¤ Attractions

The links below will take you on a journey around County Clare and hopefully highlight to you, our welcome visitor, the wonderful attractions Clare has to offer.

Visitor attractions in County Clare: This website provides information on all the attractions in the county. It also provides information on all the towns and villages around the county and suggests a number of scenic driving routes that will ensure you capture the beauty and variety of our county.

See also www.clare.ie for a wide range of attractions.

Many of our well established visitor attractions have their own websites. Click below on any of the links to go directly to their site. Attractions are divided into the different areas in County Clare to help you plan your visit.

Ennis & Surrounding Area

Clare Museum, Ennis: The history of County Clare stretches back over 8,000 years. The 'Riches of Clare' exhibition captures this incredible history and includes over 400 artefacts on loan from the National Museum of Ireland. Open to visitors all year round. Admission is free.

Glór Music Centre, Ennis: Glór Irish Music Centre houses an entertainment venue, an art and craft gallery and a bright and comfortable cafe. Glór specialises in the performance of Irish music, song and dance whilst also hosting touring theatre, dance and children's events. Open to visitors all year round.

Knappogue Castle & Gardens, Quin: Knappogue Castle is located in Quin, in a truly picturesque setting, surrounded by tranquil landscapes and the rolling hills of Clare. Beautiful Victorian and walled gardens surround the castle where one can relax or enjoy a peaceful stroll. Medieval Banquets are held in the castle twice nightly from April - October

Cragganowen, Quin: Situated on 50 acres of wooded grounds, Cragganowen interprets Ireland's pre-historic and early Christian eras with the restoration and re-construction of earlier forms of dwelling houses, farmsteads, hunting sites and other features of everyday life during the pre-historic and early christian eras.

North Clare

Cliffs of Moher: Standing 214 metres above the ground at their highest point and 8km long, the Cliffs of Moher boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland. On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara.

Aillwee Cave, Ballyvaughan: Unlike the vast caverns you may have encountered, Aillwee Cave is unique to the geology of the Burren and it enables you to explore a little of what lies under the exciting landscape. Open to Visitors all year round.

Burren Centre, Kilfenora: The Burren Centre gives you the visitor an introduction to the visual delights and ancient mysteries of the unique limestone region of the Burren.

Burren Perfumery, Carron: The Burren is one of the most unique floral landscapes in the world. The perfumery produces a range of aromatherapy products and fragrances using traditional methods. Open to visitors all year round.

Burren Smokehouse, Lisdoonvarna: At the Burren Smokehouse you can taste and learn how the burren salmon is smoked. You can also admire the unique series of mosaics about the ancient legend 'The Salmon of Knowledge'. Open to visitors all year round.

Caherconnell Stone Fort, Burren: Caherconnel is one of the best preserved stone forts in the Burren. The visitor centre in Castleconnel incorporates an audio-visual presentation and a graphic display area. Open to visitors March-end October.

Biddy Early Brewery, Inagh: The Biddy Early Brewery is Ireland's first pub brewery. It has revived the tradition of craft brewing in Ireland and continues to produce fine beers using only natural ingredients. Open to visitors all year round.

Clare Heritage & Genealogical Centre, Corofin: The main theme of the Clare Heritage and Genealogical Centre is "Ireland West 1800 - 1860". It portrays the traumatic period of Irish history under such headings as land tenure, traditional ways of life, culture, famine, emigration, etc. The Centre also offers a professional service to persons wishing to trace their ancestry housing the most comprehensive research material held at any one location to enable persons with Clare roots to trace their ancestry. Open to visitors all year round

Lahinch Seaworld: Seaworld indoor complex overloks 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.

West Clare

Vandeleur Walled Garden, Kilrush: Once the forgotten garden of Kilrush house, home to the Vandeleur landlords, this walled garden has been redesigned for the 21st centry and is now an oasis of tender and tropical plants. Open to visitors all year round.

Scattery Island, Kilrush: Located just off Kilrush, Scattery Island is home to a monastry founded by St. Senan in the early part of the 6th century. Today, the ruins of the 120 ft round tower and several churches still remain on the island. An exhibition on the history of the island is housed in the visitor reception building. Access to the island (Mid June - Mid Septemebr) is dependant on tidal / weather conditions.

The West Clare Railway, Moyasta, Kilrush: A day on the railway - "Are you right there Michael are you right". Travel along the famous West Clare Line and 'fine sights you will see'.
Moyasta Junction Station House is now restored together with 1.5 miles of original track. Visitors can re-live the Percy French experience. Open to visitors all year round.

Shannon Dolphin & Wildlife Centre, Kilrush: Learn about recent research and conservation of the Shannon dolphins, listern to the sounds from dolphins in the Shannon estuary, see real skeltons and skulls of whales, dolphins and porpoises. Activities for children in the centre include rubbing boards, goggle boxes and jigsaws. Open to visitors Jun-Sept. Other times by appointment.

East Clare

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park: Bunratty Castle is the most complete and authentically restored and furnished castle in Ireland. The world renowned Bunratty Medieval Banquet is held twice nightly throughout the year. Bunratty Folk Park, recreates rural and urban life in 19th century victorian Ireland. There is an extensive array of vernacular buildings and traditional jobs and crafts are also represented. Costumed characters that recreate the traditions and lifestyle of a bygone age animate the Folk Park. Open to visitors all year around.

Bunratty Winery: Situated in the shadow of Bunratty Castle visitors are welcome to the winery and showroom where you can taste and purchase the famous Mead and Potcheen. Open to visitors all year round.

Killaloe Heritage & Brian Boru Centre, Killaloe. Killaloe Heritage Centre explores the theme of Celtic Ireland. In and around this town, the birth place of Brian Boru (940-1014) the greatest High King of Ireland who subdued the Vikings and progenitor of the O'Brien Clan, one can learn about the arrival of Christianity and the monastic tradition, as well as the development of the river Shannon as a transport system from earliest times.

East Clare Heritage Centre, Tuamgraney: Tuamgraney is one of the most notable, ecclesiastical and historic places in Ireland. It's pagan past is recorded in its townland names, in pillar stones and holy wells. Its monastic past is recorded in the annals and in the lives of the saints. Visitors can avail of a guided tour and see the many attractions including a well perserved round tower, the ruins of six churches, a holy well and the saints graveyard.

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