One day in County Clare
You only have one day to spend in Co.Clare? Here's what you can do to make the most of it! (all times are approximate and depend largely on how long you stay at the attractions)
Find a map with the routes → here
(Please be aware, by clicking on the map link you consent to data processing by Google. The full map opens in a new window.)
Morning
- Take the N68 to Kilrush and the N67 further on to Kilkee (1 hr). In Kilkee drive through town towards the beach and along the beach to the parking in the westend.
Take the paved walkway along the fascinating coast (30-45 mins). - Drive north taking the N67 to Doonbeg. 3 kms past the village turn off to Doughmore beach. Have a look around one of the prettiest beaches in Clare. (30-45 mins. including the drive from Kilkee).
- Drive further north past Quilty and follow the Wild Atlantic Way signs to the beach in Spanish Point (20 mins). This would be the time to have a first picnic, sitting in the dunes watching the high waves rolling in from the Atlantic.
- Follow the N67 to Lahinch, park your car for free on the parking on the left side before the road descends into town. Walk from here down to and along the strand promenade (45 mins. including the drive from Spanish Point).
- Follow the Wild Atlantic Way to Liscannor and further on to the Cliffs of Moher. It could be crowded there now, the downside if you only have a short time for our county! Walk from the parking to and along the Cliffs. The visitor centre is worth a short visit. (Toilets!)
(1 hr. including the drive from Lahinch)
Afternoon
- Follow the Wild Atlantic Way to and through Doolin village. This would be a good time for a short coffee break and a snack → Doolin Café ! (30-45 mins.)
- The Wild Atlantic Way brings you along the spectacular Burren coast road to Fanore. Stop at least once on the drive and explore the amazing flora hiding between the limestone rocks. From Fanore follow the coast road further on to Ballyvaughan. (60-90 mins. from Doolin)
- Leave the Wild Atlantic Way in Ballyvaughan in direction to Lisdoonvarna, but turn off after about 2kms following the signs to Ailwee cave and Poulnabrone Dolmen. Park your car in the designated parking for Poulnabrone and take the short walk to the Dolmen. (30-45 mins. incl. the drive from Ballyvaughan)
- From Poulnabrone follow the road south to the ruin of Leamaneh Castle and from there through Corofin to Ennis. (1 hr)
- Stroll through the picturesque streets of Ennis with their medieval atmosphere. Ideally you should do this in the late afternoon or early evening, dine in one of the many restaurants and finish the day off in one of the pubs with traditional live music >traditional pubs in Ennis
Time you need for the walk: 30 mins.
Alternatives
- Without own transportation: There are public buses from Galway via Doolin to the Cliffs to Moher and on to Ennis (or vice versa), or from Limerick/Shannon via Ennis to Doolin and on to Galway. (Click here for the time table Galway/Ennis) The schedule allows you for two stopovers (2-3 hours each) on the way. This will take you all day.
- Coming from Co.Kerry on your way to Galway (or vice versa): Take the Shannon Ferry and from Killimer on the Clare side follow the route to Kilrush and Kilkee as above. You might consider including the Loop Head Drive from Kilkee (2 hours). From Ballyvaughan follow the Wild Atlantic Way to Galway. (or vice versa)
Where to Stay
- Ennis is pretty central to the tour as described above. → Find accommodation in Ennis
Now you want to spend another day in Clare?
- Great idea, there's lots more to see on the Tour through Southeast Clare!