Top Things to do in County Clare
Countries
The 10 Best Things to do in County Clare, Province of Munster
Discover the best top things to do in County Clare, Ireland including Clare Coastal Walk Project, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Ennis Friary, Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Poulnabrone Dolmen, Doolin Cave, Atlantic Air Adventures, Lahinch Beach, Dromore Wood Nature Reserve.
Restaurants in County Clare
1. Clare Coastal Walk Project
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 253 reviews
Reviewed By WhereToTry - Waterford, Ireland
Spectacular views on this walk. Truly amazing and well-worth taking a few hours out of your day to go on it. It is not too difficult but good walking runners or boots are definitely a must. There are quite a lot of boggy areas (even in dry weather) to cross over. This is definitely a must if in Doolin or nearby.
2. 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.
3. Ennis Friary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 334 reviews
Reviewed By DGandSAG
We throughly enjoyed admiring the beautiful architectural ruins and reading the informative displays at the Ennis Friary. While there, it was easy to feel that the rest of the world melted away, as we took our time looking closely at the exhibits and ruins and reading all of the informative wall panels. Also, the friendly staff from the National Monuments Service who were on duty during our visit clearly had passions for history and for serving the public. Both staff members deserve a special shout-out, as they were incredibly helpful in explaining the history of the complex and the surrounding parts of Ennis. If you want to experience a peaceful place that transports you quietly back to another time, you'll enjoy a visit at the Ennis Friary.
4. 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).
5. 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.
6. 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
7. Doolin Cave
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,163 reviews
Discover Doolin Cave, an extraordinary underground caving experience in the Burren, County Clare. Take a fully guided tour of one of Europe’s most compelling cave attractions, and go over 200 feet under the limestone of the Burren landscape. Travel back in time over 350 million years and see how the Burren was formed. You’ll journey through a system of passages before emerging in a large chamber which is home to one of the greatest natural wonders of the world, the Great Stalactite - which was once beautifully described as “the palest gleam in the darkest deep”. It is the longest free-hanging stalactite in the northern hemisphere! At 7.3 metres long and weighing an estimated 10 tonnes, it naturally suspends from the cave ceiling like a chandelier. It is hard to believe that this enormous calcite formation was formed from a single drop of water over hundreds of thousands of years. Take the opportunity to experience the third-largest stalactite in the world, on a Doolin Cave Tour!
Reviewed By mariemG5117LM
Doolin caves are a real treat. Perfect for a rainy day. The guide was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the caves, it made the experience really interesting and fun. The stalactite is a must see. Unbelievable to see it up close. The history of it is extraordinary and to be able to travel safely into caves that are over 250,000 years old is amazing. Well done doolin caves for bringing this to the public.
8. Atlantic Air Adventures
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
Atlantic AirAdventures is an Aviation Education Flight Simulation Centre and Aviation Museum located on the Wild Atlantic Way, just 5km from Shannon Airport Co Clare Ireland, 15km from Limerick city, and 15 km from Ennis Co Clare. Visit our website for more info.
Reviewed By 90angelt - Shannon, Ireland
Brilliant place for families and tour groups. There's also different camps throughout the year, where children of all ages get to see flight simulator in operation, from inside.
9. Lahinch Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 485 reviews
Reviewed By CharliLimerick - Limerick, Ireland
Clean and expansive with lots to do nearby makes it the ideal spot for a visit. Surf lessons are available from lots of providers and makes the beach very popular.
10. Dromore Wood Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
Reviewed By AByrne123 - Galway, Ireland
Beautiful forest walk - great length and the trails were clearly marked. Our dog loved it and so did we!
