Things to do in Co Clare

Scattery Island Tours Kilrush

Scattery Island Tours
Kilrush Marina,
Merchants Quay,
Kilrush,
Co. Clare

Tel: 085 2505512
info@scatteryislandtours.com
www.scatteryislandtours.com

Ferries depart Kilrush Marina from May to September, with three sailings daily and up to five sailing each day in the peak summer months.
Located at the mouth of the Shannon Estuary on the West Coast of Ireland, Scattery offers tourists a unique visitor experience. This little island, now uninhabited, offers a calm and tranquil environment in which visitors can explore a wonderful range of interesting sites all within walking distance.
Located approximately one mile off Kilrush, Scattery Island is home to a monastic settlement founded in the early 6th century by St. Senan who was born locally.

Vandeleur Walled Garden & Visitor Centre Kilrush

Vandeleur Walled Garden & Centre
Vandeleur Demesne
Killimer Road
Kilrush , Co. Clare

Phone: +353-65-9051760
Fax: +353-65-9051782
info@vandeleurwalledgarden.ie
www.vandeleurwalledgarden.ie

Beautiful old stonewalls enclose this sheltered Walled Garden (2.158 acres) which is set among 420 acres of native woodland. Formerly part of the Vandeleur Family Demesne, this garden has been restored around the old path system with a horizontal maze, unusual water-features and a free-standing Victorian-style working glasshouse which is accessible to visitors. The garden specializes in many unusual and tender plants that thrive in the area’s uniquely western latitude micro climate. Chess enthusiasts can test their skills by playing the giant outdoor Chess game.Children can enjoy the living willow structure, sand area and follow the butterfly trail. A collection of old farm machinery enhances the courtyard. The "Vandeleur Picture Exhibition" and part of the heritage exhibition "Kilrush in Landlord Times" are on display in the centre.So come and visit this lovely garden and have a rest in our Coffee Shop and enjoy some delicious homemade food. Don't forget to visit our Gift Shop. You might just find the one little gift you have been looking for. A wide variety of plants are available for sale in the courtyard. Our conference facilites are ideal for meetings, trainings,etc.

Please use promo code Sailwvg20 on https://bookings.vandeleurwalledgarden.ie/  to avail of 20% off all admission tickets

Loop Head Lighthouse

Loop Head Lighthouse
Loop Head
Co Clare
Republic of Ireland

www.kilkee.ie

https://loveloophead.com/

https://loopheadlighthouse.ie/

Loop Head Lighthouse overlooks the Atlantic Ocean in west Clare as it has done for over 3409 years. The lighthouse station is the major landmark on the northern shore of the Shannon River. Its cliff top position affords 90m high views of the sea down to Kerry Head and Dingle across the Shannon and up the Clare coast and to the Cliffs of Moher in the north.The first lighthouse on Loop Head was one of four known Irish stone vaulted cottage type lights built about 1670. These cottages accommodated the light keeper and his family in two or three rooms and had an internal stone stairway between two of the rooms leading up to a platform on the roof where a coal burning brazier or chauffer was positioned.

 Please use promo code Sailloop20 on Choose Tickets - Loop Head Lighthouse Experience  to avail of 20% off all admission tickets.

Cliffs of Moher - Wild Atlantic Way

Cliffs of Moher - Wild Atlantic Way
Cliffs of Moher
Liscannor
Clare
Republic of Ireland

+353 65 708 6141
info@cliffsofmoher.ie
www.cliffsofmoher.ie

The Cliffs of Moher are Ireland’s most visited natural attraction. They stretch for 8km (5miles), as the crow flies, along the Atlantic coast of County Clare in the west of Ireland and reach 214m (702 feet) at their highest point at Knockardakin just north of O’Brien’s Tower. The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience is located almost midway along these spectacular cliffs and the site is home to an environmentally friendly visitor centre set into the hillside, O’Brien’s Tower – a 19th century viewing tower, and 800 metres of protected cliff side pathways, viewing areas and steps. There are a number of viewing points at the Cliffs of Moher.

