Cliffs of MoherSea cliffs run about 14km down the west Clare coast, and the visitor centre is dug into the hillside above Liscannor.
An Clár
Clare
Limestone, sea cliffs and caves on the Atlantic edge of Munster.
- Munster
- 20 places
- 8 events in the next 30 days
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The list
Top 10 things to do in Clare
Clare is limestone and Atlantic. The Cliffs of Moher run about 14km down the west coast, and behind them the Burren is bare rock with a five thousand year old tomb sitting on top of it. These are the ten we would start with, and there are ten more underneath them when you want to keep going.
Cliffs of MoherSea cliffs run about 14km down the west Clare coast, and the visitor centre is dug into the hillside above Liscannor.
Poulnabrone Portal TombThe capstone is propped on two upright slabs, sitting on bare limestone beside the R480, and it has been there since the neolithic.
Bunratty Castle and Folk ParkThe restored 15th century tower house sits beside the N18, with a village of old farmhouses and shopfronts rebuilt in the grounds.
Burren National ParkNational park · CorofinLimestone pavement, hazel scrub and lakes that come and go south of Mullaghmore, with waymarked trails from the Gortlecka car park.
Aillwee CaveCave · BallyvaughanThe cave system runs inside Aillwee Mountain above Ballyvaughan, walked on a guided route past old bear hibernation pits.
Loop Head LighthouseLighthouse · KilkeeThe lighthouse at the tip of the Loop Head peninsula is still working, and the tower is open to climb.
Kilkee CliffsCliffs · KilkeeCliffs and sea stacks west of Kilkee bay, with a signed cliff path that starts in the town itself.
Doolin CaveCave · DoolinOne very large free hanging stalactite is what you go down the stairway for, on a guided tour near Doolin.- Caherconnell Stone FortFort · BallyvaughanThe drystone ringfort near Poulnabrone stands close to its full height, out on the Burren plateau.
Scattery IslandIsland · KilrushNobody lives on it now. The island in the Shannon estuary off Kilrush has a round tower and church ruins, and the boat goes from the marina.
Show 10 more
- DoolinVillage · DoolinDoolin runs along the road down to the pier the Aran ferries leave from, north of Lahinch.
Knappogue CastleCastle · QuinThe 15th century tower house near Quin was restored and set inside a walled garden.
Ennis FriaryAbbey · EnnisA roofless Franciscan friary in the middle of Ennis, kept for the carved stone panels in it.
Quin AbbeyAbbey · QuinA Franciscan friary built straight on top of a Norman castle. The castle's round corner towers still show at the base.
CraggaunowenMuseum · QuinNear Quin, an outdoor archaeology site with a crannog and a ringfort rebuilt on it, and the leather boat Tim Severin sailed to Newfoundland.
Lahinch BeachBeach · LahinchThe beach fills Liscannor Bay at the edge of the town, with a promenade behind it and a links course beyond that.
Flaggy ShoreWalk · BallyvaughanLow limestone shoreline at New Quay on the north Burren coast, walked as a road loop past Lough Murree.
Holy Island (Inis Cealtra)Island · MountshannonOut in Lough Derg off Mountshannon, an island with a round tower and several church ruins on it. You go by boat.- Vandeleur Walled GardenGarden · KilrushThe walled garden was restored inside a wooded estate on the edge of Kilrush.
Bridges of RossCliffs · KilkeeThree sea arches named the spot and one is left, in the cliffs on the north side of Loop Head.
Where they are
Tap a pin to open the place.
14 of the 20 places are on the map. The rest are listed above.
What’s on in Clare
Coming up, soonest first.
Today, Wednesday 23rd September
Sunday 27th September
Friday 9th October
Saturday 10th October
Wednesday 14th October
Friday 23rd October
Sunday 8th November
Towns
Towns with enough in and around them for a page of their own.
More to see in Clare
71 more places from Fáilte Ireland’s own listings, each linked to its official site.
- Burren College of ArtGallery · BallyvaughanThe Burren College of Art in Ballyvaughan, County Clare, offers art students the opportunity to study in a unique environment alongside top ranking academics and artists.
