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Child Item

Useful Clare Links & Things to Do

Lady Chatterton

The “Visiting Clare Website” will provide you with lots of ideas and suggestions.

http://www.clare.ie/activities/type-all/town-all/p_0.html

Visit East Clare
http://visiteastclare.ie/

Visit West Clare
http://www.westclare.net/

This Clare Boardsies thread might give you a few ideas.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=71180586

Discover Ireland (Clare)

http://www.discoverireland.ie/Places-To-Go/Clare

Afternoon Tea at Father Ted's Parochial House, Glanquinn, Kilnaboy, Co Clare

http://www.fathertedshouse.com/

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=glenquin,+county+clare,+ireland&ll=53.009664,-9.030118&spn=0.00479,0.009645&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&t=h&z=17&layer=c&cbll=53.009826,-9.029987&panoid=bt1A-Nq5-zTrolTSfMSnnQ&cbp=12,9.31,,0,0

Aillwee Cave, Ballyvaughan

http://www.aillweecave.ie/

Aistear Park Inis Cealtra Project (4.5acre Community Park) Mountshannon

http://www.mountshannon.com/index.php/local-features/aistear-park/

Atlantic Airventure, Aviation Centre, Shannon

http://www.atlanticairventure.com/

The Boghill Centre, Kilfenora (Ego Experience Holidays/Retreat)

http://www.boghill.com/

Brian Boru Heritage Centre, Killaloe.

http://www.shannonheritage.com/DaytimeAttractions/BrianBoruHeritageCentre/

Bridges of Ross, Loop Head Peninsula (Birdwatching)

http://www.clarebirdwatching.com/?s=bridges+of+ross

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park

http://www.shannonheritage.com/BunrattyCastleAndFolkPark/

Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark

http://www.burrengeopark.ie/

Burren Centre, Kilfenora

http://www.theburrencentre.ie/

The Burren Holiday Painting Centre, Lisdoonvarna.

www.burrenpaintingcentre.com

The Burren National Park

http://www.burrennationalpark.ie/

Burren Outdoor Education Centre, Turlough, Bell Harbour.

www.burrenoec.com

The Burren Perfumery and Floral Centre, Carron.

www.burrenperfumery.com

Burren Birds of Prey and Educational Centre
Aillwee Cave, Ballyvaughan.

http://www.aillweecave.ie/birds-of-prey

Burren Smokehouse Shop and Visitor Centre, Lisdoonvarna.

http://www.burrensmokehouse.ie/

Caherconnell Stone Fort & Visitor Centre

http://www.burrenforts.ie/

Cahercommaun Stone Fort, Cahercommaun, Co Clare

http://www.burrenforts.ie/main/burren/cahercommaun/

CELT- Centre for Environmental Living & Training, Tuamgraney

http://www.celtnet.org/

Clare Heritage and Genealogical Centre, Corofin.

http://www.clareroots.com/

Clare Museum, Arthur's Row, Ennis.

www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/claremuseum

http://www.heritageisland.com/attractions/clare-museum/

Cliffs of Moher (Atlantic Edge Exhibition), Liscannor.

www.cliffsofmoher.ie

Coole Park, Gort, Co. Galway *While it's not in Clare, but it's very popular with Clare people - it's a beautiful amenity and it's free

http://www.coolepark.ie/

Craggaunowen -The Living Past Experience Kilmurry, Sixmilebridge Co. Clare

http://www.shannonheritage.com/Craggaunowen/

Cratloe Woods (Walking/Hiking/Picnics)

http://www.discoverireland.ie/Arts-Culture-Heritage/cratloe-woods/44690

Dolphin Discovery, Kilrush Creek Marina.

www.discoverdolphins.ie

Doolin Cave

www.doolincave.ie

Doolin Ferry

https://doolinferry.com/

Dromoland Castle Estate has nice walks and a beautiful walled garden and it is free to the public.

http://www.dromoland.ie/

Dromore Woodland Nature Reserve, Ruan.

http://www.burrennationalpark.ie/DromoreWoodNatureReserve.html

Dysert O'Dea - Clare Archaeology Centre, Corofin.

http://www.dysertcastle.com/

East Clare Heritage Centre, Tuamgraney.

http://www.discoverireland.ie/Arts-Culture-Heritage/east-clare-heritage-centre/15953

http://www.clarevirtually.ie/eastclareheritagecentretuamgraney.php

Ennis Franciscan Friary

http://www.monastic.ie/history/ennis-ofm-friary/

Ennis Town (County Town)

http://www.visitennis.ie/

Flaggy Shore (The Burren, near New Quay)

http://www.burrengeopark.ie/discover-and-experience/geosites-discovery-points/flaggy-shore/

Glór Irish Music Centre, Causeway Link, Ennis.

http://www.glor.ie/

Hazel Mountain Chocolate - Burren Food Trail

http://www.hazelmountainchocolate.com/

Holy Island, Lough Derg, Mountshannon (Boat leaves from Mountshannon Pier)

http://visiteastclare.ie/project/holy-island/

Irish Seed Savers Gardens and Centre

http://irishseedsavers.ie/

John P Holland Centre (Inventor of the Submarine) Liscannor

http://www.clare.ie/do/the-john-p-holland-centre/

Kilfenora County Clare - The Home of Traditional Ceili Music and The Gateway to the Burren.

