A Local-ish Guide to West Clare
Where To Stay
Armada Cottages
Armada Hotel
You can’t go wrong with staying at the Armada as they’ve got everything you could possibly need and more. Room rates start at €200 and includes breakfast. I’d opt in for a full Irish breakfast at least once while you’re in Ireland. It’s a heavy meal but so freaking good and you get rashers (bacon), sausage, eggs, brown bread or toast, tomatoes, mushrooms and a white or black pudding, sometimes both!
Bellbridge House Hotel
Gregan's Castle Hotel
A 45-minute drive from Spanish Point.
Spanish Point House
What To Do
Castles and Ruins
There are over 3,000 castles in Ireland and they play an important part of Irish history. Some have been transformed into extravagant hotels where you can stay, explore the grounds or enjoy afternoon tea. Others have been turned into folk parks where you can tour the castles or even dine at a medieval banquet dinner. A lot of them are now Celtic ruins that are worth exploring by foot. Here are a few of our recommendations in Co. Clare:
Golf
Ireland is home to many beautiful but challenging links courses! Here are a few of the fan favorites in the surrounding areas:
The Aran Islands, Cliffs of Moher and Doolin
A 30-minute drive from Spanish Point.
Aran Islands
The Aran Islands are just off the coast of Doolin known for their stunning landscapes often used for filming locations and distinctive knit wool jumpers. Inis Oírr (Inisheer), Inis Meáin (Inishmaan) and Inis Mór (Inishmore) are 15-minutes, 25-minutes and 35-minutes by ferry, respectively. The fastest way to access them is by Doolin Ferry (€€-€€€). The ticket costs vary slightly per island and time of year but an adult round trip ticket costs ~€25, students 16+ or seniors with a valid ID ~€23, children 5 to 15 ~€13 and children 4 and under are free.
If you have the time, the Aran Islands are most definitely off the beaten path and worth adventuring. I love renting bikes to explore the island, packing a picnic for lunch on the beach and if the sun is out, taking a dip in the Atlantic.
Clare Jam Shop
Clare Jam Shop is a tiny but mighty company that handmakes a variety of jams, marmalades, jellies, mustards, and chutneys. If you don't get the chance to visit the shop, their products are sold nationwide in supermarkets.
Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s biggest tourist attractions but they are so worth seeing with your own eyes! The sea cliffs sit 702 feet or 214 meters tall at its highest point at O’Brien’s Tower. There are paved pathways that hug the rugged coastline with vantage points of seabird colonies, local cows and filming locations for movies such as The Princess Bride or Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
In addition to walking alongside the cliffs and taking spectacular pictures, there’s an indoor interactive exhibition centre with cafes, toilets and a gift shop. The car park across the street from the Cliffs of Moher can be used for a small fee per person— €7 for adults, and children 12 and under go free. You can pre-book online or pay at the entrance.
If you’re looking to make this a free activity, our favorite thing to do is the cliff walk from Liscannor to Doolin. It's about 11km or 7 miles from start to finish and takes around 2.5 hours. You can park your car or get dropped off at Hag’s Head (the southernmost point of the cliffs) and walk along the path, past the exhibition centre and tower, through fields with wild horses and cows until you reach the little, colorful village of Doolin. The scenery along the the walk is breathtaking and its the perfect activity to enjoy the Irish countryside without spending a cent.
Doolin Cave
Doolin Cave is home to the Great Stalactite (7.3 meters or 23 feet) which is the longest free-hanging stalactite in Europe. You can take a 45-minute cave tour, explore the eco-trail, dine at their cafe and even shop for Doolin Cave Pottery.
Moher Hill Farm
Moher Hill Farm is a family-friendly attraction with animal paddocks and feedings, antique farm machinery and go-karts. They have ponies, goats, sheep, ostrich, emus, cows, miniature horses, donkeys, pigs & more!
The Burren
A 45-minute drive from Spanish Point. The Burren is a national park and UNESCO Global Geopark in Clare and Galway famous for its rocky, moon-like terrain unlike the typical green, rolling hills.
Aillwee Caves & Birds of Prey
Aillwee Caves & Birds of Prey Centreis located in the heart of the Burren and offers lots of activities. The Aillwee Caves are one of Ireland's oldest caves and they offer 45-minute guided tours. The Birds of Prey Centre is home to eagles, owls, vultures, and hawks, and there are 45-minute demonstrations of the birds in flight.
