Top Things to do in County Clare
Countries
The 10 Best Things to do Good for Kids in County Clare, Province of Munster
Discover the best top things to do in County Clare, Ireland including Burren Birds of Prey Centre, Scattery Island, The Pollock Holes, Doughmore Bay, Beauty Of The Burren Walks, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Cliffs of Moher, Loop Head, The Burren, Poulnabrone Dolmen.
Restaurants in County Clare
1. Burren Birds of Prey Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 688 reviews
DYNAMIC FLYING DISPLAYS where the visitor can interact and get up close and personal to the birds as they fly overhead and through the audience. A HOME to Eagles, Falcons, Hawks, and Owls from all over the world.EDUCATION into the amazing world of Raptors, their biology, conservation and the ancient art of Falconry.HAWK WALKS which are a once in a life time opportunity to interact with some of nature's top predators. Guided and instructed by experienced Falconers, this hour long 'Walk with a Hawk' through hazel woodland and across Burren limestone pavement is tailor made for anybody seeking a totally unique experience.
Reviewed By 346katier
The centre is staffed by knowledgable and friendly people. The birds are well-kept and in great condition. Toilets (importantly!) also clean. There's a shop with a good collection and also a farm shop with local produce. The bird show is informative and the staff clearly engaged very much in conservation: staff are also very much on hand and welcome questions. In the show we saw, volunteers were allowed to have a hawk fly to their fist which was done as part of the show very well indeed. We loved it, and I am certain fellow visitors did too. It was lovely to see handlers so clearly interested in conservation and bird welfare. Very well done.
2. Scattery Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 405 reviews
Scattery Island Tours offers a daily ferry service to Scattery Island, at the heart of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. Scattery offers a unique Cultural & Heritage experience for visitors with a range of Monasitc & Heritage sites. Scattery Island is an EDEN award winner for Sustainable & Cultural Tourism. Sailings depart from Kilrush Marina in Co. Clare May to Sept. Guided Walking Tour included.
Reviewed By blackcatw13 - London, United Kingdom
Great trip would recommend wearing boots as trails muddy and slippery, also have to cross a stream to get to the lighthouse. Guides more than knowledgeable on the history
3. The Pollock Holes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By 829nicolac - Arklow, Ireland
The pollock holes is a fantastic place to visit if in Co Clare. It is so beautiful to to walk around the holes and have a swim in all three. The water is cold but so refreshing. There is something so calming about these holes. Lovely to see the locals coming down in their dressing gowns for a daily dip.
4. Doughmore Bay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By Burkhard042 - Siegen, Germany
Doughmore Bay is a place hard to find elsewhere in Ireland. Kilometers of sand, each day different and loved by pet holders and their dogs, surfers, beach walkers and sometimes even golfers. A plate gives evidence of a tragedy which happened 1941, when a British Sunderland flying boat had to make a forced landing on the sea You will meet sea gulls, gannets and, if you are lucky, two Border Collies who go for a stroll every morning. When you want to walk the whole bay look for low tide.
5. Beauty Of The Burren Walks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
Beauty of The Burren Walks offer guided walking tours of the Burren.We pick you up from your accommodation (in the Doolin area)in our bus and drop you back after the walk. The walks are an excellent opportunity to discover the unique landscape that is the Burren. With our expert guide, walkers explore the fascinating history, geology and botany of the area. A walk with us is a walk to remember.
Reviewed By twoodyt - Dublin, Ireland
Incredible walks through the unique Burren, travelling over limestone roads and green paths. You will never forget the views.
6. Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,347 reviews
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is a must on your itinerary to Ireland. This is your chance to experience a window on Ireland’s past and explore the acclaimed 15th century Bunratty Castle and the 19th century Bunratty Folk Park. Bunratty Castle Welcome to Bunratty Castle, the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland. Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendor and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those times. Bunratty Folk Park Enjoy the sights, sounds tastes, scents, of this enchanting place as you stroll from house to house or around the charming village street complete with school, post office, doctors house, hardware shop, printers and of course McNamara’s pub! meet the village characters, sample some freshly baked bread by our resident Bean an Ti's (woman of the house) and for little visitors explore of quaint fairy village and pirate adventure playground
Reviewed By Ecowoman
Spent about 2 hours here exploring the past through their various buildings and re-creations. Very well done heritage park, showcasing dwellings from different regions (coast, mountain farm, strong farmer, labourer, stable, and up to the Bunratty House and the (ice cream) Brother’s home). There are animals (petting area, 2 Irish wolfhounds, donkeys, miniature ponies, fallow deer in the field, pigs, chickens, turkeys, etc), a playground for the younger kids, a tea room and pub, along with several gift shops in the village and at the entrance. The castle is more of the utilitarian style rather than one that was lived in. Functional rooms, and none made for comfort! There are lots of tight, steep and winding staircases, which may be challenging for some folks. You can get to the top of one of the towers, with a view over the River, and surrounding area. There is free parking across from the entrance, and more on the highway before turning off. If you’re interested in Mead and Poteen tasting, travel the Low Road past the park, look for the signs and turn left. Called the Bunratty Winery, and the products are made on site. Highly Recommended on a pleasant weather day, as most of the park is accessible outside. €17 pp entry.
7. Cliffs of Moher
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13,738 reviews
Spectacular cliffs stretching 700 feet over the rugged Atlantic coast is part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Geopark and is a Special Protected Area for Birds and Wildlife, home to 35 species of birds. The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience operates under an ethos of sustainability, environmental protection and conservation. Safe accessible viewing areas and pathways along the cliff edge appeal to all levels of ability. A short walk to O'Brien's Tower provides an excellent lookout on Ireland's beautiful western shoreline. The Visitor Centre hidden underneath the hillside houses an exhibition, two cafes, gift shop, toilets, first aid centre, information points and baggage store. Admission includes access to all areas, map and secure parking. The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience is a signature point on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Reviewed By NicolaS4264
I stayed in doolin and decided to catch the public bus from there (€3.30) up the visitor centre (didnt do the tourist bus that costs €8 and stops further along the cliffs). I actually got off the bus about 500 m from the visitor centre and the traffic was at a standstill. It was free to visit the cliffs and I then walked the cliff walk back to doolin (this took me 2 hrs). Stunning. I wanted to go in the morning but there was thick fog, so after taking local advise I went up at 3pm once the fog had burned off. Great pics and the sun was good on the cliffs (you get amazing views away from the visitor centre area as well so worth walking further around).
8. Loop Head
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 321 reviews
Reviewed By TravelBugDonegal
A lovely unspoilt part of Co Clare. Cliffs and seaviews are amazing. There is a large stack running parallel to the top of the cliff face. Much quieter than the Cliffs of Moher but equally as impressive. Many lovely wee towns on this route.
9. The Burren
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 708 reviews
Bare limestone plateau characterized by carboniferous limestone abounding in corals, mollusks and other fossils that lived in the shallow seas over 300 million years ago.
Reviewed By davidaedwards-au - Melbourne, Australia
I have found that many parts of the West Coast of Ireland are unique and different to each other - travel a few hours north or south and the terrain changes. The Burren in one of the most unique places I have visited, due to it's unique geological features. I'd advise the coast road and stop from time to time to take in the beauty. There are some interesting sights in the Burren away from the coast, so you can loop up into the hills and back down. It is one of the quieter parts of Ireland.
10. Poulnabrone Dolmen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 772 reviews
Reviewed By jannaimcc2017
We were on our way to Aillwee when we just happened to drive past and just had to stop. What an amazing spot, the landscape of the Burren is bizarre and fascinating to start, and to then have such a magnificent artifact there in the open...wow! In my honest opinion, this free attraction is better than Stonehenge and more than worth a stop - I can only imagine that it would be delightfully colourful with the wildflowers in spring and summer
