You can enjoy the freshness of Clare’s Atlantic Coastline; the magnificent River Shannon; Lough Derg – Ireland‘s Pleasure Lake; lakeland areas; the incredible Burren and so much more.
The Wondrous Burren
The eerie lunar like Burren is a remarkable limestone area that is unique in Europe. Its geology, flora, caves, archaeology and history set it apart as a place of great mystery and beauty. In a small 100 square mile area, there are majestic rivers, brooding castles, tranquil lakes, towering cliffs, lush green valleys, barren rock mountains, rare plants, green road walks – and everywhere relics of ancient civilization. It defies nature’s conventional rules. The Burren Centre at Kilfenora is an attraction worth visiting and interprets the area. For more information on the Burren, please visit the
Burren Connect Project website.
Dramatic Atlantic Coastline
Clare’s Atlantic Coastline includes some of the most stunning coastal scenery you will ever find. All along you will encounter breath-taking scenery. Sheer-rock faces alternate with sweeping sandy beaches, many marking the origins of fine resorts like Kilkee, Spanish Point and Lahinch.
Shannon’s Lough Derg
Aptly named ‘Ireland's Pleasure Lake’, Shannon's Lough Derg is one of the largest of Ireland's lakes covering 32,000 acres,. It is just under 40 kms in length from Portumna at its northern tip to Killaloe/Ballina in the south. You can enjoy a short 2 hour cruise on the lake or rent a self-drive cruiser for a week. Or, just stay close to the water in a beautiful hotel, an Irish home, a self-catering cottage or a modern caravan park from where you can explore its history and the wonders of the surrounding countryside and its villages. Almost anything that floats is available for hire around Lough Derg.
West Clare Peninsula
This is a long finger of rugged land which points out into the Atlantic Ocean and terminates at the famous Loop Head with its solitary but inspiring lighthouse. The peninsula is cliff bound for almost its entire length. Tiny rocky islands, cut off from the majestic cliffs by the Atlantic, dot the coastline, which is totally unspoilt and in many places almost undiscovered.
Towns and Villages
County Clare's towns and villages have an inviting cosiness. Most developed their present character in the course of the 19th century, but their origins often go back much further. Some have their roots in old Celtic monasteries, or were founded by the Normans or even the Vikings, while some grew up close to the waters edge near lakes, rivers or along the County’s Atlantic coastline.