County Clare is located in the West of Ireland. Some of Ireland’s most dramatic scenery can be found in the Burren in north County Clare and on the Atlantic Coast from Lahinch north to where the Cliffs of Moher fall 215 metres into the ocean below.
Shannon Airport, in the south-east of the county, is a major entrypoint for visitors from the US and Europe. A tourist could easily spend their entire holiday without leaving the county. The county is known for the scenery of the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher, as well as being the home of traditional music in Ireland. There are a number of attractions that interpret Ireland’s history and life here through the ages at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Craggaunowen and Clare Archaeology Centre – Dysert O’Dea Castle.
Other popular visitor attractions in County Clare include the Aillwee Cave and Clare Heritage and Genealogical Centre.
Top Attractions in County Clare
Aillwee Cave – Ballyvaughan – Perhaps Ireland’s most famous caves, formed by the glacial melt waters of an early ice age. Guided tours of the caves are available, where a visitor will learn about the caves in the limestone rock of the Burren’s karst landscape.
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park – Bunratty – Bunratty Castle & Folk Park provides a glimpse of Ireland’s past. Bunratty Castle itself is an authentic 15th century medieval fortress: it was built in 1425 and restored in the mid-20th century to its former glory.
Burren National Park and the Burren Centre introduces you to the unique Burren District, and with models, displays and an audio-visual reveal its complexities. Visitors can explore its geology and geography, learn about the rich diversity of Burren flora and fauna and the history of man in the landscape.
Clare Archaeology Centre – Dysert O’Dea Castle – Corofin – Dysert O’Dea Castle and Archaeological Centre in Corofin is known for its wealth of historical and archaeological remains. Built in 1480 the castle is now an archaeological centre with more than twenty five archaeological and historical sites.
Clare Heritage and Genealogical Centre – Church Street, Corofin – This is a centre which depicts Ireland in the early 19th century, and is also devoted to assisting people who wish to trace their ancestry.
Cliffs of Moher – Lahinch – Just north of Lahinch, on the coast of West Clare, are the Cliffs of Moher. Natural ramparts against the might of the Atlantic, they rise in places to over 215m and stretch for almost 8km.
Craggaunowen – The Living Past – Quin – tells the story of the arrival of the Celts in Ireland: how they lived, farmed, hunted and died. There is also a replica of a Crannóg (Lake Dwelling), Ring Fort and an Iron Age Roadway, as well as a replica of the boat in which Saint Brendan is said to have sailed to America.
Main Destinations in County Clare
Ennis is the county town of Clare, and is built across the river Fergus. It was built around a great Castle, O’Brien’s Castle, which dates back to the 13th century.
Lahinch is a bustling seaside resort, and is very popular for holidaymakers because of its long beach, golf links, promenade, and Seaworld, a leisure complex. The conditions of the sea are ideal for surfing.
Bunratty is home to the famous Bunratty Castle.
Corofin is home to the Clare Heritage and Genealogical Research Centre
Doolin is a fishing village located not far from the Cliffs of Moher. A ferry operates between here and the Aran Islands.
Killaloe and Ballina (Co. Tipperary) are two towns situated at either side of the River Shannon, and a beautiful arched bridge spans the river to join them. Nearby is Lough Derg, a lake on the Shannon.
Kilrush is a market town, with a large market square, and modern marina.
Lisdoonvarna is a popular holiday spot, though it is primarily visited for its spas. The water from the springs is very relaxing and therapeutic, thanks to its iodine content.
Popular locations to stay in Co. Clare are Ballyvaughan (6 places to stay), Bunratty (8), Carron (1), Doolin (29), Doonbeg (3), Ennis (9), Ennistymon (3), Kilkee (5), Killaloe (2), Lahinch (8), Liscannor (1), Lisdoonvarna (8), Miltown Malbay (3), Newmarket-on-Fergus (1), O'Brien's Bridge (1), Quilty (1), Shannon (4), Spanish Point (3).
Other towns include Bodyke, Burren, Carrigaholt, Clarecastle, Clonlara, Cooraclare, Corofin, Cratloe, Crusheen, Drumcliff, Fanore, Feakle, Kilfenora, Killimer, Kilrush, Mountshannon, New Quay, O'Callaghan's Mills, Ogonnelloe, Quin, Ruan, Scarriff, Sixmilebridge, Tuamgraney, Tulla, Tullig.
Getting Here and Around
County Clare has direct air links to much of Europe and the US as Shannon Airport is located in the south of the county. The M18 motorway/N18 route bisects the county connecting with the M7 Limerick-Dublin motorway at its southern end, and the M6 Galway-Dublin and M17 motorways at its northern end.
The “Western Rail Corridor” railway line runs through the county connecting Limerick City and Galway City, with stops at Sixmilebridge and Ennis in County Clare, and Gort, Ardrahan, Craughwell and Athenry in County Galway. There are a number of bus services serving towns throughout the county.
There are ferry services to and from the Aran Islands from Doolin.
More detailed information on getting to and around County Clare can be found in our Co. Clare Transport Guide.