- Doon ForestForest park · BroadfordDoon is located about 3.5km northwest of Broadford, County Clare.
- Caherconnell Fort & Sheepdog DemonstrationsVisitor farm · CarranCaherconnell Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations on Davoren farm in the Burren, is near Poulnabrone Dolmen, in County Clare.
- Carran Medieval ChurchAbbey or church · CarranCarran Medieval Church, found in County Clare, is a fine example of a medieval parish.
- Burren Experience Guided WalksNational park · CorofinBurren Experience Guided Walks take in some of the more remote and beautiful parts of the Mountain within the Burren National Park.
- Dysert O'Dea Castle & Clare Archaeology CentreCastle or historic house · CorofinDysert O'Dea Castle in County Clare is a former stronghold of the O'Dea clan.
- The FarmyardVisitor farm · CorofinThe Farmyard is a pre booked activity farm for groups.
- Cratloe WoodsForest park · CratloeCratloe Wood is a state owned forest on the slopes of Woodcock Hill, beside the small village of Cratloe in County Clare.
- Doolin PierNature and wildlife · DoolinTake in the beauty of the rugged, limestone landscape of The Burren and the Atlantic Ocean from Doolin Pier.
- Ballyallia LakeNature and wildlife · EnnisBallyalia Lake is close to the village of Barefield and just outside Ennis in County Clare.
- Clare AbbeyAbbey or church · EnnisThe abbey at Clarecastle, County Clare was founded by Donal Mor O'Brien for the Augustinian Canons in 1189.
- Clare MuseumMuseum · EnnisGiving an introduction to the heritage and culture of County Clare, Clare Museum, Ennis, is a suitable place to start before exploring the county.
- Dromore Wood Nature Reserve & Visitor CentreForest park · EnnisDromore Wood Nature Reserve, near Ennis in County Clare, was established as a nature reserve because of the diversity and richness of its flora and fauna.
- Kilnaboy Medieval Church and Round TowerAbbey or church · EnnisThe village of Kilnaboy in County Clare is home to the remains of an interesting medieval church and round tower.
- Local Studies CentreMuseum · EnnisThe Local Studies Centre of the Clare County Library Service is situated close to the De Valera Library and Museum in Ennis.
- Mohammed Ali MonumentAttraction · EnnisVisit the monument dedicated to the American champion boxer Muhammad Ali on the site of his Irish ancestral home in Ennis, County Clare.
- St. Tola Irish Goat FarmVisitor farm · EnnistymonSt. Tola Irish Goat Farm in County Clare, has been hand making gourmet goat's cheese just south of the Burren since 1979.
- Caher Bridge GardenGarden · FanoreSet in the beautiful Burren region of County Clare, Caher Bridge Garden is found near Fanore.
- MurrooghtoohyBeach · FanoreReach the pinnacle of Murrooghtoohy in County Clare and enjoy the amazing views of Galway Bay, the Aran Islands, Oranmore Bay and Galway City.
- Cahermurphy ForestForest park · FeakleAdjacent to the village of Flagmount in County Clare, on the shores of Lough Graney, lies Cahermurphy Forest.
- Burren Free Range Pork FarmVisitor farm · KilfenoraA traditional small farm offering overnight glamping stays, visit for an afternoon to see the animals or to buy award winning local food.
- The Burren CentreMuseum · KilfenoraVisit this beautiful part of County Clare at The Burren Centre.
- Kilkee BeachBeach · KilkeeThe crescent shaped beach at Kilkee in County Clare is a stretch of golden sand that slightly slopes toward the sea, and is a popular holiday spot during the summer months.
- The Flying AlpacaVisitor farm · KilkeeCome meet the friendly alpacas and embark on an enjoyable alpaca walk at The Flying Alpaca, near Kilkee, County Clare.
- Killaloe Cathedral and ChurchesAbbey or church · Killaloe
- Killimer Port (Killimer to Tarbert Ferry)Attraction · KillimerStroll out to the edge of Killimer Port in County Clare and take in sights of the beautiful Shannon estuary.
