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The Wild Atlantic Way in Clare, a virtual tour from the North to the South

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  • Abbey HillEntering co Clare you'll pass Abbey Hill. A short climb up the hill and you can enjoy a great view back on Galway bay and on the amazing karst terrain of the Burren ahead of you!
  • BellharbourThe drive continues along Galway Bay to Bellharbour
  • Corcomroe AbbeyCorcomroe Abbey is an early 13th-century Cistercian monastery nestled in a green valley amidst the rocky hills
  • The plants of the BurrenThe Burren is renowned for its remarkable assemblage of plants which you wouldn't expect here. The grykes (crevices) provide moist shelter allowing for many rare Irish species, some of which are only found in this area
  • BallyvaughanThe harbour in Ballyvaughan, another popular stopover with good restaurants and accommodation
  • PoulnabroneThe most famous of all dolmens can be reached on a short detour from Ballyvaughan
  • The Burren coastThe coastal drive will bring you to the amazing karst landscape of the Burren.
  • Burren donkeysDonkeys are common, but the Burren also hosts wild goats which are more difficult to find.
  • FanoreThe drive continues along Galway Bay to Bellharbour
  • Fisherstreet DoolinPubs have traditional sessions here every evening all year round; a favourite night out for tourists
  • Aran IslandsThe small boat takes you from Doolin pier to the Aran Islands on a day trip which you won't forget - especially on the windy days ;)
  • DoolinDriving of Doolin enjoy the view on the Aran Islands and the Connemara hills on the horizon
  • The Cliffs Of MoherOne of ireland's premier tourist destinations, so be prepared for crowds.
  • LiscannorYou'll pass this village coming from the Cliffs of Moher.
  • Lahincha favourite spot for surfers, surfing schools provide lessons and the equipment. Lahinch also has two popular golf courses
  • Freaghtake a look back on the Cliffs of Moher
  • White Strand Miltown MalbayAnother little beach with safe bathing spots
  • Miltown MalbayYou might take the little detour to Miltown Malbay with its colorful shop fronts. The Willy Clancy Summer School takes place here in July each year attracting thousands of fans of Irish traditional music & dance
  • Spanish PointA favourite spot for surfers and swimmers alike, with big waves rolling in from the Atlantic
  • QuiltyYou're getting back to the Atlantic coast at Quilty - usually you get to see the Cliffs of Moher from here in the distance
  • Seafield, QuiltyTake the little detour to the pier in Seafield, enclosed by two sandy beaches. This is also a great place for bird watching.
  • SeafieldThe main beach in Seafield, always quiet
  • Doughmore BeachThe road passes Doughmore beach and Trump International Golf Links; don't miss the small turn off to the beach just before passing a narrow bridge - it is the only official access to one of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland
  • DoonbegWatersports and golfing are the major activities here, but this little village is also known for its various festivals
  • DoonbegRiver walk and castle; pedalled boats can be hired here
  • Doonbeg Jazza three day Jazz festival is taking place early June each year
  • Whitestrand Doonbega small road out of Doonbeg brings you to White Strand, a beautiful safe beach
  • Baltard CliffsComing from White Strand you'll pass this little gem which is not signposted but offers beautiful cliff scenery.
  • KilkeeNext stop is Kilkee with its beautiful sheltered beach
  • George's Head KilkeeThis cliff scenery can be reached on a short walk from the north end of Kilkee
  • Kilkee CliffsThe walk from the parking at Kilkee's West end is one of Ireland's most beautiful Cliff walks and shouldn't be missed
  • The Loop Head CoastTaking the scenic route (Loop Head Drive) out of Kilkee brings you to this amazing Cliff scenery
  • Loop Head CoastThe scenery along the Loop Head Drive
  • The Bridges Of RossOnly one of the bridges is still intact. The storm scenes of "Ryan's Daughter" where filmed here.
  • The little arkIn the 19th century, the landlords of Loop Head refused to give over a site for the building of a church for Roman Catholic worship in Kilbaha. The local priest at the time came up with the idea of celebrating mass on the foreshore, which is no man’s land. In 1852, he oversaw the building of a Little Ark – a wooden box on wheels, containing an altar – which could be rolled onto the beach at low tide.
  • Loop Head Lighthouseat the tip of the peninsula, can be visited in summer. The walk along the coast around the lighthouse is a must. This is also a favourite spot for bird, dolphin and whale watching
  • KilbahaComing back to the Shannon Estuary you'll pass Kilbaha. Time for taking a break at Keating's Bar & Restaurant
  • Coast RoadThe narrow coast road brings you along the estuary to Carrigaholt
  • Carrigaholtwith a ruined castle and a little fishing port. Needless to say that the restaurants & pubs here are great for seafood. Dolphin watching tours take place here in summer.
  • KilrushThe market square in Kilrush, your next stop on the route
  • KilrushThis little gem of a museum tells you more about rural live in Ireland
  • Kilrush MarinaThe marina in Kilrush where boat trips to Scattery Island and Dolphin watching tours begin
  • Scattery Island The island is home to a lighthouse, a ruined monastery, an Irish round tower and the remains of an artillery battery.
  • Cappa PierThe Wild Atlantic way takes you past Cappa pier
  • Killimerthe Shannon Ferry carries you in 20 minutes over the Shannon to Co Kerry. With a bit of luck you might encounter dolphins on your short trip


More about the Atlantic Way, including brochures to download: https://wildatlanticwayroute.com/


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