Clare Ireland is famous for three natural features: the Burren, the coastline (home to the famous Cliffs of Moher), and Lough Derg. It’s a leading destination for nature lovers in Ireland and abroad.
Clare is large enough to keep you exploring for weeks. So, you must learn about the county if you want to get the most out of a short stay.
In this post, we’ll look at the top things that have made Clare Ireland world-famous.
Read on to understand why the beautiful county is considered one of the best tourist destinations in Ireland.
Great golf courses
If you’re a golf enthusiast, you’ll surely have a fantastic experience in one of the best tourist destinations in Ireland. County Clare is home to many great golf courses, including the world-famous golf course at Doonbeg and the natural terrain course at Lahinch Golf Club.
The South of Ireland Amateur Open Championship has been taking place in Lahinch since 1895. Clare’s other top golf courses include Trump International Golf Links, Dromoland Castle, Shannon, and East Clare.
Beautiful scenic views
Loop Head Lighthouse offers one of the most beautiful scenic views you would ever come across. Located on the western edge of Clare, the Loop Head Peninsula is home to many beautiful dolphins, seals, and seabirds. You will get the best view by climbing to the summit of the lighthouse.
About 25,000 tourists visit Loop Head Lighthouse every year to enjoy the romantic, scenic view. It offers a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean 90 meters below.
Beautiful beaches
There are many beautiful beaches in County Clare, Ireland. If you love sand between your toes, this sandy paradise might be perfect for you. It’s home to many popular beaches like Kilkee beach, Fanore beach, Lahinch beach, Doughmore beach.
Beaches offer a peaceful environment with stunning views. Thanks to the waters, anglers, hikers, surfers, and families can enjoy a fantastic experience in County Clare.
The Burren National Park
The Burren is a popular natural landscape. It’s among the few places you’ll find Arctic, Alpine, and Mediterranean plants. The Government bought the parkland for public access and nature conservation.
If you love nature, then the Burren National Park is a place you should visit. You will find all major habitats, including Calcareous Grassland, Limestone Pavement, Hazel Scrub, Turloughs, Ash/Hazel Woodland, Petrifying Springs, Lakes, Cliffs, and Fen.
Visitors get to enjoy free guided walks along the trails in the National Park. The tour is free of charge, but you’ll need to book in advance. If you visit the Burren in the summer, the wildlife will leave you amazed.
The farming community in the Burren does an excellent job of preserving the flora and habitat. With a size of 350 km2, the Burren covers about 1% of the land surface in Ireland.
Lisdoonvarna Town
Famous for its festivals and music, Lisdoonvarna is one of the most popular places in County Clare, Ireland. The town is steeped in tradition, love, and history. People from many different places around the globe visit Lisdoonvarna yearly for their ‘Matchmaking Festival.’
The month-long festival is held every September and features top names in Irish and Country music. If you love great music, partying, and you don’t mind some courting, Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival is the perfect festival for you. It is the biggest gathering for singles in Europe.
Music and dancing begin at bars all over Lisdoonvarna from 11 am every morning. If you’re looking for love, Willie Daly, the only traditional matchmaker in Ireland, is always excited to welcome you into his office.
He will have you touch his ‘Lucky book.’ According to legends, people who touch the book with both hands end up walking down the aisle within the next six months!
Father Ted’s house
Your tour in Clare is not complete without visiting father Ted’s house for a cup of tea. The TV sitcom Father Ted is undoubtedly one of the most popular TV shows in Ireland.
Located in the Lackareagh area of County Clare, the parochial house is iconic and easily recognisable. If you love Father Ted, you won’t want to miss the opportunity of visiting this iconic building that was featured in the TV show. It is a fan favourite place for tourists to take memorable pictures.
However, if you want a tour of the famous house, you need to book it beforehand. You will also get to enjoy a delicious cup of tea during your tour.
Scattery Island
If you enjoy guided walking tours, Scattery Island might be the perfect destination for you in County Clare.
The historic Scattery Island recently won The European Destination of Excellence for 2017 (EDEN). You will find historic sites, including a Cathedral, five Churches, Napoleonic War Artillery Battery, a magnificent Round Tower, and a working Lighthouse.
This small monastic settlement is steeped in Irish history. The tour is available in Spanish, German, French, and Italian. It’s a perfect choice for a family vacation, as kids get a treasure trail map to explore the Island.
Scattery Island is currently uninhabited, but its ancient historic sites still stand. It’s a fantastic place for visitors who love to explore an unspoilt, naturally beautiful and peaceful environment.
The Aillwee Caves
Filled with giant stalagmites, stalactites, and frozen waterfalls, the Aillwee Caves will amaze any geology lover. It’s located in the heart of the Burren area of County Clare. The leisurely cave tour features an expert guide to keep tourists informed.
The Aillwee cave is a perfect attraction for people looking to enjoy the darkness of this natural wonder. You will find an extensive series of caverns in a cave full of beauty, wonder, and discovery.
Aillwee cave has a beautiful underground landscape that offers a thrilling 30-minute stroll for visitors. However, booking you need to book the tour on the Aillwee Cave website.
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
You will surely benefit from spending a full day in Bunratty & Folk Park if you love history. This iconic destination is considered the most complete and authentic castle in Ireland. It offers insight into how Ireland was in the 19th-century.
You’ll enjoy a tour of the last of four structures built on what used to be a Viking trading camp. During the tour, you’ll listen to stories about the lords and ladies of the castle. You will learn about their battles and bravery while enjoying the fantastic views of Clare countryside.
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park covers a massive 26-acre land and features over 30 buildings. If you want to go on the tour, you should book a ticket to their website.
The Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are among the top natural attractions and popular cliffs in Ireland. The cliffs are featured in many classic movies like Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince and The Princess Bride.
Many tourists visit the Cliffs of Moher annually to enjoy the breathtaking vistas over the Aran Islands. It is an inspirational site for musicians, artists, poets, scientists, and geologists.
With plenty of breathtaking views, the Irish coastline is the perfect place for taking beautiful pictures. You’ll walk the paved pathways while enjoying the spectacular view of the cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean.
Conclusion
Clare Ireland is full of beauty, from the famous Cliffs of Moher to the Burren and many other iconic places. It’s a perfect destination for geology enthusiasts, golfers, families, and nature lovers.
There are many activities to enjoy, tours to embark on, and things to learn in the beautiful county. The region will leave you amazed with its wildlife, tradition, and serenity.