http://www.kilfenoraclare.com/

Kilkee Waterworld

http://www.kilkeewaterworld.ie/

Kilkishen - The 12 O'Clock Hills Project

http://www.clare.ie/do/12-oclock-hills-project/

Lahinch Adventures

http://www.lahinchadventures.com/

Lahinch SeaWorld Leisure Centre, The Promenade, Lahinch

http://www.lahinchseaworld.com/

Lisdoonvarna Spa Wells, Lisdoonvarna.

http://www.clare-tour.com/area/Lisdoonvarna/

http://www.clare.ie/place/lisdoonvarna/

Loop Head Peninsula

http://www.loophead.ie/

Knappogue Castle & Walled Garden Quin, Co. Clare

http://www.shannonheritage.com/DaytimeAttractions/KnappogueCastleWalledGarden/

Martello Tower, New Quay, Co. Clare.

http://www.abandonedplaygrounds.com/finavarra-the-stone-martello-tower-of-county-clare-ireland/

Medieval Castle Banquets - Bunratty Castle & Knappogue Castle

http://www.shannonheritage.com/BunrattyCastleMedievalBanquet/

http://www.shannonheritage.com/EveningEntertainments/KnappogueCastleBanquet/

Michael Cusack Centre (Founder of the GAA), Carron.

http://michaelcusack.ie/

Moher Hill Open Farm is located in Liscannor just outside Lahinch, it is a fabulous place to take kids.

http://www.moherfarm.ie/index.php?p=home

Mountshannon - White Eagles Viewing & Information Point

http://www.mountshannoneagles.ie/

Music Makers of West Clare Visitor Centre - Miltown Malbay

http://www.themusicmakers.ie/

Poulnabrone Dolmen, The Burren.

http://www.burrengeopark.ie/discover-and-experience/geosites-discovery-points/poulnabrone/

Quin Abbey

http://www.discoverireland.ie/Arts-Culture-Heritage/quin-abbey/13110

Rock Shop and The Liscannor Stone Story

http://www.therockshop.ie/

Scattery Island, Kilrush. (Open June - August 31st)
(Contact local boat operator for boat departure times)

http://www.clare.ie/do/scattery-island-visitor-centre-and-free-guided-tours/

The Farmyard, Corofin.

http://www.thefarmyard.ie/

Two Mile Gate Lakeside Park & Ballycuggeran Woods

http://www.clare.ie/do/two-mile-gate-lakeside-park-ballycuggeran-woods/

Vandeleur Walled Gardens and Centre, Kilrush.

http://www.vandeleurwalledgarden.ie

Vasco Eco Adventure, Fanore, Ballyvaughan.

http://www.vasco.ie/adventure/index.php

West Clare Railway, Moyasta, Kilrush.

www.westclarerailway.ie

There are some lovely beaches in Clare. However, Lahinch, Kilkee and Spanish Point are probably the best known.

Blue Flag Beaches (June 2nd, 2016) Lahinch, Fanore, Kilkee, Cappa beach (Kilrush), White Strand (near Doonbeg)
White Strand (near Miltown Malbay), Spanish Point, Ballycuggaran (freshwater bathing area on Lough Derg near Killaloe) Mountshannon (freshwater bathing area on Lough Derg)
http://www.clarecoco.ie/recreation-culture/leisure-and-swimming/beaches/blue-flag-beaches/

Lahinch
http://www.tripadvisor.ie/Tourism-g212533-Lahinch_County_Clare-Vacations.html

Kilkee
http://www.kilkee.ie

Kilrush
http://www.heritagetowns.com/kilrush.shtml

Loop Head
http://www.loophead.ie/

Doonbeg
http://www.doonbeginfo.com/

Doolin
http://www.doolin-tourism.com/index.html

Ballyvaughan
http://www.discoverballyvaughan.com/

Fanore
http://www.fanore-info.com/

Lough Derg
http://www.discoverloughderg.ie/about-lough-derg/

Mountshannon
http://www.mountshannon.com/

Killaloe
http://www.discoverkillaloe.ie/

O'Briensbridge
http://www.discoverireland.ie/Activities-Adventure/o-briensbridge-old-barge-loop/71500

O'Brien Line - Cliffs of Moher Cruise
https://www.obrienline.com/

Cliffs of Moher Cruises, Cliffs & Aran Cruises, Doolin Pier.
www.mohercruises.com

Spirit of Killaloe River Cruises
http://www.spiritofkillaloe.com/index.php

Shannon Ferry, Killimer, Kilrush. (Killimer, Co. Clare - Tarbert, Co. Kerry)
http://www.shannonferries.com/

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Lady Chatterton

Here is a list of websites that maybe of interest to people planning a visit to Co. Clare.