Kilrush Heritage Centre

Kilrush Heritage Centre
Market House
Kilrush
Co Clare
Republic of Ireland

+353 65 9051577
http://www.westclare.com

Kilrush Heritage Centre, in the picturesque town of Kilrush in County Clare, tells the story of Kilrush from its establishment as an estate town by the Vandeleur landlords at the end of the 18th century. The display is entitled 'Kilrush in Landlord Times' and includes an audio visual reconstruction of the 1888 Vandeleur evictions. The exhibition is a great starting point for a heritage walk through the streets of Kilrush, which will complete your transportation back to experience landlord times in Kilrush

Moher Hill Open Farm and Leisure Park

Moher Hill Open Farm and Leisure Park
Cliffs of Moher Road
Liscannor
Clare
Republic of Ireland

+353 87 2258347
moherfarm@eircom.net
www.moherfarm.ie

Moher Hill Open Farm and Leisure Park is beautifully situated overlooking Liscannor Bay in County Clare. Visitors to this open farm will interact with a variety of beguiling animals, from typical Irish farm animals to those from more exotic locations such as emu, ostrich, llama and even a family of Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs. Moher Hill Farm facilities also include purpose-built indoor go-karting, a bouncing castle and ball pool. These are combined with outdoor activities such as animal paddocks, mini-golf, a fully-equipped children's play area and a picnic area. An interesting display of antique farmyard machinery also provides an insight into farming practices of yesteryear.Either bring your own picnic or else purchase snacks from the Farm Tuck Shop and the newly-built coffee shop. There is free on-site parking for cars and coaches. Whatever the weather, there's lots of fun to be had at 'Award Winning' Moher Hill Open Farm.

Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark

Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark

T: +353 65 7072 295
M: 0873160772
E: lcotter@burren.ie
W:http://www.burrengeopark.ie/

Just to the north of the Cliffs of Moher you will find the Burren, a strange and beautiful karst landscape with its own extraordinary geological, natural and cultural distinctiveness. Together these two complimentary landscapes form the Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark.
In 2011 the region was awarded the prestigious UNESCO recognized Global and European Geopark status and its not hard to see why.
As a Geopark, the Burren and Cliffs of Moher region has become internationally recognised. Not only does the region have the geological importance that is required of a Geopark, it also has the all-important network of organisations that oversee tourism in the area as well as coordinated education and conservation efforts. Making up over 530 square kilometres, the Burren and Cliffs of Moher region offers a diversity that is second to none.
Alongside the extraordinary rock formations and called seabird on the rugged coastline of the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren is home to a vast array of flora, including Arctic and Alpine flowers that grow surprisingly alongside Mediterranean species. There is also the staggering amount of history in the Burren region with over 2,700 recorded monuments, some dating back over 6,000 years. This has led to the Burren being described as “one vast memorial to bygone cultures”.

Brian Ború Heritage Centre Killaloe

Brian Ború Heritage Centre Killaloe
Killaloe
Clare
Republic of Ireland

+353 61 360788
reservations@shannonheritage.com
www.shannonheritage.com

Killaloe Heritage Centre elaborates on the theme of Celtic Ireland.

The imaginative exhibition charts the history of Killaloe and its Celtic and nautical significance. An important feature is the place of Brian Boru (940-1014), High King of Ireland, who was born just a few miles from the village of Killaloe. The arrival of Christianity and the monastic tradition is also featured.

The tourist office has a full range of services including reservations for cruiser hire, accommodation, medieval banquets, Irish nights and many other attractions.

Aillwee Cave & The Birds Of Prey Centre

Aillwee Cave & The Birds Of Prey Centre
Ballyvaughan
Clare
Republic of Ireland

+353 65 7077036
info@aillweecave.ie
www.aillweecave.ie

Explore a cave, watch eagles in flight and sample delicious local food products at Aillwee Cave, Ireland's premier show cave in Ballyvaughan County Clare.Over 3,5000 feet of winding passages are open to the public, with regular guided tours provided. Visitors to this popular County Clare attraction are escorted on a 35 minute stroll.

Burren Birds of Prey Centre, located at the foot of Aillwee Cave, features the largest display of falcons, harris hawks, owls, American kestrels and white tailed sea eagles in the country.Burren Birds of Prey Centre, located at the foot of Aillwee Cave, features the largest display of falcons, harris hawks, owls, American kestrels and white tailed sea eagles in the country.

Nevsail's Outdoor Rockclimbing The Burren

Nevsail's Outdoor Rockclimbing The Burren
The Burren
Clare
Republic of Ireland

+353 86 3308236
info@nevsailwatersports.com
www.nevsailwatersports.com

Known as the mecca of climbing in Europe, the Burren offers a wide variety for beginners to the expert rockclimbers and some of the best views you will ever see in Ireland!

Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned climber, Nevsail's fully qualified instructors will ensure you have a unique wild adventure learning to climb and abseil in the beautiful unspoilt area overlooking sea cliffs and the wild atlantic. The Burren has numerous climbing routes varying from easy to very difficult, perfect for conquering fears of the nervous beginner or for challenging the most experienced climbers. Rock climbing requires skill, concentration, physical effort, perseverance, support of your fellow climbers and most importantly a huge smile when you reach the top!

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
Bunratty
Co Clare
Republic of Ireland

+353 61 360788
reservations@shannonheritage.com
http://www.shannonheritage.com

A visit to County Clare should always include a trip to Bunratty Castle and the adjoining folk park. The castle, built in 1425, was restored in 1954 to its former Medieval splendour and houses the Bunratty Collection, 450 pieces of Medieval furniture and artifacts. At nighttime, the castle is the impressive setting for its popular Medieval banquets, held year round. Within the grounds is the folk park, where 19th Century life is vividly recreated. Set on 26 acres, the impressive park features over 30 buildings, including a schoolhouse, post office and doctor's house in a living village setting. Bunratty Folk Park also includes Ardcroney Church, a former Church of Ireland building which was painstakingly moved, stone by stone, from County Tipperary, to Bunratty

Cappa Pier Blue Flag Beach

Cappa Pier Blue Flag Beach
Clare County Council
Ennis
Clare
Republic of Ireland

+353 65 6821616
blueflag@eeu.antaisce.org
www.blueflagireland.org

Cappa is a small rocky beach just by Cappa pier and harbour. Whilst the pier has been extensively used since 1764, today you are more likely to find locals and visitors alike jumping off the pier enjoying the sea at the Shannon estuary’s only blue flag beach.

A short distance away is Scattery Island; a worthwhile place to visit as it is of ecological interest with one of the few remaining examples of semi-natural grasslands in the country. Cappa is located on the R473, 1km from Kilrush which is the closest town.

The beach is lifeguard patrolled during the bathing season. Lifeguard times can be viewed by clicking on the tab above or by checking out the information notice board at the beach.

Bens Surf School

Bens Surf Clinic
Lahinch
Republic of Ireland

+353 86 8448622
ben@benssurfclinic.com
http://www.benssurfclinic.com

At Bens Surf Clinic, they are dedicated to progressive coaching of all surf levels and will help you to get the best from your surfing. Bens Surf Clinic is different in that they work in small groups (maximum six in a group) with a highly qualified (ISA Level 2/3) surf coaches, to guide you on your way to surfing. Whether you’re riding your first waves, standing up for the first time or making your first top turn and cut back, Bens Surf Clinic is here to guide you. The groups are divided by skill level so you will always be coached at the right level for you. All of the surfing equipment is provided, but they can also coach you on your own surfboard. Surfboard rental is also provided.

Kilkee Diving And Watersports Centre

Kilkee Diving And Watersports Centre
East End
Kilkee
Clare
Republic of Ireland

+353 65 9056707
divekilkee@iol.ie

Kilkee Diving and Watersports Centre is fully stocked with all modern equipment and its RIB's have oxygen sets, first aid kits and VHF radios. Depth sounders are fitted on the boats to locate the correct diving sites.

The centre also offers non-diving activities such as deep-sea angling, dolphin trips, sailing lessons and jet skiing. They are based in Kilkee, County Clare. Also on offer are full dive and travel packages with full equipment hire and a 20-seater diver training school. Facilities include a fully equipped dive shop, changing rooms with hot showers, large equipment wash down and storage area; two fully equipped 6.5m RIB's and a coffee and snack shop.

Dolphin Discovery Kilrush

Dolphin Discovery Kilrush
Kilrush
Co Clare

Tel: 065 353 9051327
info@discoverdolphins.ie
www.discoverdolphins.ie

Dolphin Discovery are the longest established marine tourism operator on the Shannon estuary, County Clare. With our experience of carrying visitors onto the estuary going back over thirty years, you know you are in safe hands sailing with us.
We only employ experienced skippers and crew, indeed the owner of the Company has over 30 years experience as a Shannon Pilot, handling the largest ships that have ever arrived at these shores. All our skippers are locals and have a wealth of knowledge of the locality and the dolphins and are eager to share it with you or answer any of your questions.
Dolphin Discovery was purpose built for dolphin watching on the Shannon in 2000, she holds a class VI Passenger Ship Licence from the Dept of the Marine and carries a full compliment of safety and electronic navigation equipment. She has been designed to provide maximum safety and comfort for her passengers and her all round viewing area will make it easier for you to see, photo or video the dolphins.The safety, comfort, and enjoyment of our passengers has always been our number one priority.
Kilrush, Co. Clare is an ideal location to take a dolphin watching trip from, the town is situated at the edge of the estuary and as the sailings depart from the marina getting on and off boats is safe and easy, even for those with limited mobility or whose sea legs aren’t great. The town’s position mid-way between the sites the dolphins are most frequently observed offers you a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

So why not visit us in Kilrush, The Gateway to the Shannon Dolphins, where a warm welcome awaits you onboard Dolphin Discovery.

