Click Flags
for different
Languages

COUNTY CLARE

County Clare - Coastal Splendour

You'll not find too many centres of population in this delightful west coast county. But that usually means uncluttered attractive landscapes. And Clare has these in abundance. The southern edge is the Shannon estuary, while Black Head lighthouse - sticking out into the famous Galway Bay - marks the northern limit. The sandy beaches of the south soon give way to wooded uplands beyond which lies the country town of Ennis. But the real drama here is on the coast and the Cliffs of Moher. It is five miles long, up to 650ft of sheer face, mewing seabirds and heavenly sunsets.

Did You Know
The Burren. Inland from Moher it's a huge limestone plateau that has some remarkable Mediterranean plant life. There's also a 5000 year old tomb - the Poulnabrone Dolmen.

Bunratty Castle. Yes, everyone visits here and it's very touristy, but for all that, it's a fascinating 15th century building.
Lisdoonvarna. The Victorians developed this as a spa town and it still shows. Catch a hot sulphur bath or viist when the annual matchmaking ceremony is on in September. Once upon a time young ladies were brought here to see if they could find a local gentleman. Now it's riotous good fun. Bawdy too! Smoked salmon from the Burren Smokehouse in Lisdoonvarna. We'll guarantee you've never tasted anything like it.