Fishing holidays in Clare

Clare Fishing Adventures, Kilbaha, West Clare.
http://fishingadventures.ie/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwhZm7BRCUyfS6ho2VjOEBEiQAumpGMjdD-1E4nZVa3TxVuvbI8S__fINJo8LxdC4Off8ogxkaAj0a8P8HAQ

Fishing in Ireland
http://www.fishinginireland.info/guides/clare.htm

Clare Fishing (Sixmilebridge)
http://clarefishing.com/index.html

Fishing & Shore Angling in Doolin
http://www.doolinireland.net/doolin_fishing_angling.html

Cliffs of Moher Fishing
http://www.cliffs-moher.com/fishing.php

Lough Derg Fishing
http://www.discoverloughderg.ie/category/angling-and-fishing-on-lough-derg/

Fishing in East Clare
http://visiteastclare.ie/fishing/

Sea Angling Ireland (Clare)
http://www.sea-angling-ireland.org/shore%20-%20clare%20n.htm

Carraigaholt Sea Angling
http://www.fishandstay.com/

Fishing For Kids, Killaloe
http://www.discoverireland.ie/Activities-Adventure/fishing-for-kids/84652

Golfing Holidays in Clare

Clare Golf Course Guide
http://www.worldgolf.com/courses/ireland/countyclare/

Trump International Golf Links, Doonbeg
https://www.trumphotelcollection.com/ireland/golf-resorts-ireland.php

Lahinch
http://www.lahinchgolf.com/

East Clare Golf Club, Bodyke
http://eastclare.com/index.php/en/

Shannon
http://www.shannongolfclub.ie/

Woodstock
http://www.woodstockgolfclub.com/

Dromoland
http://www.dromolandgolf.com/

Ennis
http://www.ennisgolfclub.com/

Kilrush
http://www.kilrushgolfclub.com/

Kilkee
http://www.kilkeegolfclub.ie/

Spanish Point
http://www.spanishpointgolfing.com/

Walking Holidays

Irish Walking Trails - Clare
http://www.irishtrails.ie/trails.aspx?c=Clare

Walking Routes in Clare
http://www.walkingroutes.ie/WalkingTrails/Clare

Ennis Walking Tours
http://www.enniswalkingtours.com/

Clare Walking Tours
http://www.clarewalkingtours.ie/

Clare Walks
http://www.clarewalks.com/

Ireland Walking Guide - Clare
http://www.theirelandwalkingguide.com/routes/countyclare

East Clare Walks
http://visiteastclare.ie/project/clare-walking-tours/

East Clare Way
http://www.clarewalks.com/east-clare-way-page.html

Mid Clare Way
http://www.irishtrails.ie/Trail/Mid-Clare-Way/22/

The Burren Way
http://www.irishtrails.ie/trail/burren-way/7/

Burren Wild Tours
http://www.burrenwalks.com/collections/walking-tours

Burren Nature Walks
http://www.mullaghmore-burren.com/

Heart of Burren Walks (Guided Walks)
http://www.heartofburrenwalks.com/your-guide

Walking/Hiking in West Clare
http://www.westclare.net/active/active04.htm#cont

Ballycuggaran Trail, Ogonnelloe, Killaloe, Co Clare
http://www.coillteoutdoors.ie/index.php?id=171&rec_site=104

Tullaher Loop Doonbeg
http://www.wildatlanticway.com/directory/details/tullaher-loop/80886/#52.731846|-9.525908|15

Estuary Walking Tours, Kilrush.
http://www.discoverireland.ie/Activities-Adventure/estuary-walking-tours/86236

Wild Atlantic Way - Clare Walks
http://www.wildatlanticway.com/stories/?cid=14&gclid=Cj0KEQjwhZm7BRCUyfS6ho2VjOEBEiQAumpGMnLYo4qv3zgpt2mmz0iZJjQsD42hwVFXNDOR7yeyT2UaAhFV8P8HAQ

Burren Walking Trails
http://www.burrennationalpark.ie/Trails.html

Cycling Holidays

Cycleways in Clare (On road and Off-road)
http://www.irishtrails.ie/trails.aspx?c=Clare

Cycling Holidays in the Burren
http://www.goireland.com/vacations/cycle/clareburren.htm

Clare Cycling Tours, Ennis. Co. Clare
http://www.clarecyclingtours.com

Burren Way Mountain Bike Tours
http://burrenwaymountainbiketours.com/

Clare Bike Hire
17 Abbey Street, Ennis, Co Clare
www.clarebikehire.com

Gleeson Cycles & Bike Hire, Kilrush
http://www.discoverireland.ie/Activities-Adventure/gleesons-cycles-bicyle-hire/44770

Loop Head Adventure (Cycling)
http://www.clare-tour.com/activities/Loop_Head_Adventures/

Go Cycle Ireland (Sixmilebridge)
http://www.discoverireland.ie/Activities-Adventure/go-cycle-ireland-cycle-tours-of-county-clare/82357

Bog Road Bike Tours (Kilkee)
http://www.bogroadbiketours.com/

Burren Cycling Routes & Maps
http://www.burrengeopark.ie/discover-and-experience/trails/cycling-in-the-burren/

Lough Derg Cycleway
http://www.everytrail.com/guide/lough-derg-cycleway

Loop Head Cycleway
http://www.wildatlanticway.com/itineraries/cliff-coast/cycling-route-loop-clare/

Surfing Holidays

Surfing in Clare
http://www.discoverireland.ie/things-to-do/activities-adventure/surfing-in-ireland/surfing-in-clare-1

Co. Clare Surf Guide
http://www.surfing-waves.com/atlas/europe/ireland/eire/county_clare.html

Lahinch Surf Forecast
http://www.surf-forecast.com/breaks/Lahinch

Clareman

I thought these posts deserve their own thread, and to be stickied, good job Mrs.