- Craggaunowen - The Living Past ExperienceCastle or historic house · KilmurryCraggaunowen - The Living Past Experience in Kilmurry, County Clare, has expansive outdoor spaces, rare animal breeds and intriguing discovery trails.
- Cappa PierBeach · KilrushCappa Pier is a small stoney beach located in Kilrush, County Clare.
- Vandeleur Walled GardensGarden · KilrushWalk, explore, and relax in the enchanted Vandeleur Walled Garden, one of County Clare's most beautiful botanical tributes to Ireland's rich natural history.
- Michael Hanrahan ArtistGallery · LahinchMichael Hanrahan Artist can be found in the coastal village of Lahinch, County Clare.
- Birdwatching at the Cliffs of MoherNature and wildlife · LiscannorThe Cliffs of Moher in County Clare are one of Ireland’s most important bird-breeding sites.
- Moher Hill Open FarmMuseum · LiscannorMoher Hill Open Farm in County Clare, is an environmental award winning visitor farm close to Ennistymon, Lahinch, Liscannor and Doolin.
- Doreen Drennan Art Studio, Garden and LodgeGallery · LisdoonvarnaDoreen Drennan is a gifted seascape/landscape artist inspired by life lived on the Wild Atlantic Way.
- Lisdoonvarna Spa Wells Heritage CentreMuseum · LisdoonvarnaVisit Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, immortalised in song by many artists including Christy Moore.
- The Roadside TavernMuseum · LisdoonvarnaThe Roadside Tavern & Burren Brewery, Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, is home to fantastic traditional and contemporary music, locally sourced organic food and fine beers.
- Birdwatching at the Bridges of RossNature and wildlife · Loop HeadLocated on the north side of the Loop Head Peninsula, the Bridges of Ross is an internationally renowned seabird-watching site.
- Inis Cealtra Visitor ExperienceMuseum · MountshannonThe Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience in Mountshannon, County Clare, showcases the rich history of Inis Cealtra, Ireland's Holy Island, through three engaging exhibitions.
- Mountshannon, Lough DergBeach · MountshannonMountshannon is a small lakeside bathing area located at Lough Derg in Mountshannon, County Clare.
- Newtown CastleCastle or historic house · NewtownA beautifully restored 16th century tower house with unique architectural features.
- Seafield BeachBeach · QuiltySeafield Beach and Pier is located just south west of the village of Quilty, Co Clare.
- Irish Seed SaversGarden · ScarriffIrish Seed Savers at Capparoe, Scarriff, County Clare, is an oasis of biodiversity for the whole family to enjoy.
- Spanish PointBeach · Spanish PointSpanish Point has a beautiful long sandy beach within a sheltered location that makes it a family friendly shore, perfect for shelling and sandcastle building.
- Tarbert Port (Killimer to Tarbert Ferry)Attraction · TarbertOn a sunny day, walk out to Tarbert Port in County Kerry and relax with views of the peaceful Shannon estuary.
- Saint Cronan's 10th Century Church TuamgraneyAbbey or church · TuamgraneySaint Cronan’s 10th century church is the oldest church in continuous use in Ireland.
- Clare Walks LtdNature and wildlife · TullaThe East Clare Way is a 172km circular route that crosses the Slieve Bernagh Mountains before descending to the Clare lakeland areas around Tulla and Feakle.
- Atlantic Air AdventuresMuseum · ClareHave you ever wondered what it would be like to fly a jet airliner?
- Ballycuggeran BeachBeach · ClareBallycuggeran is a small lakeside bathing area located at Lough Derg in County Clare.
- Ballyvaughan PierNature and wildlife · ClareWalk out to the edge of Ballyvaughan Pier and enjoy the breeze that sweeps across the coastline of County Clare.
- Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO GeoparkLandscape · ClareOn the west coast of Ireland and mid-way on the Wild Atlantic Way lies the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark.
- Burren Farm ExperienceVisitor farm · ClareThe Burren Farm Experience gives bespoke guided tours within the magnificent surroundings of the Burren National Park.
- Carrigaholt BayCastle or historic house · ClareCheck out Carrigaholt Bay, the first safe harbour for boats travelling up the Shannon River, and walk along the the two quays.
