Explore the County
ACTIVITIES
East Clare, Ireland, offers beautiful outdoor experiences, especially around Lough Derg. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing on the lake, and explore peaceful villages like Mountshannon and Killaloe. A boat trip to Holy Island adds a historical touch with its ancient monastic ruins.
For walkers, the East Clare Way offers a scenic hiking route through hills, forests, and lakeside paths. Along the trail, hikers can take in views of the Slieve Bernagh mountains and enjoy the area’s natural beauty.
East Clare also has a strong cultural scene, especially in traditional Irish music. Pubs and festivals, such as the Feakle Traditional Music Festival, showcase local talent. Sites like the Brian Boru Heritage Centre add depth to the region’s rich history.
DESTINATIONS
County Clare, Ireland, is home to iconic historic sites like the Cliffs of Moher and O’Brien’s Tower, offering dramatic views and links to ancient legends. Doolin Cave features one of the world’s largest free-hanging stalactites, the Great Stalactite, over 7 meters long. Guided tours take visitors deep underground to explore this impressive formation and ancient limestone landscape.
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park offers a step back in time with its restored 15th-century castle and recreated 19th-century village. Visitors can explore furnished rooms, traditional thatched cottages, and watch live demonstrations of old crafts and daily rural life.
In East Clare, Killaloe stands out as the birthplace of High King Brian Boru. Holy Island (Inis Cealtra), a short boat ride from Mountshannon, features early Christian ruins including a round tower and ancient churches.
FISHING
County Clare offers excellent fishing for both sea and freshwater anglers, with a range of scenic locations and species. Along the Atlantic coast, areas like Loop Head, Kilkee, and Lahinch are popular for shore and boat fishing, where anglers can catch bass, pollock, wrasse, and mackerel. The Shannon Estuary also offers productive fishing, and charters from Kilrush or Carrigaholt target deeper water species like tope, ray, and blue shark during summer months.
Inland, Clare’s lakes and rivers provide great opportunities for coarse and game fishing. Lough Derg, one of Ireland’s largest lakes, is well known for pike, perch, and bream, while the River Shannon and its tributaries offer good trout fishing. Many local businesses offer boat rentals, bait, and guiding services. Enjoy a relaxing day on the water surrounded by Clare’s beautiful countryside.
GOLFING
County Clare is a top destination for golfing in Ireland, offering a mix of world-renowned links and scenic parkland courses. Lahinch Golf Club, one of the country’s most famous links, features stunning Atlantic views, challenging dunes, and a history dating back to 1892. It has hosted major tournaments like the Irish Open and is a must-play for golf enthusiasts.
Other standout options include Doonbeg Golf Links, known for its dramatic coastal setting and challenging design. For a more relaxed experience, East Clare Golf Club near Bodyke and Woodstock Golf Club near Ennis offer scenic, well-maintained parkland courses. With a variety of options, Clare provides great golf for all skill levels in beautiful surroundings.
WALKS
East Clare offers a variety of scenic walking and hiking routes, including the East Clare Way, a long-distance path that stretches over 170 kilometers through picturesque villages, rolling hills, and along riverbanks. Hikers can enjoy stunning views of the Slieve Bernagh Mountains and explore peaceful woodlands. The route is suitable for all levels, with shorter sections available for a more relaxed walk.
For shorter hikes, East Clare also has local trails around Lough Derg, offering views of the lake and peaceful forests. Mountshannon, a charming lakeside village, is a popular starting point for these walks, providing both easy strolls and more challenging routes for keen hikers. East Clare offers a range of hiking experiences in a tranquil, beautiful setting.
ENTERTAIN
Explore Destinations and Activities
FISHING
Visit the many lakes of East Clare
GET ACTIVE
Explore Greenways & Waterways
DESIGN
Logos Branding & Publications
