16 Best Things to Do in Clare
Discover all the best things to see and do in Clare in Ireland. You'll find top attractions, must-see places, fun activities, scenic drives, hiking trails, and so much more!
With a unique karst landscape, spectacular coastline, megalithic structures, medieval landmarks, remote islands, and cute villages, County Clare is for sure full of amazing places.
We're not exaggerating when we say Clare is one of Ireland's dream destinations. There is simply so much to see and do in Clare that you won't want to leave.
As Clare is home to the Cliffs of Moher, it's also one of the most visited counties in Ireland by visitors.
On the other hand, there are many places that fly under many visitors' radar, and it's always easy to find hidden gems within this county.
If you love a good adventure, you should add these County Clare's must-see places to your Ireland itinerary.
Cliffs of Moher
There are many reasons to visit County Clare. The Cliffs of Moher are probably the most convincing argument for why Clare is an unmissable stop on your Ireland road trip.
These iconic cliffs are one of Ireland's top attractions, so you can be sure this is one of the most visited places on the island.
With vertical cliffs plunging more than 200 meters down to the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Cliffs of Moher are no short of spectacular views.
The highest point along the coast can be found at the Cliffs of Moher Experience, the main entrance to this area.
There is a large parking area, a designated trail with barriers, and a modern and informative museum with tons of information on the cliffs, wildlife, geology, etc.
Here is the best part. There are still several inexpensive ways to see Cliffs of Moher, which is great news for all those visiting Ireland on a budget.
Ennis
Despite being the largest city in County Clare, Ennis is still a small town in absolute terms. Still, visiting Ennis is a very enjoyable experience.
The town is located in the heart of County Clare, so all major tourist attractions are very close.
Therefore, it's a particularly fine base for exploring the County Clare. You are close enough to the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, or Loop Head Peninsula.
One of the main attractions in the town is the 13th-century Ennis Friary. Together with Clonmacnoise and Glendalough, this was one of the major Irish centers of learning and religion back in the day.
You can also visit the Ennis Farmer's Market, offering the best local products, the 19th century Ennis Cathedral with Gothic Revival architecture, explore the Clare Museum, or see the nearby Dysert O'Dea Castle.
If you want to base yourself in a large city instead, you need to choose between Galway and Limerick.
Technically, both places are situated outside County Clare but within reasonable driving distance.
Doolin
With its good accommodation options, cozy pubs, and amazing location, Doolin is a fantastic base for exploring Clare's County coastline.
No matter if you visit Cliffs of Moher or Burren, these Ireland's must-see places are only a short driving distance from Doolin.
Doolin is also a departure point for Cliffs of Moher Cruises and ferries to Aran Islands.
As you can see, you can easily spend a few nights in Doolin without getting bored.
Just make sure to book your accommodation in Doolin early, as the local hotels fill up quickly during the peak season.
Alternatively, you can stay in nearby Lahinch, another popular seaside village in this area. Lahinch has an even better selection of hotels and a beautiful sandy beach (at least when the tide is out).
No matter if you choose Doolin or Lahinch, make sure to catch a sunset over the Atlantic.
The Burren
While no one can't deny that the Cliffs of Moher are the main attraction, it's the entire Burren Region that makes a visit to Clare so memorable.
This karst region is in striking contrast with the lush green hills you can see in other parts of Ireland.
No matter if you spend a few hours or several days in Burren, a trip to this rocky landscape will be an unforgettable adventure.
As this is an extensive area, the best way to explore the Burren is on a road trip.
Luckily, renting a car in Ireland is straightforward. Just remember that driving in Ireland can be a bit more challenging, so drive carefully.
And what are some of the best things to do in Burren?
You can drive along the coast, hike in the national park, see the cliffs, explore caves, learn to surf, delve into Neolithic history, and much more.
Simply put, the Burren showcases why County Clare is a stunning destination for every traveler.
Burren National Park
County Clare is full of natural wonders. Within the Burren region is a stunning national park carrying the same name.
Burren National Park is located in the heart of this vast region and features some of the most striking scenery we've seen in Ireland.
There are several trails to choose from, including several easy walks and some moderately challenging hikes suitable for more experienced hikers.
Our favorite hike is Mullaghmore Loop Walk, which we'll talk about in a minute.