The Burren Perfumery
I’m a little nervous telling the world all about The Burren Perfumery but it’s so dreamy and magical I want you to experience it for yourselves! The perfumery is family run and perfumes, cosmetics, candles, and more are made in small batches inspired by flora found in the surrounding landscape. The Burren Perfumery is tucked away and doesn’t permit large groups of visitors or coach buses making it the perfect, wholesome afternoon excursion.
There are herb gardens to explore, tea rooms to dine at, tours of their perfumery, soap and blending rooms, and of course, a shop where you can purchase all of their products. A fun little perk they offer is free shipping worldwide on orders €70 and over so your new favorite products can arrive safely at home without taking up any weight in your suitcase or risk for spillage. This also applies for online orders for when you run out and want to restock!
The Burren Smokehouse
The Burren Smokehouse is a family-run business offering mini food trails including smoked salmon tastings and demonstrations of the smoking process. You can of course purchase smoked salmon, cheeses, picnics & more!
Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations
Heart of Burren Walks
Guided walks across the Burren. They offer both scheduled and private walks across the national park, nature preserve, and coastline.
St. Tola Goat Cheese Farm
Doonbeg, Kilkee, Kilrush and Loophead
Doonbeg: 20-minute drive from Spanish Point
Kilkee: 25-minute drive from Spanish Point
Kilrush: 25-minute drive from Spanish Point
Loophead: 50-minute drive from Spanish Point
Bridges of Ross
Kilkee Cliff Walk
Loophead Lighthouse
The Pollock Holes
Scattery Island
Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Foundation
Vandeleur Walled Gardens
West Clare Equestrian Centre
Your perfect Irish holiday wouldn’t be complete without a little horse riding through the countryside! The West Clare Equestrian Centre is a family-run business that caters to riders of all ages, sizes and experience levels. You can choose between a bog trek—down quiet country lanes with grass growing up the middle or a tranquil beach ride with the salty sea air at your back. I’ve done both but my personal favorite is the ride on Doughmore Beach in Doonbeg as the scenery is unbeatable.
The whole experience is very turn-key as they’ll provide the horses, tackle, and helmets for all the riders. Last summer, they were able to accommodate up to 9 of my cousins and I at €60 per person plus tip (in cash!). For exact booking details and pricing, you can contact Lisa through WhatsApp at +353-87-286-5010— she’s super easy to work with!
Ennistymon and Lahinch
Ennistymon: 20-minute drive from Spanish Point
Lahinch: 15-minute drive from Spanish Point
Falls Hotel
Kenny Woolen Mills
Kenny Woolen Mills is right on the main street in Lahinch. It's a great spot to buy handmade Irish goods such as Aran sweaters. There's also an art gallery at the back of the shop!
Lahinch Surf School
Spanish Point
Spanish Point Beach
I’m obviously biased but Spanish Point Beach is one of the best in all of Ireland, and it earned a blue flag signifying a clean beach and waters. Whether you want to swim, surf, bathe or stroll, Spanish Point Beach has lots to offer and includes a lot of amenities such as seasonal lifeguards, toilets, showers, an outdoor gym, free parking and picnic tables.
You can join the Snamhaí Sasta Group led by June Curtin for their morning swim every day at 9:15 am. The large beach is perfect for beginner surf lessons and there are lots of surf schools including Whitewater Surf Company and Celtic Surf School that often include wet suit rentals. The golden sand is perfect for long walks, and dogs are welcome on the beach before 11:00 am and after 6:00 pm during the summer months.
The Whitestrand
The Whitestrand is a small, black sand beach popular amongst the locals. When I was younger I used to take water safety swimming lessons on the beach every summer because it’s sheltered and typically much calmer than Spanish Point Beach. Now we just go for long walks around the headland, especially at sunset. It’s free to visit/park, dog friendly and a great activity for all ages. It’s less than a 10-minute drive from Spanish Point, just head toward Lahinch and follow the white signs. It’ll be about 1-km from the main road to the beach.
Whitewater Surf Company
Where To Eat & Drink
Armada Restaurants
As I mentioned above, the Armada has lots of food options that are some of the best in all of Clare. You’ll want to make a reservation (online or by phone) as the Armada is always busy during the summer months. Aileen’s Restaurant (€€€-€€€€) and the Ocean Bistro and Bar (€€-€€€) are full service restaurants. While Johnny Burke’s Traditional Pub (€-€€) is primarily a bar but you can also order food here too!
If you’re looking for something more grab and go, Gull’s Cafe (€) has a full coffee bar, pastries, sausage rolls and more! If you happen to be here during the summer, there are two additional seasonal restaurants with outdoor seating. Catch (€-€€) is a seafood food truck serving fresh fish and chips straight from the Atlantic. Little Johnny’s Pizza (€-€€) serves Neapolitan style pizza with toppings from the Armada Farm.
