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County Clare
Contae an Chláir
To the south, Clare is formed by the Loop head
peninsula which has its borders at the estuary of
Irelands’ longest river, the Shannon. The landscape is
one of variety and contrasts. An astonishing variety of
habitats and landforms are to be found here, mudflats,
salt marshes, sandy and rocky shores as well as the cliffs
with their sea stacks, rock arches and sea caves.
The loop head peninsula joins the mainland at the
seaside town of Kilkee and here the coast flattens out
to form some of Ireland’s finest surfing beaches such as
Lahinch and Spanish Point.
The Cliffs of Moher are to be found North-west of
Lahinch on a plateau with fine views of the surrounding
countryside. With eight kilometers of cliff face that
drops to the Atlantic on the vertical-the Cliffs of Moher
are a much loved viewing point. Standing 214 meters
(702ft) at their highest point, the Cliffs of Moher can
take your breath away- on a windy day hold onto your
hat!
Standing on the Cliffs of Moher on a clear day one
can see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay, as well as
the Twelve Pins and the Maum Turk mountains of
Connemara. Look south and you will spy Loop Head
and the Dingle Peninsula and perhaps even as far as the
Blasket Islands in Co. Kerry.
Clare is a celebrated for its sporting heroes. Clare is
a celebrated for its sporting heroes. Sample some of
the action at a traditional game of Irish “Hurling”
(iománaíocht). This fast paced and exciting game has
been played continuously in Ireland for over 3,000 years!
Inland, Clare offers a landscape of great contrasts from
the world famous ”lunar landscape” of the Burren’s
stark limestone to the rolling countryside around Lough
The County bears the name “the banner county”
as the tradition of carrying banners goes as far
back as the Battle of Clontarf in 1014. As the
population became more politicised in the last
century banners became widespread at political
meetings. In Ennis in 1865 for inaugeration of the
O’Connell monument, thirteen different guilds
carried banners, each representing the attributes
of their particular trade. On that occasion, the
brogue or shoe-makers’ guild carried a flag that
had first been unfurled in 1726.
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Dearg. The majesty of the Cliffs of Moher. The interior
of the county boasts ancient woodlands harboring
the Brian Boru Oak and the Great Forests of Aughty.
Traveling along Clare’s boreens and you can enjoy the
gentle undulating countryside. There is something of
the understated here. Akin to a child whispering secrets
– you need to find a quietness and stillness to fully open
your senses and experience all that Clare has to offer.
Clare’s musicians give the county a well deserved
reputation; you are likely to experience some memorable
sessions here. Celebrated for it’s musical heritage, Clare
is a hive of festivals throughout the summer months. A
highlight of the traditional music calendar is The Willie
Clancy Summer School-Scoil Samhradh Willi Clancy.
Ceilí dancing is also alive and well here - well known
ceilidh bands hail from Clare’s Tulla and Kilfenora. You
might have to get your dancing shoes on!
If you are on the lookout for love why not visit the
town of Lisdoonvarna in September for one of Europe’s
biggest matchmaking festivals. Yes, in Clare an
adventure lies in store. Clare’s people are known for their
warm welcome and world class hospitality.
The middle and east of the county sleepy villages and
wonderful lakeside hideaways lie in wait. Sail out
and spend some time with the wonderful West Clare
Dolphins or relax at one of the many resorts or long
sandy beaches. Along the Clare coast, Doolin is a mecca
for surfers the world over.
Whether you dive in or enjoy your views from the
cliffs or the shore - in Clare you’ll find adventures and
comfort galore.
Seanfhocail (Old Saying)
Goid ó ghadaí, goid gan pheaca
Stealing from a thief is not a sin.