Clare

Clare is impressive, a larger-than-life county which is bounded by the Atlantic to the west, Galway Bay to the north, the River Shannon with Lough Derg to the east, and the Shannon Estuary to the south. Yet it's typical of Clare that, even with its boundaries marked on such a grand scale, there is always something extra added.

Thus the Atlantic coasts includes the astonishing and majestic Cliffs of Moher. Close under them in dangerous water is the majestic breaker known as Aileens, the surfer’s Nirvana. Less challenging nearby, but still at the top of world standards, is one of Ireland's greatest surfing beaches nearby at Lahinch, which is also a golfer’s Nirvana. As for that Galway Bay coastline, it is where The Burren, the fantastical North Clare moonscape of limestone which is home to so much unexpectedly exotic flora, comes plunging spectacularly towards the sea around the attractive village of Ballyvaughan.

To the eastward, Lough Derg is one of Ireland's most handsome lakes, but even amidst its generous beauty, we find that Clare has claimed one of the most scenic lake coastlines of all. As for the Shannon Estuary, well, Ireland may have many estuaries, but needless to say the lordly Shannon has far and away the biggest estuary of all. It is the port of call for the largest freight ships visiting Ireland, and on its northern shore is Shannon Airport. Yet the Estuary is also home to a numerous and remarkable friendly dolphin population, with Kilrush the most popular port for dolphin-watching.

The county town of Ennis has seen steady expansion, yet it is managing itself so well within its new bypass that it is the holder of a Gold Medal in the National Tidy Towns competition. Places like Ennistimon, Milltown Malbay, Corofin and Mountshannon - they all have a very human and friendly dimension. For this is a county where the human spirit defines itself as being very human indeed, in the midst of scenic effects which at times seem to border on the supernatural.   

Local Attractions and Information

Ballyvaughan Aillwee Cave 065 7077036

Bunratty Bunratty Castle & Folk Park 061 360788

Cliffs of Moher Tourist Information 065 7081171

Corofin Clare Heritage Centre 065 6837955

Ennis Tourist Centre 065 6828366

Killimer Killimer-Tarbert Ferry 065 53124

Kilrush Kilrush Heritage Centre 065 9051577

Kilrush Scattery Island Interpretive Centre 065 9052139

Kilrush Vandeleur Walled Garden 065 9051760

Quin Craggaunowen (Celts & Living Past) 061 360788

Quin Knappogue Castle 061 360788

Shannon Airport Tourist Information 061 471664

Gardens

Vandeleur Walled Garden - Kilrush County Clare
Vandeleur Walled Garden
Kilrush, Co. Clare
The secret world of the walled gardens at Vandeleur, Kilrush had lain forgotten for years. The house belonging to the surrounding 420 acres of wooded demesne was first planted in 1712, the house was burnt in 1887 and finally demolished in 1973. B ...

Golf

Golf
Woodstock Golf & Country Club
Ennis, Co. Clare
Course Type: Parkland
Woodstock Golf & Country Club provides a stern parkland challenge. The first 4 holes are straight - forward enough but don't be lulled. This course is built on top of a very windy hill and if it blows you need to have your fade worked out. Th ...

Self Catering

Selfcatering
The Links Cottages at Doonbeg Lodge
Doonbeg, Co. Clare
Although Doonbeg Golf Club is a private club, there is limited visitor access to both golf and accommodation when available and to the member owned Links Cottages at Doonbeg Lodge. Whether or not you are a golfer, this is very good news because t ...

What's On

There is no featured What's On in this county

Tourist Attractions

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Dromore Wood
Ennis, Co. Clare
Dromore Wood is a nature reserve that covers an area of approximately 400 hectares (1,000 acres). There is a great variety of habitats to support a diverse range of plant and animal life including a river, lakes, turloughs, callows, limestone pav ...

Wedding Venues

Wedding
Gregans Castle Hotel
Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare
Set in gardens and wooded grounds overlooking Galway Bay and the Burren mountains, the Haden family’s lovely country house hotel has a fascinating history going back to the 10th century, and parts of the present house date from the late 18t ...

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