Barrtrá
If you’re a seafood lover, you’re going to love Barrtra! They’re a family-run seafood and steak restaurant about halfway between Spanish Point and nearby Lahinch (15-minute drive). They pride themselves on their locally sourced seafood and beef, and use fresh vegetables from their garden. They also have a pantry where you can buy all sorts of produce from tea leaves to relish to take home with you.
Cogan's Bar & Restaurant
Gus O’Connors Pub
There’s no doubt that you’ll be starving for a hot lunch or thirsty for a frothy pint of Guinness after the cliff walk to Doolin. I highly suggest paying Gus O’Connors Pub a visit! It’s right on Fisherstreet (Doolin’s main strip toward the pier) and they offer traditional Irish food, drink and music with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Hugo's Bakery
One of our favorites in Lahinch, Hugo's Bakery sells delicious baked goods but is known for its Portuguese Tarts.
The Long Dock Pub and Restaurant
In Carrigaholt, sometimes referred to as the last stop before America.
Morissey's of Doonbeg
The Old Bakehouse Restaurant
One of my parents staples in Miltown Malbay!
Unglert's Bakery
My Auntie Dorothee stumbled upon this amazing German bakery in Enistymon. It is hard to miss with the yellow and red exterior!
Vaughan's Anchor Inn
99 Cone
99 ice cream cones are a summer tradition in Ireland and the UK. When the weather starts warming up you’ll see large plastic ice cream cones outside newsagents, sweet shops and even supermarkets. A “99” (as it's commonly referred to) is vanilla soft serve in a wafer cone topped with a Cadbury Flake—a crumbly stick of milk chocolate.
There is a lot of speculation about why the 99 is called a 99— some say it’s named after the ice cream shop where it was invented at 99 Portobello High Street in Scotland, others say it's because of the King of Italy and his 99 bodyguards. I always assumed it was named after the price as back in the day it used to cost 99 cent— now its more like €2.99 from Dwyer’s Newsagent in Quilty.
Our Favorite Pubs In Miltown Malbay
Miltown Malbay is a single strip of road with bold-colored pubs and storefronts. Each year the town hosts Ireland's largest traditional music festival, the Willie Clancy Summer School and Festival in honor of Willie Clancy, a uilleann piper from Miltown. Some of our favorite pubs in town are:
Overview
I know you can’t wait to book your flights and submit your PTO request but before you do, here’s a quick rundown on the basics of traveling in Ireland:
Language spoken: Everyone speaks English—whether you’ll be able to make out any English from a thick accent is another thing! All road signs are in English with the Gaelic translation underneath.
Currency: In the Republic of Ireland they use Euro (€/EUR). If you travel up to Northern Ireland, they use British Pound (£/GBP). Credit cards are widely accepted but it’s best to have some cash on hand. If you’re doing any shopping, make sure you ask shops if they have a Tax Refund Card to claim back taxes on purchases over €75.
Best time to visit: I think May through September are the best months to visit. The days are long with lots of light and stunning 10:00 pm sunsets. Plus the chances of an “Irish heatwave” (temperatures in the 60s, 70s or even 80s ) are much higher this time of year.
Climate: The climate is mild. Temperatures usually hang around 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 15°C) and rain showers are typical.
The best form of transportation: Ireland is well connected with buses, trains, trams, etc. but if you want to get out and explore all the country has to offer, I’d highly recommend renting a car! FYI they drive on the left-hand side of the road. Irish roads are very hilly and windy so if you suffer from motion sickness, I’d recommend bringing acupressure wristbands and Dramamine to relieve your symptoms.
Travel tips: Ireland is a very trusting country such as filling up your car with gas (or petrol as they’ll call it) you’ll fill first and pay what you owe after. My favorite perk if you’re traveling back to the U.S. is you pre-clear customs and immigration at Shannon and Dublin airports so you’ll land back in the States as a domestic flight.
Packing tips: Since the weather can be a little bipolar, I highly suggest packing lots of layers that you can easily peel off and a raincoat with a hood! Umbrellas aren’t always the most helpful because of strong winds along the coast. If you’re planning on exploring by foot, I’d pack comfortable shoes that you wouldn’t mind getting dirty.
If you have any other questions about visiting West Clare or the rest of Ireland, please feel free to reach out! I love working with individuals directly to plan a custom itinerary that matches their expectations for their trip.
Just reach out to me directly (:
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