One of the best ways to see Burren National Park is by going on a hike.
As Ireland's national parks are free to enter, visiting Burren is a great activity for budget-minded travelers.
Mullaghmore Loop Walk
There are many great walks and hikes in Clare. Mullaghmore Loop Walk offers one of the best ways to explore this unique karst region.
If you're an avid hiker, this easy to moderately challenging 7.5-kilometer walk is a great adventure for you.
Even though driving through the Burren is fun, it's no comparison to the hiking experience.
You will be able to see the unique and ancient limestone landscape from a completely different perspective.
Just make sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail is rocky and uneven.
Also, pack a windproof rain jacket, as the weather in Ireland is quite unpredictable, and there is nowhere to hide.
Doolin Cave
Large cave systems can be found in karst regions. If you want to see some caves in Ireland, there is no better place to visit than County Clare.
There are basically two main cave systems in Clare - Doolin and Aillwee.
Doolin has a giant stalactite, while Aillwee is more family-orientated as it also has Birds of Prey Centre.
What Doolin Cave lacks in its size, it makes up for in the grandeur of its main stalactite.
If you are a fan of mineral formations, the 7.3-meter stalactite hanging from the cave's ceiling will leave you speechless. The stalactite looks like it's defying gravity.
This free-hanging stalactite is not the only reason to visit this cave, though.
Tours are led by knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides who will make your trip 350 million years back in time even more memorable.
As Doolin Cave is accessed by guided tours only, booking your spot in advance is recommended.
You can also enjoy a 1-kilometer Farmland Nature Trail while there.
Aillwee Cave
Ailwee Cave provides a great insight into Burren's compelling landscape. So, it's another great place every amateur geologist should visit while exploring County Clare.
The cave tours are very educational and led by knowledgeable guides who will make sure you will have a fantastic time here.
The tickets are fairly expensive but include Birds of Prey Centre.
The Birds of Prey Centre is a big draw for those interested in falconry and aerial displays.
If you're looking for one of the best family-friendly activities County Clare has to offer, Aillwee Cave is a great tip.
Corcomroe Abbey
County Clare is home to several major Ireland attractions that are busy throughout the year. If you want to escape the crowds, visit Corcomroe Abbey.
The monastery was founded by Donal Mor Ua Briain at the end of the 12th century.
These well-preserved ruins were once home to Cistercian monks who lived in this fertile area until the 17th century.
Today, Corcomroe is standing solemnly in the northern part of the Burren region, waiting to be explored.
The abbey has typical architecture featuring nave and aisles, transepts, a vaulted roof, an effigy of an Irish Chieftan, and a small cemetery.
You can see the ruins without a guided tour. There is no admission.
Ennistymon Falls
If you love waterfalls and cascades, you need to visit the small town of Ennistymon.
This popular town with a riverside setting is only a short drive from Lahinch and Doolin, making it a great alternative for those visiting the Cliffs of Moher.
There is so much to see and do around Ennistymon, so this is a great place to base yourself for a day or two.
Plus the town is very compact and can be easily explored on foot. And the falls? Quite frankly, Ennistymon Falls is not the most sought-after attraction in Ireland.
Still, the Ennistymon Cascade, with the town in the backdrop, is very picturesque, especially after rain or when the river is in full flow.
Bunratty Castle
If you love history and medieval fortresses, Bunratty Castle should be on your Clare itinerary. In fact, Bunratty Castle is one of the best things to do in County Clare.
This 15th-century castle is located on N18, only a 15-minute drive west of Limerick.
Bunratty Castle is quite impressive and offers a great insight into Ireland's medieval past.
There is also Folk Park, a living village that will bring you back to the daily life of 19th-century Ireland.
The walled gardens are also home to a mystical fairy trail and farm animals, so it's a popular site for families with kids.
If you enjoyed a visit to Blarney Castle, Bunratty should be on your list as well.
Kilkee Cliffs
It's not a secret that Kilkee Cliffs are overshadowed by Cliffs of Moher. The cliffs are arguably not that spectacular, and most visitors just rush to see the most iconic place in County Clare instead.
Having said that, Kilkee Cliffs are definitely worth seeing. Once you reach this place, you will quickly understand why.
There are no crowds, no barriers, and everything is much quieter. And the views are still breathtaking.
