West Clare

Shaped over thousands of years by the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean, the coast of West Clare has miles of stunning seascapes consisting of beaches, cliffs and bays.
The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's most stunning natural features. The cliffs are a designated UNESCO Geo Park and were formed over 320million years ago. Continue down the coast and you come to Liscannor. Well-known for its 'Liscannor stone', it was a stronghold of the O'Connors - the clan's ruined castle is worth a look. It was also birthplace of the inventor of the submarine, John Philip Holland.

Lahinch is a five star surfing and golfing spot. The area enjoys some of Ireland's best waves and is a great location to learn surfing. The Lahinch Golf Club is a favoured spot for its challenging course.

Just south of Lahinch is Milltown Malbay, which hosts the annual Willie Clancy Festival and is a great spot to take in some traditional Irish music. Just 2 km away is Spanish Point, which got its name after numerous ships of the Spanish Armada crashed off the Clare coast in the 1500s.


Further down the coast is Doonbeg, home of another well-known Clare golf course. Kilkee is another one of Clare's wonderful seaside towns. A popular spot with locals from around the area, Kilkee has a number of world-class diving spots that are well worth sampling.

Kilkee opens up to the Loophead Peninsula. Loophead is the most westerly point of County Clare and has some beautiful walking trails where you can go bird watching, take in the sea air and visit the Loophead Lighthouse. While on the peninsula, drop into Carrigaholt and take a trip out to see the resident pod of dolphins that call the Shannon Estuary home.

The final port of call on Clare's West coast is the heritage town of Kilrush. Visit the Vandeleur walled garden and visitor centre, the various ancient ruins of the town and try some angling in the Shannon Estuary.