Doolin Cliff Walk

Doolin Cliff Walks
Doonagore
Doolin
Co.Clare
Ireland

Tel: +353 65 707 4170
Mob: +353 86 822 9913
Email: pat@doolincliffwalk.com
www.doolincliffwalk.com

Join Pat Sweeney on a guided walk along the sea cliffs from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, for a unique experience of the breathtaking rural beauty of this part of the World. With the green fields of the local farmers on one side and the pounding waves of the Atlantic Ocean on the other, this spectacular walk, led by one of these local farmers is a must if you are visiting the west coast of Ireland along The Wild Atlantic Way. Pat is a local historian and walking enthusiast, an expert on local history and folklore and is passionate about the preservation of a rural lifestyle enjoyed by five generations of his family who have farmed in this area.

The walk takes approximately 3 hours along a gravel path and finishes at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre where public transport is available for your return to Doolin. The walk is easy, always with the sound of the ocean in your ears, for approximately 8km along the coast and also crosses two sections of Pat's farm along the way. Visitors will have the privilage of seeing the natural beauty of the area and hearing an interpretation of past and present life from the perspective of a guide who has an enthusiasm and passion for the locality.

Atlantic Airventure Shannon

Atlantic Airventure
Link Road
Shannon
Co Clare
Republic of Ireland

+353 61 363687
info@atlanticairventure.com
http://www.atlanticairventure.com

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fly a jet airliner? Experience this skill on a full-scale Boeing 737-80 Flight Simulator at the Atlantic AirVenture Aviation Centre. The only one of its kind in Ireland, the centre is a unique place for adults and kids, groups and individuals, to learn about the world of flight in a pure aviation environment.Take a virtual flying lesson on a typical training aircraft with a qualified pilot, or budding aerobatic pilots and thrill seekers can fly the Red Bull Extra 300 in a race to JFK Airport, including the Statue of Liberty and then under the Brooklyn Bridge.

Burren College of Art

Burren College of Art
Newtown Castle
Ballyvaughan
Clare
Republic of Ireland

+353 65 7077200
anna@burrencollege.ie
www.burrencollege.ie

Burren College of Art, near Ballyvaughan in County Clare, is an internationally recognised not-for-profit charitable trust committed to the initial education of artists and to their continuing professional development

They offer graduate, undergraduate and artist residency programmes to students and artists from around the world. The location of this specialist art college in the grounds of a 16th century castle in the stunning Burren landscape on Ireland's remote Atlantic coast makes this education unique in the world.

Dolphin Watch Carrigaholt

Dolphin Watch Carrigaholt
Carrigaholt
Co Clare

+353 65 9058156
info@dolphinwatch.ie
www.dolphinwatch.ie

Join us on a Wildlife Adventure...
Ireland’s greatest river opens out to the Atlantic Ocean at Carrigaholt, County Clare - home to Europe’s largest group of bottlenose dolphins. With approximately 200 individuals here at the Mouth of the Shannon, our dolphin encounter rate is one of the best in the world.
Dolphin Watching & Wildlife Adventure on the Wild Atlantic Way
Our passenger ship, Draíocht ("Magic"), skippered by Geoff Magee, departs from Carrigaholt Castle Pier to take you on an extraordinary adventure. Geoff’s fascinating commentary keeps you informed throughout the trip. Our competent and friendly crew are on board to ensure your comfort, safety and enjoyment.Watching and learning about the dolphins in their natural habitat is central to the experience, yet every trip is different in this dynamic environment. You might meet a grey seal emerging from a cave, spot a herd of wild goats on a hillside, learn about the many species of nesting seabirds, and delight in the stunning cliffs and caves of the Loop Head Peninsula and the coast of North Kerry.Our on board hydrophone (underwater microphone) allows you to listen to dolphin sounds.
We are a family business since 1992. Carrigaholt is a Discovery Point on the Wild Atlantic Way.
"One of the best wildlife experiences in the country, led by conservationists and dolphin experts Sue and Geoff Magee.They are hugely influential in marine conservation on Loop Head, and beacons of sustainable tourism in Ireland."- The Irish Times

RETREAT YOURSELF IRELAND
YOGA AND FOOD EXPERIENCE
CO CLARE

Tel: 083 0937560

www.retreatyourselfirl.com

Insta: retreatyourselfirl

Retreat Yourself provides memorable experiences of yoga in nature, healthy nourishing food, fresh air, well being, fun and kinship in beautiful locations. Yoga & movement classes are led by a highly qualified teacher. Healthy & nutritious food is prepared by a Ballymaloe trained chef. 

