County Clare
Clare,
known as the 'Banner County' is
also the
County
of seascapes
and landscapes.
Clare plays host to two
of the Country's
natural attractions. Firstly, the Cliffs of
Moher and secondly.
The Burren, whose
geology, flora, caves, archaeology and history set it apart
as a place of great mystery and beauty.
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The River Shannon and Lough Derg form the
eastern boundary of County Clare. On the west
is the wonderfully varied Atlantic coast, with
mighty cliffs, caverns and sandy bays. To the
north this rugged coast rises nearly 700 feet
above the sea in the sheer Cliffs of Moher;
here also is the amazing limestone district
called the Burren, with its many caves, underground
streams and rare flora. On the south is the
broad Shannon estuary, where Ireland's greatest
river meets the sea.
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Main County Clare Tourist Attractions
The Burren Centre
Located in the ancient Cathedral town of Kilfenora, the
centre introduces you to one of the most enigmatic
areas in the world - the Burren District. Models,
displays and audio-visuals reveal the mysteries and
complexities of this unique area. The centre contains
the greatest concentrations of high crosses in Ireland.
Visitors can explore the geology and geography of
the areas, including the rich diversity of Burren
flora and fauna and the history of man in his landscape.
For info on walks or guided
tours of Burren
Cliffs of Moher
Located just north of Lahinch on the coast of West Clare,
are the Cliffs of Moher. Natural ramparts against
the might of the Atlantic, they rise in places to
over 215m and stretch for almost 8km.
The Great Stalactite at Doolin Cave opens to visitors.
Discovered in 1959, the Great Stalactite at Doolin Cave, Co. Clare, is set to become one of the most important eco-tourist attractions in Ireland. Measuring 6.54 metres (20 feet) in length, it is recognised as being the longest stalactite in the Northern hemisphere. Doolin Cave is located on the western edge of The Burren, an extensive karst area of North West Clare. The Burren is Ireland's most important cave area. This mystical, lunar-limestone region is punctuated by a large number of active stream caves, yet only one river runs overground through its terrain to reach the sea. Over 35 miles of cave passages have been surveyed in the region, with the Doolin Cave considered the most significant and fascinating of all.
Visit our website - www.doolincave.ie
Bunraty Castle and Folk Park
One of Irelands top visitor attractions, Bunratty Castle
is the most complete and authentic medieval castle
in the country. Built in 1425, it was faithfully
restored in 1954 and has furnishings and tapestries
which capture the mood and style of the times.
The Folk Park, set in 26 acres, recreates nineteenth century Ireland.
The Park features include a recreated village street, eight farmhouses,
a watermill, blacksmiths forge, Macs pub and restaurant and a display
of nineteenth century agricultural machinery.
Craggaunowen
Located at Quin, is Irelands original prize winning centre
dedicated to interpreting Irelands prehistoric and
early Christian eras. The exhibits around the grounds
include a Ring Fort, a true reproduction of a farmers
house dating from the 4th or 5th centuries, an Iron
Age roadway and an outdoor cooking site. Also
featured is the Brendan, the leather hulled boat
which Tim Severin sailed from Ireland to North America,
re-enacting the voyage of Saint Brendan, who is reputed
to have discovered that continent before Columbus.
Lahinch Seaworld
Located on the promenade in Lahinch is a dramatic new
attraction where visitors can see and experience
the underwater life of the Atlantic Coast. Sharks,
rays and congor eels, starfish, lobsters and flatfish
can all be viewed in a giant aquarium.
Newtown Castle
Located in the Burren, is a beautifully restored sixteenth
Century round towerhouse. A tour of the castle's
four floors reveals its unique architectural features
and presents its social, cultural, political and
historical context with rare exhibits including a
limited edition facsimile copy of the Book of Kells.
Adjacent to the castle is Newtown Nature Trail, a
1300m long guided walk. The trail covers an area
of the Burren rich in natural and historical features.
Corofin Heritage Museum
This award winning Heritage Museum is housed in what
was once Saint Catherine's Church, which was built
in 1718 by a cousin of Queen Anne. Its main theme,
'Ireland West 1800 - 1860' portrays a traumatic period
of Irish history under the headings of 'Lan d'Tenure',
'The Famine', 'Emigration', 'Education', 'Irish Language
and Music' and others.
Ailwee Cave
Located near Ballyvaughan, with its stalactites and stalagmites,
the Aillwee Cave beneath the Burren has become one
of Irelands leading attractions. An essential part
of a visit to the Burren, it affords the opportunity
to travel through beautiful caverns, over bridged
chasms and under weird formations.
Knappogue Castle
Located near Quin was the pride of 42 castles built by
the McNamara tribe who dominated the area for over
1,000 years. Built in 1467, it has over five troubled
but colourful centuries of Irish history, given soccour
to both friend and foe within its keep - including
Cromwellian troops who occupied it in 1641
Killaloe Heritage Centre
This centre elaborates on the theme of Celtic Ireland.
Discover the history of the arrival of Christianity
and the monastic tradition, as well as the development
of the Shannon River as a transport system from early
times.
Biddy Early Brewery
Located at Inagh, just 10 mile from Ennis on the Lahinch
Road. Ireland's first pub-brewery is named after
a Clare woman by the name of Biddy Early, who was
renowned for her magical powers in the 1800s. Since
it's opening in 1995 the brewery has continued to
produce a unique selection of hand crafted beers
in memory of the great woman. These include Black
Biddy, Red Biddy, Blonde Biddy and Real Biddy.
Heritage Sites
Ennis Friary - Abbey Street, Ennis
This 13th century Franciscan Friary, founded by the O'Briens, has
numerous 15/16th century sculptures carved in the local hard
limestone. The visitor can see the figure of St. Francis displaying
the stigmata, an elaborately ornamented screen, a representation
of the Virgin and Child and the Ecce Homo. The Chancel is lit
by the magnificent East Window. On the North side is the beautifully
carved McMahon tomb.
Scattery Island Centre Merchants Quay,
Kilrush
This Information Centre on the mainland interprets the island on
which a monastery is sited. The monastery, consisting of a round
tower and several churches, was founded by St. Senan in the early
part of the 6th century. His most famous pupil was St. Ciaran of
Clonmacnoise. A wonderful exhibition on the history of these monuments
and on the wildlife of the area is housed in this Centre.
Interesting Shops
Culligan's Natural Wood Products
Based in Ballyvaughan. Producing a wide range of
ornamental and household furniture items from Cedar,
Beech, Ash, Elm, Chestnut and Maple. Showroom open daily.
The Knotted Chord -
Located in Ennis - A vast selection
of Irish Music
