Clare is a county in the west of Ireland that offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors. Whether you are interested in history, culture, nature, or adventure, you will find something to suit your taste in Clare.
If you love wildlife and want to see some of the world’s top predators up close, you should visit the Birds of Prey Centre at Aillwee Burren Experience. You can watch dynamic flying displays, interact with eagles, owls, vultures, and hawks, and even book a hawk walk guided tour. You can also explore the Aillwee Cave, one of the oldest caves in Ireland, and discover its fascinating geology and history.
The Aran Islands (Inishmore, Inisheer and Inishmaan) are a group of three islands off the coast of Clare that are known for their breathtaking landscape, unique culture and traditions. You can take a ferry from Doolin to Aran Islands (March to October) or alternatively travel by air or by boat from Galway.
During your stay, enjoy the rich heritage, stunning scenery, and friendly people. You can visit ancient stone forts, Celtic churches, sandy beaches, and charming pubs and restaurants. To get around, you can rent a bike, join a shared mini-bus tour or take a horse and cart tour of the island.
Check out our guide about things to do in Inis Mor, which is the most popular of the three islands.
Bunratty Castle is a large 15th-century tower house that is the most complete and authentic castle in Ireland. You can take a tour of the castle and see how the lords and ladies lived, as well as admire the finest collection of medieval furniture in the country.
You can also visit Bunratty Folk Park, a living village that recreates rural life in 19th-century Ireland. You can see farmhouses, shops, streets, and gardens that are furnished according to their social status. You can also meet costumed characters who will tell you stories and show you crafts.
The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most famous natural attractions in Ireland, with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands. These amazing sea cliffs are named from the ancient Gaelic word ‘Mhothair’ (Moher) which means ruined fort.
You can walk along the cliff edge, go to the visitor centre, or join a boat tour to see the cliffs from a different perspective. You can also experience the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk, a 20-km trail that connects the villages of Liscannor and Doolin.
The Cliffs are home to thousands of seabirds, such as puffins, razorbills, kittiwake and guillemot who nest on the cliff ledges and on the giant sea stack (Branaunmore) during the breeding season. Book a boat tour of the Cliffs of Moher with Doolin Ferry and soak up the sights and sounds of the seabirds while keeping an eye out for dolphins, basking sharks and seals as you cruise along. An audio tour will fill you in on the history, folklore and sites of interest along the spectacular coastline.
Until you see the Cliffs of Moher from the ferry, you haven’t really seen them at all.
The Burren is a unique landscape of limestone karst that covers over 250 square kilometers. It has a rich biodiversity, with rare plants and animals, such as orchids, butterflies, and pine martens.
The Burren has many archaeological sites, such as dolmens, ring forts, and caves. You can hike, bike, or drive through the Burren and admire its beauty and diversity. You can also join the Burren Food Trail, a network of local food producers and providers that showcase the best of the region’s cuisine.
This is a network of local food producers and providers that showcase the best of the region’s cuisine. It includes farmers, cheesemakers, chocolatiers, bakers, brewers, and more. You can join guided tours or create your own itinerary to taste the delicious food and drink of Clare.
Doolin is a charming coastal village lying on the edge of the Burren which is the perfect base for exploring all that the area has to offer. The home of trad music, here you’ll be spoilt for choice with lots of great pubs, restaurants and accommodation options to choose from. It’s a short drive to nearby attractions such as Aillwee Cave, Doolin Cave, the Burren Perfumery and the blue flag beaches and surf schools at Lahinch and Fanore. Find out more about what to do in Doolin here.
| Attractions | No. Reviews |
| Bunratty Castle & Folk Park | 11,942 |
| Cliffs of Moher | 5,515 |
| Gus O’Connor’s Pub in Doolin | 4,257 |
| Aillwee Burren Experience | 3,593 |
| Doolin Ferry | 3,498 |
| Lahinch beach | 3,081 |
| Poulnabrone Dolmen in the Burren | 2,867 |
| Doolin Cave | 1,873 |
| Joe Watty’s Pub & Seafood Bar on Inish Mór | 1,566 |
| The Burren Perfumery | 1,471 |
| Loophead Lighthouse | 1,400 |
| Lahinch Links Golf Club | 1,064 |
| Burren Visitor Centre in Kilfenora | 891 |
| Fanore Beach | 830 |
| Plassey Shipwreck on Inis Oirr Island | 792 |
| Cliffs of Moher Liscannor Walk | 482 |
These are just some of the things to do in Clare, but there are many more to discover. Clare is a county that will surprise you with its variety and charm. It is a place where you can experience a window on Ireland’s past and present. It is a place where you can have fun and make memories. It is a place where you will want to come back again and again.
FAQs about what to do in Clare:
On a regular basis, we are asked about what the best things to do on a rainy day in Clare, we would recommend:
On a sunny day in Clare, we would highly recommend spending time in Doolin. Whether you are planning a romantic or family day out, you could do the Boat Tour of the Cliffs of Moher in the morning. When you return to Doolin, eat at Gus O’Connor’s pub or do the Doolin to Cliffs of Moher walking trail for the full perspective from land and sea of Ireland’s famous cliffs.
Great experience heading over to Inisheer. Couldn't fault them, very fast crossing and extremely helpful with boarding & alighting with bikes etc. Will definitely travel again with them to...
David McNamara
Excellent way to see the Cliffs of Moher. Great and informative young guy who took us out was so friendly and helpful, even offering to take photos for us...
Audrey Whittaker
Very clean boats and staff were very helpful..would recommend a tour.
Anthony Moran Dublin
