County Clare

COUNTY CLARE – WHY GO?
Dramatic scenery with imposing cliffs, craggy caves and spectacular wildlife can be found in beautiful County Clare, alongside stunning sandy beaches and world-class golf courses.

MUST SEE, MUST DO

Cliffs of Moher
Towering 214m high and stretching 8km along the Atlantic coast of County Clare, the awesome Cliffs of Moher are an exhilarating climb and give fantastic views of the Aran Islands and The 12 Pins. Or you can cruise underneath them on a boat trip from Doolin or Liscannor. Sunsets over the cliffs are simply stunning.

Going underground
Check out the Aillwee caves at Ballyvaughan underneath The Burren, which were discovered by a farmer in the 1940s and have been opened up for visitors to marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites.

Great outdoors
Sporty types can hone their swing at the world class Lahinch, Gort and Doonbeg golf courses. There are miles of sandy beaches for sunning and surfing, and the Aran islands are close enough for a fascinating day out.

The Burren
Scramble or ride over the bleak limestone formations at the Burren where the bleak landscape and strange plants give the area an other-wordly air. Look out for ancient pre-historic monuments amongst the desolate rocks.

MAKE A DATE

Early May
Ballyvaughan village celebrates the onset of summer in The Burren in Bloom.

July
The South of Ireland Golf Championship tees off at Lahinch on the last weekend of the month.

September
If your darling is not paying you enough attention, you could always try your luck at Lisdoonvarna's famous Matchmaking festival – a riotous affair with local dancing and plenty of late nights.

COUNTY CLARE ROMANCE
Stroll hand-in-hand through the secret walled Vandeleur garden in Kilrush and find a quiet spot amongst the rare trees and gorgeous plants.