Visiting County Clare in 2025: Cliffs, Caves & Craic
Perched precariously on Ireland’s west coast, County Clare offers a raw, unfiltered slice of the country. Its Atlantic edge is dramatic and unforgettable with the towering Cliffs of Moher almost shielding the country from the wild Atlantic. Close by you’ll fine the eerie, lunar-like landscape of the Burren, where rare alpine and Mediterranean plants bloom side by side.
Venture inland and things soften up nicely. Lough Derg is calm and surrounded by rolling green hills. Ennis is a cracking town with music and tradition, its pubs alive with nightly sessions. Smaller towns like Miltown Malbay and Kilfenora fly the Banner county’s flag with pride.
Let’s not forget the often overlooked close relative to the Cliffs of Moher, Loop Head Peninsula for windswept cliffs and a postcard perfect lighthouse. Or the iconic Aillwee Caves, whose stalagmites and stalactites appeared on every Irish person’s geography book in school!
Clare blends epic scenery with a strong sense of pride and culture.
Places to Stay: From Budget to Luxury
1. Station House Bed & Breakfast – €
📍 Ennistymon
A charming and affordable B&B with cosy rooms and a great breakfast. A place perfect for budget-conscious travellers.
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2. Burren Court Holiday Homes – €
📍 Ballyvaughan
Budget-friendly self-catering homes ideal for families or small groups exploring the Burren.
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3. Wild Honey Inn – €€
📍 Lisdoonvarna
Ireland’s only Michelin-starred pub with stylish rooms and excellent dining.
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4. Sheedy’s Country House Hotel – €€
📍 Lisdoonvarna
Family-run with award-winning food and warm hospitality, close to the Cliffs of Moher.
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5. Bunratty Manor Hotel – €€
📍 Bunratty
Elegant and comfortable, this family-run hotel is a stone’s throw from Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.
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6. Vaughan Lodge Hotel – €€€
📍 Lahinch
Boutique hotel with large rooms and fine dining, close to the beach and golf course.
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7. Armada Hotel – €€€
📍 Spanish Point
Modern 4-star hotel overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, great for a romantic escape or seaside retreat.
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8. Hotel Doolin – €€€€
📍 Doolin
Ireland’s greenest hotel, culinary hotspot and culture hub. Home of the 30 Mile Menu.
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9. Old Ground Hotel – €€€€
📍 Ennis
Georgian-style luxury guesthouse with town centre location.
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10. Dromoland Castle Hotel – €€€€€
📍 Newmarket-on-Fergus
Live like royalty in this stunning 5-star castle hotel with golf, spa, and fine dining.
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Top 10 Things To Do
Cliffs of Moher
Ireland’s most visited natural attractions and it most iconic sea cliffs, rising over 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Walk along the cliff paths and take in epic coastal views or take a boat to see them from a unique perspective.
The Burren National Park
Explore this karst landscape filled with rare wildflowers, ancient tombs, and lunar-like rock formations, a paradise for hikers and nature lovers who appreciate unique landscapes.
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
Step back in time at this beautifully restored 15th-century castle and traditional Irish village, complete with costumed guides and medieval banquets. Can be visited as part of a full day trip combining the Cliffs of Moher.
Lahinch Beach
Catch a wave or take a stroll by the sea at this popular west Clare surfing and holiday destination, known for its long sandy beach. In the evening, enjoy the craic and music in the pubs while sipping on a creamy pint of Guinness.
Doolin Village
Experience Irish music in the pubs of this tiny, but charming village, the traditional music capital of Ireland and gateway to the Aran Islands. Buy yourself a bodhran or tin whistle in the traditional music shop.
Loop Head Peninsula
Drive, walk or cycle along this lesser-known coastal gem, with its magnificent cliffs, a scenic lighthouse, and vast, expansive views of the Atlantic. Overall a great alternative to the far busier Cliffs of Moher.
Aillwee Cave & Birds of Prey Centre
Venture underground through one of Ireland’s oldest caves, then watch majestic hawks and owls in action at the nearby raptor centre. As seen on ‘Father Ted’ i.e. ‘The Very Dark Caves’.
Kilkee Cliff Walk
Take in another spectacular cliff trail on this lesser-travelled coastal path, offering quieter but equally stunning scenery compared to the Cliffs of Moher.
Scattery Island
Jump on a boat from Kilrush to visit this fascinating uninhabited island with ancient ruins, round towers, and stories of monks and Vikings. A great spot to get away from the crowds.
Craggaunowen
A school tour favourite in Ireland! Discover Ireland’s prehistoric and early Christian history at this open-air museum. Be sure to check out the Crannóg (lake dwelling) and Iron Age structures.