Top Things to do in County Clare
Countries
Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in County Clare, Province of Munster
Discover the best top things to do in County Clare, Ireland including Burren Birds of Prey Centre, Doolin Garden and Nursery, Caher Bridge Garden, Clare Coastal Walk Project, Scattery Island, Kilkee Cliff Walk, Beauty Of The Burren Walks, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Ennis Friary, Cliffs of Moher.
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. Doolin Garden and Nursery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 49 reviews
Contemporary garden of designer Matt O’ Connell with hidden sections or mini gardens, some of which are traditional. The garden surrounds an award winning house which was built in 1995 when the garden started. The variety of over 250 plants for sale in the nursery are propagated from plants in the garden so mature versions can be seen. All plants have been propagated outdoors and are totally hardy. Changes are being made to the garden all the time and due to the demand for shade loving plants a new shade section is in development to devote to these plants. Free admission. Donations to Doolin Rescue Service welcome.
Reviewed By JulianR109 - County Galway, Ireland
One does not expect to find such a beautiful garden on the windswept Wet Coast of Ireland but this one is well worth a visit, especially if you also have a garden of your own. You will not only get some wonderful ideas but you will be able to purchase some excellent specimens of many of the plants you have seen. Well worth a short detour from the Wild Atlantic Way to see it.
3. Caher Bridge Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 54 reviews
A 1.5 acre, award winning plantsman's garden situated in the beautiful Caher Valley in the heart of the Burren. The garden was begun in 1999 and has been specifically designed to 'blend' into, and incorporate it's surrounding landscape. Many 'native' plants are used, along with an extensive collection of garden plants. There are several noteable collections including Brunnera, Galanthus, Narcissus, Ferns, Hostas, Primula, Arisaema, Hydrangea and crocosmia. The garden includes a section of the Caher river, ponds and water features. There are interesting design elements, and a wealth of creative stonework including a 'Moon Window' built from local stone. It has been featured in many magazines, newspapers and is included in the book "The top 100 Gardens of Ireland" The garden is open from Mid-March to Mid-October, BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please ring for details. All visits are by guided tour. Photography is allowed. Unfortunately the garden is NOT suitable for children under 16 years.
4. 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.
5. 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
6. Kilkee Cliff Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 496 reviews
Reviewed By _wilmount - Limerick, Ireland
A delightful walk along the wild Atlantic way, breathtaking scenery and the ocean is majestic, a must do when in Kilkee
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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).
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