Tastings in County Clare

If you think County Clare is just about cliffs and green fields, wait till you get a taste of the food and drink scene here. Tastings around Clare often mean more than just sampling , it’s about sitting down with the makers and hearing the stories behind each sip or bite. Take, for example, Kilkee Brewing Co. Their craft beer tastings feel personal, with the head brewer often hanging around to chat about their unique recipes. Or head towards the Burren Smokehouse near Lisdoonvarna , their smoked salmon will change the way you think about fish, and they usually let you try before you buy.

And you can’t talk tastings in County Clare without mentioning whiskey. The newly opened Tuamgraney Distillery offers guided tours that walk you through the distilling process before coaxing out the sweet flavours in a neat tasting session. For a quieter afternoon, I’d recommend the Clare Island Dairy stall at the local weekend food markets in Ennis, where you can sample some truly dreamy artisan cheeses. Pro tip: bring cash as some of these smaller producers don’t always have card terminals.

The tastings here never feel rushed or touristy, more like you’ve stumbled into a friend’s kitchen and they’re genuinely excited to share what they make. It’s the kind of thing that makes you want to linger, listen, and maybe take a few bottles or jars home with you.