Lady Chatterton

Clare Farmers Markets

Ballyvaughan Farmers Market,
Village Hall Car Park, Ballyvaughan
Saturday - 10am until 2 pm.

Doolin Saturday Market and Craft Fair (June - end of August)
The Russell Community Centre.
Saturday - 10am until 4 pm.
http://www.doolinmarket.com/About%20Us.htm

Ennis Farmers Market
Upper Market Street, Ennis.
Friday - 8am until 2pm

Ennistymon Farmers Market
West Clare Art Gallery on the Ennis Road Ennistymon.
Saturday - 10am until 2pm

Kildysart Farmers Market (May - end of August)
The Square, Kildysart.
Friday - 9am until 1pm

Kilkee Farmers Market (May - end of August)
O’Curry St, Kilkee.
Sunday - 10am until 2pm

Killaloe Farmers Market
Between the Waters, Killaloe.
Sunday - 1am until 3pm
http://www.clare.ie/events/view/markets-114/killaloe_farmers039_market-120.html

Kilrush Farmers Market
The Square, Kilrush .
Thursday - 9am until 2pm

Miltown Malbay Farmers Market (May - end of Sept)
Community Hall, Miltown Malbay.
Friday - 3pm until 6.30pm

Mountshannon Farmers Market
Mountshannon
Saturday - 11am until 3pm

Shannon Farmers Market
Sky Court Shopping Centre, Shannon.
Friday - 10.30am until 3pm

ClareVisitor

Superb stuff Mrs. D! We're going to be over in a few weeks and looking to entertain a 3 year old (not that fleecing the grandparents for anything he can hoodwink them into buying in a shop isn't great fun for him). Anything that can be described as a fort or castle does the trick usually!

Lady Chatterton

ClareVisitor wrote: »

We're going to be over in a few weeks and looking to entertain a 3 year old (not that fleecing the grandparents for anything he can hoodwink them into buying in a shop isn't great fun for him). Anything that can be described as a fort or castle does the trick usually!

Many thanks Clare Visitor, I hope you and your family have a wonderful visit

ClareVisitor

A good article in the Independent today about the Clare coastline. I think everything is already covered above anyway, but a good overview nonetheless.

http://www.independent.ie/travel/inside-ireland/seaside-secrets-the-banner-county-coastline-2829526.html

CiaranMT

The new marina in Killaloe is well worth checking out, looks fantastic now!

pappyodaniel

Can I suggest sticky for dining out in Co Clare?

That is if the wonderful MrsD007 can start one.

CptSternn

Clare Focus keeps an up to date list of events in the county.

http://www.clarefocus.ie/

Lady Chatterton

Secret Ireland: Lough Derg

By Pol O Conghaile
Irish Independent

Saturday October 01 2011

Pól Ó Conghaile revisits a childhood haunt and gets a taste of Florida on our largest lake.

The Lough Derg Way

You don't have to get into or even on to the water to enjoy Lough Derg. Far from it.

A 117km scenic drive -- or cycle if you're feeling frisky -- circuits the lake, and hikers can tackle the Lough Derg Way, a 58km waymarked way from Limerick to Dromineer via Killaloe.

I take on a stretch of the latter, starting from the arched bridge crossing the border between Clare and Tipperary, before winding up into the Arra Mountains.

Splashes of purple heather and orange crocosmia look like Jackson Pollock has been let loose on the ditches, and boggy bohareens lead to sensational views from Tountinna. From here, you can descend to the lakeshore at Castletown.

If you fancy walking with a group, the East Clare Walking Festival runs from October 21-23.

If you don't fancy walking at all, The Lookout near Portroe offers the panorama without the pain.

Details: Tel: 087 686 7548; eastclarewalkingfestival.com.

The Holy Island

When St Colum Mac Cremthainn first came to Inis Cealtra in the 6th century, he intended on living like a hermit.

The draw of Holy Island was too strong, however -- he soon found himself presiding over a monastic community, and devotees and day-trippers seem to have been coming ever since.

I take a ride to the island from Mountshannon Harbour with Ger Madden, who steers his shallow-bottomed dory through the reeds to dock against a tiny pier in about three feet of water.

Walking to the round tower and church at the other end, we find grounds tended like a golf course, but I'd love to meet the genius who slotted Perspex windows into a restored 10th-century roof.

