County Clare: Cliffs, Trails and History

The Cliffs of Moher, walking trails in Burren National Park and the various activities at Fanore Beach offer different experiences in County Clare. The coast, walking and the beach each provide a different focus. If you are looking for a holiday rental, the best place to start planning is by asking which of these experiences matters most for your trip.

The Cliffs of Moher: coastal scale and visitor facilities

At O’Brien’s Tower, the Cliffs of Moher reach a height of over 700 feet. They stretch for almost 14 kilometres along the Clare coast. The two measurements give different impressions: one describes the height at a particular point, while the other describes their extent along the coast.

The visitor facilities also provide practical guidance for your visit: they include 800 metres of paved paths and viewing points, including access to O’Brien’s Tower. The fully accessible visitor centre features a self-guided exhibition and a virtual reality experience on a cliff face. When planning, you can choose between the paths and viewpoints and the exhibitions in the visitor centre. Check the latest information about the facilities before your visit.

Walking trails and beach: different ways to spend an active day

Visitors can explore walking trails in Burren National Park. This offers a different focus from the paved paths and viewpoints at the Cliffs visitor facilities: here, the emphasis is on walking the park’s trails. As trail conditions can change, it is a good idea to check the latest conditions before setting out.

At Fanore Beach, several activities come together: the beach is used by surfers, swimmers and walkers. It is also important to note when planning your day that lifeguard supervision is seasonal. Families can therefore consider when choosing their outings whether a beach visit, a walk or a visit to the Cliffs best matches the focus they want.

Inis Cealtra and the history of Lough Derg

Inis Cealtra, also known as Holy Island, lies in Lough Derg on the Shannon. Its history as a monastic settlement dates back to the 7th century. This makes it a historical point of interest alongside the natural and coastal experiences. Anyone interested in early monastic history can take this into account when choosing places to visit and weigh it against the trip’s other interests.

The options described do not require a single set itinerary: an interest in scenery and activity may lead to trails or beach activities, while Inis Cealtra’s long history offers a cultural focus. Which places fit together on your trip depends on the experiences you want to prioritise.

Getting there and choosing a holiday rental to suit your plans

County Clare is accessible by road and by bus and rail. Ennis is connected to the national rail network. This can help you get your bearings: if you plan to arrive by train, include Ennis in your plans. Services and journey times may change, so check the latest timetables before you travel.

When looking for a holiday rental in County Clare, it is worth first deciding which experiences you want. That way, you can choose your accommodation based on your own travel plans rather than on a general idea of what makes a suitable base.

For a family trip, it may be helpful to organise outings around the interests of everyone travelling with you, such as beach activities, walking trails, viewpoints or history. You can then choose a holiday rental based on the focus you want for your trip. Before planning your days, check how best to get to the places you intend to visit and review the latest visitor information.

Explore more destinations: Doolin, Ennis, Kilkee, Lahinch, Liscannor, Bunratty, Kilrush, Fanore, Lisdoonvarna, Ballyvaghan, Killaloe, Miltown Malbay, Cappanavarnoge, Shannon, Spanish Point, Clarecastle, Newmarket On Fergus, Bishopsquarter, Mountshannon, Bodyke, Ennistimon, An Dún Beag, Coillte, Kilfenora, Baunkyle, Cross, Bellharbour, Dromoland, Murroogh, Purt, Tulla, Quin, Whitegate, Scarriff, Corofin, Clonlara, Kilbaha, Carrigaholt, Carron, Broadford, Killinaboy, Canower, Cratloe, Labasheeda, Kilshanny, Kilmurry, O'Briensbridge, Killimer, Boston.

For the broader travel overview: Munster.