Carrigaholt

Located on the Loophead Peninsula in West Clare, Carrigaholt is a pretty little seaside village on the Shannon Estuary.
Offering a safe haven for water enthusiasts, the village offers visitors the opportunity to go sea angling or fish off the pier, enjoy a close encounter with some gorgeous local residents – about 120 bottlenose dolphins, or enjoy the Carrigaholt Oyster Festival (typically held over the May Bank Holiday weekend).

Visitors should take a walk along the coastline and take in some of the spectacular seas-carved wonders including the sea-arch Bridge of Ross, caves, cliffs and chasms.
The area also has a well-earned reputation as a perfect spot to bird watch and you might also get the opportunity to spot some grey seals that have made the stony beaches and caves their home.

Rebellions and sieges form part of the rich and colourful history of the Carrigaholt Castle. Built circa 1480, the castle witnessed everything from pirating of ships on course for Limerick and battles between the Earl of Thomond and Teigue McMahon.
The tower house is well preserved and sits overlooking the Shannon Estuary.