Ger, who remembers fishing on Lough Derg with hazel rods, knows Holy Island inside out. Its reputation is built on religious gems such as the Roman-esque door on St Brigid's Church, but there are plenty of pagan artefacts too -- including a bargaining stone you shake hands through to seal a deal.

"'Tis cheaper than going to a solicitor," he says.

Details: €10/€5. Tel: 086 874 9710; eastclareheritage.com.

The harbour hideaway

The high profile of West Clare has always been a bone of contention in the east county, which doesn't have the Atlantic coast or Cliffs of Moher to haul it through the recession.

The flipside of that is a quieter experience for visitors who do stray off the beaten track.

Ireland has 84 Blue Flag beaches, for instance, but did you know two of them are on Lough Derg?

At Mountshannon, I find a family kayaking around the piers of a beach deserted save for lifeguards.

Nearby, there are picnic tables by the harbour, with small yachts bobbing in the breeze.

A swan minds its signets, a climbing pyramid rises out of the town playground, and Dagmar Hilty, who moved to Ireland from Liechtenstein 30 years ago, is preparing fillet steaks from Kavanagh's butchers in Scariff for evening meals in An Cupán Caifé. Hidden gem, anyone?

Details: Tel: 087 294 3620 (An Cupán Caifé); blueflag.org.

The overnight suggestion

It's a clear night, and a canopy of stars is spread out over Coolbawn Quay when I check in. It's quiet, too.

A wedding is scheduled for the weekend, but at the moment, the gigantic cruisers tied up at the marina seem more like the ghosts of Celtic Tiger past.

The resort here takes the form of a little village, with cottages and a schoolhouse scattered around a bar, spa and marquee. It feels toasty when I step into my lodgings, a decadent hideaway scattered with crushed velvet, fresh flowers and a basket of turf beside the sitting room stove.

My stay is short, but the service touches are sweet: an early breakfast is arranged so I can that hit the road before 8am, and I'm given the rundown on restaurants from Brocka on the Water to Terryglass.

I wind up the evening with a quiet pint, looking through a porthole window onto the lake.

Details: Two nights' B&B plus one dinner from €159pp. Tel: 067 28158; coolbawnquay.com.

The pub grub

The marina at Garykennedy is a sweet spot on Lough Derg, welcoming pleasure craft with stone-wall moorings, an old castle tower, a safely enclosed playground and a forest walk.

A few steps away lies the thatched Larkin's, the hottest word-of-mouth pub in the lakelands. Step through the half-door and you'll find a picture of JFK and Jackie O over the fireplace, flagstones and ceiling beams, and a stand-up Steinway with keys yellower than a sea dog's teeth.

I enjoy a good chowder (€6.50), as opposed to a great one -- the creamy thickness and a generous mix of mussels, finely diced carrots, onions and white fish warms the cockles without ever hitting the heights of, say, Mitchell's in Clifden.

A three-course menu is also available from €20pp, and if kids are in tow, they can run the ants from their pants in the walled garden out back.

Details: Tel: 067 23232; larkins.ie.

Lord of the ring forts

Some 2km outside Killaloe, I park the car on the roadside, slip through a metal turnstile and stroll down a walkway carpeted in pine needles until I come to a huge, tree-studded ring fort.

It's a trail through time, right back to the earliest settlements on Lough Derg.

Beál Boru, as the fort is known, is probably where local boy Brian Boru -- High King of Ireland from 1002 to 1014 -- got his name.

Excavations have uncovered axes, coins and pottery from the era.

Stepping through the old moat and scrambling past beech and ash trees on the bank, I come to the top of the inner ring.

The artefacts waiting in the crater are a little too modern -- the remains of a fire and scraps of litter and beer cans -- but the atmosphere of the Stone Age citadel remains.

Details: Tel: 061 376866; discoverireland.ie/lakelands.

Welcome to wakeboarding

It's all in the attitude," says Mark Dunne. "If you think you're not going to get it, it's hard. But if you relax and give it a go, you'll do just fine."

That's all very well. But sitting in the dun-coloured waters of the River Shannon, with my feet clipped into a wakeboard and my hands clutching a line that extends from a powerboat packing the same heat as a Hummer jeep, it's hard not to think -- and over-think -- about what's about to happen.

Sure enough, Mark tips the throttle, the line grows taut and I crumple into the river.

Wakeboarding is the waterborne equivalent of snowboarding, and this stretch of the Shannon is ideal for it -- the reeds along the riverbank eat up the boat's wake, keeping the water oddly calm.

Dunne's clubhouse is the Tubal -- a former RAF re-fueller anchored north of Portumna -- and he knows how to handle beginners. Tips are simple, speeds low, the Red Hot Chili Peppers pump from the stereo and, when I finally do stand up, there are whoops of encouragement from the boat.

It's all in the technique, of course, as Mark and his buddy Gavin demonstrate, putting on a show of jumps, twists and 360s as I give my arms and thighs a break.

"We're trying to do a Florida sport in Ireland," Mark says -- one reason there are hot-air pipes on the powerboat and a briquette-fired 'sauna' on the Tubal.