You can walk for a few kilometers along the cliffs if you want to spend more time in this area.
The short hike is about 1.7 kilometers one way. You can walk back along the country road or retrace your steps via the same trail.
You can also extend your hike and follow the cliff trail for a few more kilometers, though this option is mostly popular among locals.
Kilkee is also home to fulmars, choughs, skylarks, and bottle-nosed dolphins. The starting point and parking to Kilkee Cliffs is only 1.5 kilometers west of Kilkee.
There is no entry fee to Kilkee Cliffs. Visiting any cliffs in Clare is an incredible experience. Just make sure to follow designated trails and stay away from the edge.
Ireland is a very safe place to visit, but the cliff areas are especially treacherous.
Fanore Beach
There are many beautiful beaches in County Clare.
With its extensive and fragile dune system, serene atmosphere, and calming views, Fanore Beach was probably our favorite sandy beach we visited in this region.
This stunning Blue Flag beach is lifeguarded during the summer months. It gets fairly busy during the peak season, but it was very quiet when we were there in May.
It's located about 16 kilometers north of Doolin, and you can easily get there by car.
Fanore is one of the most popular Clare's surfing spots, and you will find a surfing school there if you want to give it a go.
Fanore is a great place to visit, even if surfing is not your thing. While summer is the best time to visit, Fanore is beautiful any time of the year.
By the way, there are many more great beaches in County Clare, such as White Strand Beach, Doughmore Beach, and Lahinch Beach.
If you're unsure when to visit Ireland, check out this guide.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Loop Head Lighthouse
Situated about a 30-minute drive west of Kilkee, Loop Head Lighthouse is another interesting place you should consider when touring County Clare.
The drive along the R487 is not as exciting as driving Dingle or the Ring of Kerry, but that doesn't mean that the rural scenery of this headland is not interesting.
You can always make a quick detour to places such as Kilkee Cliffs or Bridges of Ross. When you reach the end of the road, you will get a chance to explore the Loop Head Lighthouse.
This Wild Atlantic Way Signature Point attracts all types of visitors.
The lighthouse was built in 1802 on the westernmost point of Loop Head Peninsula. It underwent several transformations over the years and was fully automated in 1991.
The Loop Head was also featured in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
You can explore the lighthouse with a guided tour and even enjoy spectacular views from the top of the tower.
If you love lighthouses, make sure to visit Fanad Head in Donegal and Hook in Wexford.
Poulnabrone Dolmen
While Poulnabrone Dolmen is a fairly small historical site, this portal tomb is easily recognizable.
The history of Poulnabrone Dolmen dates back to circa 3000 BCE, making it one of the oldest landmarks in Ireland.
The tomb is well-preserved and surrounded by typical limestone pavement and a diverse ecology.
Wild orchids, several types of grasses, wild thyme, and wood sage live in the cracks, pores, and holes of the limestone surface.
Bones of almost three dozen people and many artifacts were discovered during the excavations.
Beside the tomb itself, Poulnabrone Dolmen provides a great insight into the unique features of Burren's karst landscape.
If you're into geology, you can easily spot kamenitzas, dolines, grikes, and clints here.
While Poulnabrone Dolmen is just a tiny site compared to Bru na Boinne, it's definitely worth seeing.
There is also Caherconnell Stone Fort, about 500 meters from this site. If you've never seen a ring fort before, this is your chance.
Unlike Cahergall, there is admission as the megalithic structure is on private property.
Scattery Island
Situated at the mouth of Shannon River Estuary, Scattery Island is one of the most incredible places you can visit in County Clare.
This uninhabited island is known as Inis Cathaigh and is managed by OPW.
Scattery features tons of history dating back to the 6th century when the local monk set up a monastery at this very spot.
The 1500-year history also features many Viking invasions, a visit of the Spanish Armada, and Shannon River pilots.
The island is accessible by a 20-minute boat ride from Kilrush Marina, and you will also enjoy a ride through the locks.
Here you will also find free parking.
Once you disembark on the island, you can see a cathedral, a round tower, six churches, a lighthouse, and a Napoleonic artillery battery.
Taking a guided tour is one of the highlights of a visit to Scattery Island, though you can walk around the island on your own. There is also a small visitor center on the island.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
