{"id":14947,"date":"2026-04-14T12:28:19","date_gmt":"2026-04-14T12:28:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/letstravelireland.ie\/travel-blog\/?p=14947"},"modified":"2026-04-14T12:28:21","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T12:28:21","slug":"best-things-to-do-in-county-clare-wild-adventures-coastal-views-and-unforgettable-nights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/letstravelireland.ie\/travel-blog\/best-things-to-do-in-county-clare-wild-adventures-coastal-views-and-unforgettable-nights\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Things to Do in County Clare: Wild Adventures, Coastal Views and Unforgettable Nights"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Credit : Tim Thompson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1. Explore the Otherworldly Beauty of The Burren<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Things to do in the Burren:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Walk sections of the Burren Way
– Visit Poulnabrone Dolmen
– Stop at the Burren Perfumery
– Take in a sunset over the limestone hills<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Burren is peaceful, dramatic and incredibly photogenic. Whether you\u2019re a keen walker or just want to explore somewhere truly unique, this is one of Clare\u2019s standout attractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Aillwee Burren Experience<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Go Underground at Aillwee Cave<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For something a little different, head beneath the Burren and explore Aillwee Cave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This fascinating cave system features underground waterfalls, impressive stalactites and winding passageways, all brought to life through guided tours. It\u2019s a fantastic option for families, couples or anyone looking to add a bit of adventure to their trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Scattery Island Tours<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3. Take a Boat Trip to Scattery Island<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For history lovers and explorers, a trip with Scattery Island Tours is a must. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Located in the Shannon Estuary, Scattery Island is home to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– A stunning round tower
– Monastic ruins dating back to the 6th century
– Quiet walking trails
– Sweeping estuary views<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It feels wild, remote and wonderfully untouched – the perfect escape from the everyday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Doolin Ferry Company<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4. Visit the Aran Islands with The Doolin Ferry Company<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Set sail from Doolin with The Doolin Ferry Company and experience Clare\u2019s coastline from the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Visit the Aran Islands
– Cruise beneath the Cliffs of Moher
– Enjoy spectacular Atlantic views<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Few experiences match seeing the cliffs rise dramatically from the sea. It\u2019s one of the most memorable activities in County Clare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kilkee Cliff Walk<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

5. Go Walking Along Clare\u2019s Dramatic Coastline<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clare is a walker\u2019s paradise, offering everything from gentle seaside strolls to dramatic cliffside hikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top walking spots include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– 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!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often described as one of Ireland\u2019s 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\u2019s wild, exhilarating and completely unforgettable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Fanore Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

6. Discover Clare\u2019s Best Beaches<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clare\u2019s coastline is packed with stunning beaches perfect for swimming, surfing or long sunset walks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Lahinch Beach \u2013 Known for its surf scene and family-friendly atmosphere
– Fanore Beach \u2013 Backed by the Burren\u2019s distinctive limestone hills
– Spanish Point \u2013 Scenic and popular year-round
– White Strand (Miltown Malbay) \u2013 A favourite with locals
– Kilkee Beach \u2013 A beautiful horseshoe-shaped sandy beach ideal for families<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On a sunny day, Clare\u2019s beaches are hard to beat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Doolin. Photo from Visit Clare.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

7. Wander Through Clare\u2019s Most Popular Towns and Villages<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clare\u2019s charm truly shines in its towns and villages, each with its own character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Doolin is famous for traditional music and its colourful village atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Lahinch brings lively surf-town energy during the summer months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Ennistymon stands out with its vibrant shopfronts and waterfalls running right through the town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Ennis, the county town, is full of narrow streets, independent shops and a strong cultural scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Kilkee offers Victorian seaside charm and is the perfect base for exploring the spectacular Kilkee Cliffs walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each stop adds something different to your Clare adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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McDermott\u2019s Pub & Restaurant<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

8. Where to Eat in County Clare<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clare\u2019s food scene is seriously impressive, with fresh Atlantic seafood and modern Irish cuisine taking centre stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Randaddy\u2019s \u2013 Creative dishes in a cosy setting
– The Roadside Tavern \u2013 A great mix of food and craft beer
– Morrissey\u2019s Seafood Bar \u2013 A long-standing seafood favourite
– Poet\u2019s Corner \u2013 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<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re after a relaxed pub meal or something a little more refined, Clare delivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Roadside Tavern<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

9. Traditional Music and Lively Bars Across Clare<\/p>\n\n\n\n

County Clare is world-renowned for traditional Irish music, and the atmosphere in its pubs is something truly special.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Doolin, sessions are legendary at:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Gus O\u2019Connor\u2019s Pub
– McDermott\u2019s Pub
– McGann\u2019s Pub<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ennis is often described as the traditional music capital of Ireland. Great spots include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Knox\u2019s Pub
– Brogan\u2019s<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Miltown Malbay, particularly during the summer, you\u2019ll find music sessions in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– O\u2019Loughlin\u2019s Bar<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And in Lisdoonvara, head to <\/p>\n\n\n\n