My last ride is my best. I manage not only to stand up but also to surf over the boat's wake into the fresh water outside it. Mark banks into a broad U-turn, I whip outwards in a turning arc approaching 40mph and the adrenaline rush is awesome.

"Yeah!" he shouts. "You're the world's newest wakeboarder!"

Details: Sessions from €50pp. Tel: 087 257 3661; irishwaterski.com.

- Pol O Conghaile

http://www.independent.ie/travel/inside-ireland/secret-ireland-lough-derg-2893274.html

Lady Chatterton

Discover Clare - Attractions & Heritage Sites

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nphQy8YPGM

Lady Chatterton

Discover Clare – Home of Traditional Music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zh__w-KuxCg

Lady Chatterton

Discover Clare – Live the Active Life

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4lMfLDb3WE

Lady Chatterton

The White Tailed Sea Eagles of Lough Derg - Mountshannon, Co. Clare.

A pair of White-tailed Eagles has been confirmed breeding in Co Clare - the first documented nesting attempt for the species in Ireland in over 100 years.

Nest building began in recent weeks with the birds spending much time in and around the nest site in Mountshannon before laying eggs.

The breeding pair, a four-year-old male and three-year-old female, were collected on the island of Froya off the west coast of Norway.

http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/0430/white-tailed-eagles-breeding-site-confirmed.html

Historically, the white-tailed sea eagle was once a respected and conspicuous part of the Irish landscape, before it was driven to extinction in the early 20th century.
It is understood nest building began in recent weeks with the birds spending much time in and around the nest site before laying eggs.

Speaking about the revelation, Dr Allan Mee, project manager for the Golden Eagle Trust said, “This is a truly momentous event for Clare and Ireland”.

“It seems a long time since we collected these birds as chicks from nests in the wild in Norway and to see them now nesting in the wild themselves in Ireland is the day we have all been waiting for. To see eagles back in Irish skies and now breeding in the wild after so long is wonderful.

“We had hopes that this pair might try and build a nest but because the birds are relatively young, we really didn’t expect them to breed,” Dr Mee explained.
He said the odds are stacked against young first-time breeders because they have no experience of nest-building, mating and caring for eggs and young. They have to get everything right to succeed, but in this instance he said, “So far, so good”.
The news of nesting white-tailed eagles has generated a lot of excitement in East Clare and is attracting the attention of many keen to see the birds. However, disturbance, particularly during the early stages of nesting when the birds are on eggs, would be detrimental to the pair’s success, according to Dr Mee.

http://www.clarechampion.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10155:lovebirds-get-ready-for-first-chick-in-110-years&catid=60:east-clare&Itemid=56

Lady Chatterton

MrsD007 wrote: »

Loop Head Lighthouse was formally opened today (18/05/12) as a tourist attraction by An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny.

RTE Six One News Report from Loop Head

Loophead, Co. Clare - Winner of the 2010 EDEN Award

Every year the European Union awards European Destination of ExcelleNce (EDEN) to little known areas off the tourist beaten track. The key feature of the selected destination is its commitment to social, cultural and environmental sustainability. The destination has to show that economically viable tourism is being developed based on natural resources, historical heritage, traditional celebrations and local gastronomy.

Information on all the EDEN destinations throughout Europe and the method by which they are selected is available on www.ec.europa.eu/eden

Lady Chatterton

Kilkee is situated in County Clare on the West Coast of Ireland. The old Irish name for the long triangular peninsula stretching to Loop Head and forming the northern boundary of the estuary of the River Shannon is 'Corca Baiscinn'. About mid-way on the Atlantic shore on this peninsula is Kilkee. It is situated on Moore Bay, a bay of horse-show shape. The splendid reef known as Duggerna Rocks guards the entrance to this bay.

http://www.kilkee.ie/index.html

ROZLYN

Great thread MrsD007, thanks for all the info. I've been surfing in Lahinch with Bens Surf Clinic they'd been recommended by a 'surfer' friend, it's not on the list and I found them great. They also do rock climbing if it's flat apparently haven't been myself but spotted it on their van.

Another attraction/event I heard about which might be of interest..the Ailwee caves and birds are having an open day on June 1st coming..free for all.

Lady Chatterton

Clare Museum has been named as the top tourist attraction in Ennis by a leading travel website.

Written by Jessica Quinn

TripAdvisor.com, the website that assists customers in gathering travel information, has recently elevated Clare Museum to the status of the county capital’s number one attraction.

The website consists of user-generated content and is used by travellers all over the world to post reviews of tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants and other travel related facilities.

One visitor from Belfast wrote “Arrived shortly before closing time but [we] weren’t made to feel we had to leave… next time I’ll make sure I have more time”.

Another posted, “Not a very big or elaborate place but combines the best of audiovisual presentations in many tongues detailing the local history of Ennis and Clare. Really must be combined with a visit to the Clare Library on Harmony Row to get the overall picture. Should take up a few hours of an otherwise wet day in Clare.”

