¤ Activities

For an extensive range of activities see www.clare.ie.

Angling

The Atlantic sea coast and the sheltered waters of the Shannon Estuary offer excellent sea fishing from the shore and at sea. The River Shannon and its great lake ‘Lough Derg’, its many tributaries, and the many lakes dotted throughout County Clare present lots of exciting possibilities for rod and line. Boat fishing / fresh water fishing / shore fishing.

Boat Trips / Cruising

Doolin Ferries: Visit all three of the stunningly beautiful Aran Islands - Inisheer, Inishmann and Inishmore. The islands have a wide variety of plants and several ancient stone forts and churches are among their antiquities. Sailings operate Mid June - Mid September.

Cliffs of Moher Cruises: On board the Moher Princess you will get a unique view of this natural phenomenon and Ireland's highest cliffs. The shoreline is home to thousands of birds such as Gillamots, Razorbills, Puffins and Seagulls. Sailings operate April - October.

Aran Island Cruises: Visit all three of the Aran Islands and view the spectacular Cliffs of Moher on the way. There are numerous archaeological and historical sites to be visited on the islands. Deep sea fishing for groups and individuals off the west coast are also available for charter.

Shannon Castle Line: Commence your cruise of the Shannon from the marina at Williamstown harbour, Whitegate at beautiful Lough Derg and enjoy the fun, relaxation and variety this beautiful holiday has to offer. Shannon Castle Line have a fleet of modern, self drive 2-8 berth motor cruisers.

The Spirit of Killaloe: The 'Spirit Of Killaloe' offers the perfect setting for functions, public trips, wedding parties, corporate tours or private parties. While on board our guide will give a detailed commentary on all the historical sites as you cruise past. Within an idyllic setting on the shores of Lough Derg, Ireland's "pleasure lake" the 'Spirit of Killaloe' offers a haven of tranquillity.

Cycling

A multitude of roads, a minimum of traffic, this is Clare's offering to the visiting cyclist. There are country roads leading to seaside coves, stopping places by lake and rivers, and to mountain tops. The variety of scenery is almost endless: lowlands with rural villages and towns, castles, historic sites and parks to visit; highlands with fantastic scenary; and the Atlantic coastline of Clare.

Dolphin Watching

Dolphin Watching - Kilrush: Two hour boat trips depart from Kilrush Marina to see Ireland's only resident group of bottlenose dolphins. Hop on board the 'Dolphin Discovery' passenger vessel for an interesting, fun and most enjoyable trip in the company of these amazing creatures. 3-4 sailings operare during peak season (April-October). Outside of these months trips are subject to demand.

Dolphin Watching - Carrigaholt: Enjoy encountering a group of dolphins along with the spectacular cliff scenery at the mouth of the River Shannon, home to Ireland's resident group of bottlenose dolphins. Dolphinwatch carrigaholt offers two hour boat trips to experience wild dolphins in their own habitat with a dolphin encounter rate of almost 100%. Sailing every day weather permitting April 1st - October 31st.

Equestrian

Clare has a number of equestrian centres which can meet the requirements of the beginner and experienced horse master alike.

Golfing

Thanks to nature, County Clare has one of the finest blend of links and parkland courses offering visiting golfers an extensive choice and outstanding challenge. Links courses include the mighty Lahinch & Doonbeg and a tricky nine hole in Spanish Point. Parkland courses include Dromoland, Shannon, Ennis, Woodstock, East Clare, Kilrush, Kilkee & Clonlara. A great welcome awaits visiting golfers in the clubhouses.

Leisure Centres

Lahinch Seaworld: Seaworld indoor complex overlooks the majectic Lahinch beach. It features the seaworld Atlantic aquarium, a leisure centre with a 25m pool, a kiddies playzone and a café and gift shop. Open to visitors all year round.

Kilkee Waterworld: Treat the family to a splashing day out in Kilkee's Waterworld. The indoor complex includes a bubble pool, crystal tower slide, tommy turtle's play pool, shower geyser's and gushers, the lazy river slide, bubble jet massage lounger and beach pool. Open to visitors: Easter to June 1st - Weekends only, June 1st to 29th August - Daily.

Shannon Leisure Centre: The centre is situated in the heart of Shannon Town and the facilities provided vary from those in the pool area to those in the halls/gym. The facilities are available for private booking and we have very competitive pay & play and membership rates.

Ennis Leisure Complex: Offers the best that Clare has to offer with a wide variety of classes, a state-of-art gym, 25m swimming pool, kiddies pool, two sauna/steam rooms, free parking, knowledgeable staff and low membership rates, all in a central location!

Walking

Walking is truly the best way to experience the beauty of County Clare. A network of quiet country roads and lanes, forest paths and mountain trails will take you to the heart of the beautiful, rural countryside. For serious walkers, there are many well organised routes in the loveliest areas, which are clearly signposted at all junctions with standard way-markers.

Watersports

Water Based Activities: County Clare is a superb watersports venue and options include angling, surfing, sailing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, board sailing, skiing, sub-aqua diving and Shannon Cruising.

Kilrush Creek Adventure Centre: Kilrush Creek Adventure Centre can boost one of the most perfect and safest settings on the West Coast. It is a multi activity centre offering the following activities; sailing, kayaking, canoeing, raftbuilding & racing, team challenge, fun orienteering & treasure hunts & archery. All you need is a sense of adventure!

University of Limerick Activity Centre, Killaloe: ULAC offers a perfect location for all your outdoor needs. It is located only two miles from the picturesque town of Killaloe in East Clare. It is situated on the sheltered shores of Lough Derg with access to one of Irelands cleanest and friendliest inland waterways. Water and land based activities include: sailing, powerboating, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, dragon boating, high ropes course, team challenge, orienteering & archery.

Kilkee Dive Centre: This centre is a fully equipped diving centre with facilities for novices and experts alike. It is possible to dive all year around although the best months are April to October with depths from 32 ft (10m) to 147ft (45m) found around the coast. The crystal clear waters of the bay have a Europe-wide reputation for the variety of dives and the diversity of marine life. The centre is located on the seafront. Snorkelling, sailing and board-sailing are also available with instruction.

View maps of Ennis and County Clare with all the major tourist attractions highlighted.
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