They host yoga day retreats day all through the year in various locations such as The Cliffs of Moher, Kilkee Strand, Ballyportry Castle, the 12 O’Clock Hills, Adare Heritage Centre and Clonshire Riding School. 

Retreat Yourself was bought about by a year of lockdowns, changing circumstance and its founders, Caroline Rouine O’Connor and Tanya Ranalow developing a business plan that encompassed wellness, local tourism, and their talents. 

Caroline's story is one of resilience and strength after Covid unexpectantly turned her life upside down last year. Caroline originally from Shannon had been residing in New York for twenty three years. Passionate about exercise and wellness, she ran her own busy and successful yoga studio in the city. In March 2020 Caroline, her husband Sammy and two children traveled home to Ireland for a family wedding. Unfortunately, at the wedding, they all contracted COVID and ended up staying in Ireland to recover from the illness and ride out the Irish and NYC lockdowns. As we all know, things worsened the world over and during this time Caroline and her husband subsequently lost their businesses in NYC. This consequence of COVID left Caroline, and her family with the tough decision to stay in Ireland. They settled in West Clare where Caroline has close family.  During the past year Caroline has continued to teach yoga, TRX  and conditioning classes via Zoom or outdoors when regulations permitted. 

Tanya, a Ballymaloe trained chef has a story that is less dramatic to Carolines and similar to thousands of others who worked in the hospitality trade. Working as a chef in a popular cafe, Retreat facilitator and private chef, all elements of her livelihood got wiped out last March. 

The two enthusiasts, one for cooking good healthy food, the other for health and exercise formed a strong friendship throughout the year. As the year progressed business ideas were discussed, plans were made and Retreat Yourself was born. Their Mission Statement is simple.

‘We wish to provide memorable experiences of yoga in nature, healthy and nourishing food, fresh air and kinship in beautiful locations.’ The idea is to bring bring small groups of retreaters together to connect with nature, each other and themselves after a strange, turbulent and uncertain year. 

People are invited  to come with friends, meet new people or take time for themselves. Private Retreasts are also available for groups  at any of the retreat locations, Ballyportry Castle, Gortglass Lake, Cliffs of Moher and Kilkee Strand.

The two women wish to provide a small portfolio of retreat experiences that appeal to peoples hobbies and interests. Their first retreat of the summer takes place at Gortlgass Lake, where Tanya grew up. This retreat will be a relaxed affair on the shores of Gortglass, commencing with a yoga class in a private setting with spectacular lake views. Guest are then invited to enjoy a two course vegetarian brunch. Some ingredients such as fruit, vegetables and eggs will have come from the local Gortglass organic farm. After Brunch, guests are free to take a swim, go for a walk or sit around in the tranquil surroundings and unwind. 

They both felt that they couldn't host outdoor retreats in Clare without including the iconic Cliffs of Moher. This four hour retreat kicks off with a stretch at Hags Head before embarking on a cliff walk to the visitor centre and back again. Retreaters will stop along the way for a yoga class followed by a picnic with some serious views. This retreat will really suit those who love to hike or walk. 

There are a lot of beautiful beaches in Clare. However, Caroline and Tanya choose Kilkee Stand as as a location as  both are avid paddleboaders and thought that this would be a great activity for their beach retreats. The day starts off with retreaters meeting on the beach. They will have a stretch with Caroline before heading out into the bay on SUP Boards or kayaks. Then its back to the beach for yoga and a picnic. The two hosts hope that this four hour retreat appeals to anybody who likes water sports and having fun on the water.

They also have a very unique day retreat experience in our repertoire. This day is all about relaxing and unwinding in the surrounds of a 14th century tower house which the small group will have all to themselves.Retreaters will experience a guided Burren Walk, introduction to meditation, Yoga, vegetarian lunch and dinner and the feeling of completely being away from it all