Plan your visit to County Clare, Ireland( A Travel Guide)

Clare is a county in west coast of Ireland with terrain ranging from rugged coastline, smaller towns and villages. With the county know for it’s natural attractions and scenic beauty, this place amazes all International tourists until no end.

About County Clare.

Know as Banner County, County Clare is popular and know for beautiful cliffs, historic buildings and fictional priest houses. Some of the top attractions in the County Clare are below.

• Cliffs of Moher.
• Bunratty Castle & Folk Park.
• Poulnabrone dolmen. 

With many more attraction in the bucket list you can explore the County Clare with minimum stay of three to five days. County Clare has many beautiful small fishing villages, busy market towns and you can find few of the best pubs of the country in this Clare region. .

Surfing is well known and a popular activity in Ireland, and if you are experienced surfer than you will absolutely love County Clare Waters. You must surf on some of the best waves in the world and people who would like to learn surfing can also take your first lesson in the calm waters at Lahinch.

Best time to Visit.

The best and peak season of County Clare is in the summer months of June, July and August. If you want to explore peacefully and avoid the big crowds, you can plan your visit during the months of April-May or September-October.

Also in Ireland any season you take, it always rains so make sure you have umbrellas, raincoat and waterproof shoes during your Ireland vacation.

Transportation.

People who would love to drive a lot, then you are in the right destination for something special. Driving is the recommended and best way to explore the vast landscapes of County Clare. Even though you can explore the smaller towns and villages through feet, we would recommend you have a car so you can move around from location to another quickly.

Food Tour in Clare.

If you are planning for a drive along the Clare coastline or exploring the vibrant towns and villages, then you must be ready to taste the special seafoods of Clare. While you may not find luxury restaurants as in Dublin and other major cities, this traditional dining scene in Clare is a must try for all the International visitors.

Check out some of the best bars and restaurants in Clare for your reference.

• Egan’s 14 Main St, Liscannor, Co. Clare
• Doolin Cafe Toomullin, Doolin, Co. Clare
• Cullinan’s Guesthouse Teergonean, Doolin, Co. Clare
• Barrtrá Seafood Restaurant Barrtrá, Carrowgar, Lahinch, Co. Clare
• Town Hall Bistro O’Connell Street, Clonroad Beg, Ennis
• Durty Nelly’s Bunratty West, Bunratty, Co. Clare 
• Wild Honey Inn  Kincora Rd, Rathbaun, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare
• Linnalla Ice Cream Unnamed Rd Co. Irland, Rine, Co. Clare

Top Attractions in Clare.

County Clare has many locations to explore, but we have trimmed down the top four attractions below.

• Cliffs of Moher
• Bunratty Castle
• Loop Head
• The Burren

1. Cliffs of Moher.

Located in southwest Ireland this place is known as one of the most beautiful cliff formations in the world. With a soaring 702 feet high and 5 miles long this makes “Cliffs of Moher” a unique and iconic destination. From the Cliff, you can see a glorious view of the Branaunmore rocks making it even more natural and attractive. Well know, that Ireland’s weather often experiences rain and sunshine in and out, the clouds forms a beautiful rainbow often and is such a pleasure to view and experience from the Cliff of Moher.

Another major spot for viewing is the sunset in the Atlantic Ocean is a treat for all the international visitors. You can explore the cliff, with a minimum of two hours in hand.

2. Bunratty Castle

Known as the most complete and medieval castle in Ireland, this Bunratty Castle takes you back to the old Ireland days. Bunratty was built early in 1425 and later was re-established in 1954. If you want to explore more about 19th century Irish village life and rural setting, then you should visit the Folk Park. The visit to Folk Park will truly give you the real Irish experience.

3. Loop Head

Loop Head is the Western Tip of County Clare and a lighthouse being operational since 1670. International visitors would like to take 50 mile drive from Loop Head covering all the scenic and beautiful coastal areas until Cliff of Moher. You can also see the dolphins playing in the waves which attracts many tourists to Loop Head region.

All the Star War Fans will be able to recognize Loop Head as Star Wars- Episode VIII, was filmed here.

4. The Burren.

The Burren region is northwestern County Clare well known for it’s enthralling limestone pavements and rock formations. During the April and May months you can spot the unique wildflowers in the Burren region making it more special for the visitors.

Also Read : Ireland Travel Guide – All You Need To Know Before Visiting This Country

Must-See Towns & Villages.

1. Doolin

A beautiful village situated on Ireland’s west coast. Doolin is famous for traditional music and is called the music capital of Ireland. Since it is along the coastline, people visiting the Cliff of Moher would also take a ride to explore the Doolin village culture.

More attractions around Doolin are the Harbour and Doonagore Castle, a tower house which was built in the 16th-century.

2. Ennis.

Ennis, a beautiful town in County Clare is known as a popular historic market town in Ireland. You can see from quaint streets to lively pubs, it is a must visit for all the International tourists.

Visitors can walk through the town and find the Clare Museum and know about Ennis Abbey- 13th century Franciscan Monks. Last but not least, you should explore the lively pubs and must listen to the traditional sweet Irish music.

Also Read : Ireland Castles: All about Ireland Castles

3. Kilrush

Another coastal and heritage town in County Clare is Kilrush. ” Vandeleur Walled Garden” located near to Kilrush center is a hidden gem and must visit for people first time in Ireland. Visitors who would like to know more Kilrush history should also visit the Scattery Island Cathedral, know as 1500 year old monastic settlement.

4. Ballyvaughan.

A small beautiful harbor village in Clare, situated in the northern part of County Clare. The Harbor was built in the 19th century for fishing. Ballyvaughan is also said to be a gateway to explore the Aran Islands and The Burren.

Planning to take a break and get out of the hectic city life? then, County Clare Ireland will be the best place for you to get refreshed and be back energetic. We at Pickyourtrail will craft a perfect vacation and help you get lost on the coast 🙂