A visitor from Brunswick, Maine, enthused, “This small museum is an ideal way to acquaint yourself with an overview of County Clare from pre-history to the present day. Incorporating geology, archaeology, art and folklife, you come away ready to view the county and the country through clearer eyes and understanding. Some of the artefacts are stunningly beautiful, all are interesting.”

http://www.clarechampion.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10425:museum-voted-countys-leading-tourism-attraction&catid=55:ennis&Itemid=56

Lady Chatterton

Over the last few weeks people were encouraged to vote for their favourite Irish painting from a shortlist of ten. The winning painting was Hellelil and Hildebrand, the Meeting on the Turret Stairs, 1864, which was painted by Frederic William Burton from Corofin, Co. Clare.

Harry Clarke's stained glass windows also made the shortlist. Some of his work can be found in St. Flannan's Catholic Church in Killaloe. See below for further details.

Ireland's Favourite Painting

Hellelil and Hildebrand, the Meeting on the Turret Stairs, 1864.

Frederic William Burton (Corofin, Co. Clare 1816-1900, London)
Hellelil and Hildebrand, the Meeting on the Turret Stairs,1864

Watercolour and gouche, 95.5 x 60.8cm
Margaret Stokes Besquest, 1900.
National Gallery Of Ireland, Dublin

THE ARTIST

Frederic William Burton was born in Clifden House in Corofin, Co. Clare. Burton's father Samuel was an amateur painter who encouraged his son. As a young man, Burton trained at the Dublin Society's Drawing Schools and started his career as a painter of miniature portraits. He then moved to London to make his living as a watercolour painter.

The antiquarian and artist George Petrie was a mentor and friend who brought Burton to Connemara in 1838 and encouraged him to become involved in the Royal Irish Academy. Burton established himself in London as a painter of subject pictures and portraits. Other significant works include: The Blind Girl at the Holy Well (1840); The Aran Fisherman's Drowned Child (1841) and Faust's First Sight of Marguerite (1857). Burton worked in watercolours throughout his career; no oil paintings by him are known of. He greatly admired the work of the artists of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood which was founded in 1848.

He was appointed Director of the National Gallery in London in 1874 where he remained until his retirement in 1894. He acquired many significant works while Director including Leonardo's Virgin of the Rocks.

THE PAINTING

The subject of this painting is taken from a medieval Danish ballad which was translated into English in 1855 by Whitley Stokes, a lawyer and philologist, and friend of the artist.

This richly coloured watercolour painting depicts Hellelil and Hildebrand, meeting on the stone stairway of a tower. The princess's father regarded the young soldier, Hildebrand as an unsuitable match for his daughter and ordered his sons to kill him. The painting captures the poignant final embrace of the ill-fated lovers.

The image is one of the most popular in the National Gallery's collection. Despite the tragic story portrayed, it is still viewed as one of the most romantic paintings in Ireland. There have even been marriage proposals made before it.

Note: Due to its medium and sensitivity to light, the painting is only available to view for a limited period on the following days: Mondays and Wednesdays 11-12pm; Saturdays 2-3pm. The painting is located in the Millennium Wing (Room 1) of the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin.

http://www.rte.ie/tv/masterpiece//masterpiece02.html

Harry Clarke Window - Killaloe Church

St. Flannan’s Catholic Church, Killaloe is home to a magnificent stained glass window by internationally renowned artist Harry Clarke. Born in Dublin in 1889 Clarke was influenced by Art Nouveau and the (then) new Art Deco style.

He was a leading exponent of the Celtic Revival and his parallel career as a book illustrator brought a completely original style to the conservative world of stained glass. Clarke mimicked medieval stained glass by using slab glass with irregular thickness. The application of acid-etching, stains and delicate painting in every conceivable space gave huge depth to the works with images within images. His illustrations and stained glass work shows a love of rich colour with deep blues and purples prevalent throughout.

http://www.discoverkillaloe.com/harry-clarke.htm

Lady Chatterton

'Visitors flock to reopened friary'

Thursday, 28 June 2012 12:21

ENNIS friary has welcomed more than 1,200 visitors in the first seven days since the historic building was reopened.

According to Mary Kearns, supervisor at Ennis friary, “There has been over 1,200 visitors in the first week and we’ve welcomed more since. There has been a great interest since the friary was re-opened. It is free for the rest of the season, which is a great draw, we are seeing many people, who might have been reluctant to come in the past visit us through our new entrance. So far, things have been very positive and we’ve been receiving some great feedback.

“We are seeing a real mix of tourists from all over the world but also people who live on our own doorstep, people from the town who are coming in in huge volumes as they pass through the town.”
The friary is getting set to welcome a number of schools in the coming weeks, along with group visits for children organised by Ennis’ DeValera Library.

http://www.clarechampion.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10772:visitors-flock-to-reopened-friary&catid=55:ennis&Itemid=56

This 13th century Franciscan friary, founded by the O'Briens, of Thomond who once ruled much of north Munster, has numerous 15th/16th century sculptures carved in the local hard limestone:

