If you’re looking for dramatic landscapes, buzzing traditional music, unforgettable food and outdoor adventure, County Clare ticks every box. From exploring ancient limestone landscapes to island-hopping on the Wild Atlantic Way, Clare is the kind of place that steals your heart and keeps you coming back.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in County Clare – including where to eat, stay, walk, swim, golf and soak up that famous Clare atmosphere.
1. Explore the Otherworldly Beauty of The Burren
No trip to Clare is complete without visiting the breathtaking The Burren. This lunar-like landscape of cracked limestone pavements, rare wildflowers and ancient tombs feels like nowhere else in Ireland.
Things to do in the Burren:
– Walk sections of the Burren Way
– Visit Poulnabrone Dolmen
– Stop at the Burren Perfumery
– Take in a sunset over the limestone hills
The Burren is peaceful, dramatic and incredibly photogenic. Whether you’re a keen walker or just want to explore somewhere truly unique, this is one of Clare’s standout attractions.
2. Go Underground at Aillwee Cave
For something a little different, head beneath the Burren and explore Aillwee Cave.
This fascinating cave system features underground waterfalls, impressive stalactites and winding passageways, all brought to life through guided tours. It’s a fantastic option for families, couples or anyone looking to add a bit of adventure to their trip.
3. Take a Boat Trip to Scattery Island
For history lovers and explorers, a trip with Scattery Island Tours is a must.
Located in the Shannon Estuary, Scattery Island is home to:
– A stunning round tower
– Monastic ruins dating back to the 6th century
– Quiet walking trails
– Sweeping estuary views
It feels wild, remote and wonderfully untouched – the perfect escape from the everyday.
4. Visit the Aran Islands with The Doolin Ferry Company
Set sail from Doolin with The Doolin Ferry Company and experience Clare’s coastline from the water.
You can:
– Visit the Aran Islands
– Cruise beneath the Cliffs of Moher
– Enjoy spectacular Atlantic views
Few experiences match seeing the cliffs rise dramatically from the sea. It’s one of the most memorable activities in County Clare.
5. Go Walking Along Clare’s Dramatic Coastline
Clare is a walker’s paradise, offering everything from gentle seaside strolls to dramatic cliffside hikes.
Top walking spots include:
– The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk
– Loop Head Lighthouse Walk
– The Doolin Cliff Walk
– Lahinch Promenade
– The breathtaking cliff walk at Kilkee Cliffs (we highly recommend this!)
Often described as one of Ireland’s most impressive coastal walks, the Kilkee Cliffs offer spectacular Atlantic views without the crowds of the Cliffs of Moher. The looped walk takes you along rugged cliff edges with dramatic sea stacks, crashing waves and panoramic views across to the Blasket Islands on a clear day. It’s wild, exhilarating and completely unforgettable.
6. Discover Clare’s Best Beaches
Clare’s coastline is packed with stunning beaches perfect for swimming, surfing or long sunset walks.
– Lahinch Beach – Known for its surf scene and family-friendly atmosphere
– Fanore Beach – Backed by the Burren’s distinctive limestone hills
– Spanish Point – Scenic and popular year-round
– White Strand (Miltown Malbay) – A favourite with locals
– Kilkee Beach – A beautiful horseshoe-shaped sandy beach ideal for families
On a sunny day, Clare’s beaches are hard to beat.
7. Wander Through Clare’s Most Popular Towns and Villages
Clare’s charm truly shines in its towns and villages, each with its own character.
– Doolin is famous for traditional music and its colourful village atmosphere.
– Lahinch brings lively surf-town energy during the summer months.
– Ennistymon stands out with its vibrant shopfronts and waterfalls running right through the town.
– Ennis, the county town, is full of narrow streets, independent shops and a strong cultural scene.
– Kilkee offers Victorian seaside charm and is the perfect base for exploring the spectacular Kilkee Cliffs walk.
Each stop adds something different to your Clare adventure.
8. Where to Eat in County Clare
Clare’s food scene is seriously impressive, with fresh Atlantic seafood and modern Irish cuisine taking centre stage.
– Randaddy’s – Creative dishes in a cosy setting
– The Roadside Tavern – A great mix of food and craft beer
– Morrissey’s Seafood Bar – A long-standing seafood favourite
– Poet’s Corner – A fantastic option in Ennis serving modern Irish cuisine in stylish surroundings
– McDermott’s Bar & Restaurant – A traditional Irish pub in the heart of Doolin
Whether you’re after a relaxed pub meal or something a little more refined, Clare delivers.
9. Traditional Music and Lively Bars Across Clare
County Clare is world-renowned for traditional Irish music, and the atmosphere in its pubs is something truly special.
In Doolin, sessions are legendary at:
– Gus O’Connor’s Pub
– McDermott’s Pub
– McGann’s Pub
Ennis is often described as the traditional music capital of Ireland. Great spots include:
– Knox’s Pub
– Brogan’s
In Miltown Malbay, particularly during the summer, you’ll find music sessions in:
– O’Loughlin’s Bar
And in Lisdoonvara, head to
- The Roadside Tavern
No matter where you go, expect warm welcomes, great pints and music that often spills out onto the streets on summer evenings.
10. Campsites and Glamping in Clare
If you want to stay close to nature, Clare offers fantastic camping and glamping options.
– Nagles Camping & Caravan Park (Doolin)
– Riverside Camping (Ennistymon)
– Teapot Lane Glamping (near Doolin)
– Beds of Silk Luxury Glamping – Boutique-style safari tents offering a luxurious escape near the Shannon Estuary
From simple seaside pitches to stylish safari tents, Clare makes it easy to wake up surrounded by nature.
11. Tee Off at Some of Clare’s Stunning Golf Courses
Golf lovers will find plenty to enjoy in County Clare, with courses that combine challenging play and spectacular scenery.
– Spanish Point Golf Club
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Spanish Point Golf Club offers one of the most scenic rounds in the country. Expect sweeping coastal views, sea breezes and a course layout that keeps things interesting from start to finish.
– Ennis Golf Club
Located just outside Ennis town, Ennis Golf Club provides a beautiful parkland course in a peaceful riverside setting. With mature trees, well-kept fairways and a welcoming clubhouse, it’s perfect for visitors looking to combine a round of golf with exploring the county town.
– Why County Clare Should Be on Your List
County Clare is wild, welcoming and full of character. Whether you’re hiking the Kilkee Cliffs, exploring the Burren, sailing to the Aran Islands, enjoying live music in Ennis or unwinding in a luxury glamping tent, there’s always something happening.
One visit is rarely enough. Clare has a way of drawing you back again and again.