- Carrigaholt BeachBeach · Clare
- ClahaneNature and wildlife · ClareTake in the dramatic scenery of Clahane, County Clare and the panoramic views that stretch to Liscannor Bay, Spanish Point and Mutton Island.
- Corcomroe Cistercian AbbeyAbbey or church · ClareCorcomroe Cistercian Abbey is located near Bell Harbour in County Clare.
- Doughmore BayBeach · ClareSaunter down the 4.5km sandy beach of Doughmore Bay and breathe in the crisp, fresh sea air.
- Foust GalleryGallery · ClareFoust Gallery is a studio gallery showcasing the artwork of Sara Foust and fine craft artists in County Clare.
- Gleninagh CastleAncient site · ClareGleninagh Castle is an L-shaped tower rom the 16th century.
- Gleninsheen Wedge TombAncient site · ClareGleninsheen Wedge Tomb dates around 2500BC.
- JJ Corry Irish Whiskey ExperienceMuseum · ClareExperience the resurrection of the lost art of Irish whiskey bonding.
- Lough BunnyNature and wildlife · ClareHalf way between the towns of Corofin and Gort, the waters of Lough Bunny lap gently alongside the road.
- Michael Cusack CentreMuseum · ClareLearn about the founder of the GAA, Michael Cusack, born in 1847.
- Mooghaun Bronze Age HillfortMuseum · ClareMooghaun Bronze Age Hillfort, near Newmarket-on-Fergus in County Clare, was built at the beginning of the Late Bronze Age around 950 BC and is one of the biggest such forts in Ireland.
- O'Brien's TowerNature and wildlife · ClareO’Brien’s Tower stands on a headland at the Cliffs of Moher offering up magnificent views south towards Hags Head and north towards Doolin.
- Shannon Dolphin CentreMuseum · ClareThe Irish Whale and Dolphin Group's Shannon Dolphin Centre is open for visitors every year from mid May until mid September.
- Temple Cronan Early Christian ChurchAbbey or church · ClareTemple Cronan Early Christian Church was dedicated to St Cronan of Roscrea, or Tuamgraney.
- The Burren Art GalleryGallery · ClareThe Burren Art Gallery in Kilkeedy, County Clare, hosts contemporary exhibitions, live performances and workshops.
- The Courthouse Gallery & StudiosGallery · ClareThe Courthouse Gallery features two art galleries, the main gallery and the smaller Red Couch gallery space.
- The Music Makers of West ClareMuseum · ClareThe Music Makers of West Clare is a visitor attraction located in Miltown Malbay, County Clare, and brings together the story of culture, heritage and traditional music.
- White Strand DoonbegBeach · ClareWhite Strand Doonbeg is famous for its white sand that frames magnificent coastal scenery.
- White Strand Miltown MalbayBeach · ClareWhite Strand Miltown is a relatively small, sandy beach with a rocky shoreline.
- Willie Clancy StatueAttraction · ClareThe Willie Clancy Statue sits proudly in the centre of Miltown Malbay, County Clare, the birthplace of this famous uilleann piper and traditional Irish musician.
Getting to Clare
- By air
- Shannon Airport
- By rail
- Stations at Ennis, on the Limerick to Galway line.
- By road
- The M18 and N85.
Questions
What are the best things to do in Clare?
Our top three are Cliffs of Moher, Poulnabrone Portal Tomb and Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. The full list of twenty is at the top of this page, and every place on it has a page of its own.
What can you do in Clare for free?
Walks, beaches and open ground cost nothing to visit. On our list that includes <a href="/things-to-do/clare/cliffs-of-moher/">Cliffs of Moher</a>, <a href="/things-to-do/clare/poulnabrone-portal-tomb/">Poulnabrone Portal Tomb</a>, <a href="/things-to-do/clare/kilkee-cliffs/">Kilkee Cliffs</a> and <a href="/things-to-do/clare/lahinch-beach/">Lahinch Beach</a>. Check parking and access with the place before you go.
What is on in Clare?
9 events are listed in Clare over the coming weeks, from festivals to markets and gigs. See them all.