A carved image of St. Francis displaying the stigmata is evident in the nave. He carries a cross staff and wears the Franciscan habit. Under the south arch of the tower, an elaborate tracery canopy of the late 15th century was perhaps part of an ornate tomb. The corbels supporting this are carved on one side with a bishop and, on the other, the Virgin & Child. An arch between the nave and transept bears, in a niche, an image of "Ecce Home" or "Christ's Pity". His hands are bound and tokens of the crucifixion are arranged about. The magnificent east window, with its five tall, narrow lancets, lights the chancel. The chancel once contained several royal and aristocratic tombs, among those remaining at the friary are the canopy of the Inchiquin/O' Brien tomb and also the Creagh tomb which incorporates five sculptured passion panels from the much older MacMahon Tomb. Set into the back of this tomb is thirteen carved figures representing Christ and the Apostles, all dating from the mid 15th century.

http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/ShannonRegion/EnnisFriary/

Open Daily 10.00 - 18.00
Season: June 18th - October 31st
Last admission, 45 mins. before closing.

Average Length of Visit: 45 minutes
Admission Fees: Due to continuing restoration work, admission will be FREE for the 2012 season.

Lady Chatterton

Here is a new website which has been set up to promote - Kilfenora - The Home of Traditional Ceili Music and The Gateway to the Burren.

It is a lovely website with lots of information about visiting Kilfenora and the Burren area, its historical sites, Ted Fest, the music fleadhs and and the World Famous - Kilfenora Ceili Band who celebrated their 100th birthday back in 2009.

http://www.kilfenoraclare.com/

Lady Chatterton

'48 Hours on the Clare Coast'.

Ed Leahy (Travel Writer), goes West once again, and finds even more to treasure.

During his two-day trip to Clare, he visits - Father Ted's house (Kilnaboy), the Burren National Park, The Burren Visitor Centre (Kilfenora), Aillwee Caves (Ballyvaughan), Doolin Cave, the Cliffs of Moher, Lahinch, Doonbeg and the Loophead Pennisula.

http://www.rte.ie/lifestyle/travel/features/2012/0927/339343-48-hours-on-the-clare-coast/

Lady Chatterton

The Loop Head Peninsula - one of the best places to holiday in Ireland..........

The judges of The Irish Times Best Place to Holiday in Ireland competition have chosen five finalists.

The shortlist features three remote areas of natural beauty – the Glen of Aherlow, Co Tipperary; Inishbofin island, Co Galway; and
Loop Head peninsula, Co Clare – alongside Derry city and Killarney, Co Kerry.

Picture credit - Irish Times

Loop Head Peninsula Video

http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/travel/ireland/best-place-to-holiday/best-place-to-holiday-in-ireland-judges-choose-the-final-five-1.1399427

Lady Chatterton

The Loop Head Peninsula in Co Clare has been named the “Best Place to Holiday in Ireland” in an Irish Times competition.

Loop Head takes the holiday crown in ‘Irish Times’ competition

http://www.irishtimes.com/news/loop-head-takes-the-holiday-crown-in-irish-times-competition-1.1406995

Aglomerado

MrsD007 wrote: »

The Loop Head Peninsula in Co Clare has been named the “Best Place to Holiday in Ireland” in an Irish Times competition.

Delighted to hear this, it's a beautiful spot! The lighthouse keeper's cottage you can rent from the Irish Landmark Trust is a great place for a weekend with a bunch of mates, cliffside walks followed by pints in Kilbaha, one of the best weekends I ever spent.

ger664

BMOH AC couch to 5k programme starts on Tuesday April 1st and runs for 6 weeks.
There will be three coached sessions each week, Tuesday and Thursday at 7 PM and Saturday Morning at 8 AM from Outside Sixmilebridge GAA grounds
Registration is €25 euro for the six week programme.
For details send me a PM or contact bmohathleticsclub@gmail.com

Our couch to 5k programme is a mixed programme of running and walking and will have both Male and Female coaches so lads do feel free to join us.

The registration fee includes
Personal coaching from our experienced coaches
At the end of the programme if you you wish to continue running with the club the €25 euro fee will be reduced from the club annual membership fee.

Mr. G

Ennis Street Festival is holding it's 9th festival on the 4th, 5th and 6th of July. Very enjoyable for all the family and run by volunteers.

http://ennisstreetfestival.com/wp/

Potential-Monke

Just had to share this, recorded by a friend of mine, and gives stunning views of West Clare including the Cliffs of Moher, Bridges of Ross, Kilrush, Cappa, Loop Head and Lahinch. Well worth a view, and shows the beauty of West Clare.

(Only just after seeing the "Clare... through a lens" thread, mods feel free to move this to there if necessary)

Mod Note: Moved to 'Useful Clare Links & Things to Do'.

muggles

Shopping will be available from 1pm to 8pm on November 19th and 20th and
December 3rd and 4th with free car parking in the short term car park (remember to bring your
parking ticket with you and it will be validated as you exit the duty free shop).

You will be entering a secure area so remember to remove any sharp objects or liquids from your pockets / handbags.

To gain admittance to the duty free shop you must have photo I.D. (passport, driver’s licence or work I.D with photo are
acceptable).

Mod Note:

Strictly speaking this post is advertising and it's against the charter. However, I'm allowing it on this occasion.