Visit Clare and you won’t want to leave

IRELAND is famous for its relaxed attitude and warm welcome, making it the ultimate slow-travel destination. A holiday in the Emerald Isle is a laid-back adventure, filled with fun experiences, stunning scenery and the chance to connect with people, culture and traditions handed down through generations.

Whether you want to explore the rugged coastlines of the island’s west coast, discover the mountains and forests at its heart or enjoy history, activities and fantastic food on Dublin’s doorstep, you’ll find a trip to suit. Ireland is easily accessible via nine airports and five ferryports. It’s simple to navigate by public transport and its extensive walking and cycling trails encourage you to get off the beaten track and find your own standout moments. Isn’t it time you come and see it for yourself?

And when you do, why not consider visiting the beautiful county of Clare? Home to the Cliffs of Moher Unesco Global Geopark (above) and the Burren, County Clare is a place defined by natural beauty and unique landscapes. The Burren is a masterpiece of etched karst limestone, boasting an incredible array of flora, as well as ancient monuments, cycling and walking trails and a national park.

Amongst all that you’ll find wonderful music pubs, lively villages, incredible coastal cliffs and a food scene fuelled by artisan producers. All just a quick bus ride from Shannon Airport or a leisurely three to four hours from Dublin via bus and train.

Cliffs of Moher

When you head to the Cliffs of Moher—as you undoubtedly will want to in Clare—you're coming for one of two things: the staggering height of the rock face, and the stunning views from the top.

Soaring to 214m, the striated stone reaches its long fingers southward to counties Cork and Kerry beyond, and from O’Brien’s Tower those with a keen eye may even be able to spot the Aran Islands to the north.

As the sea spray fills the air with the invigorating freshness of the Wild Atlantic Way, it’s hard not to feel as though you’re braving the ocean from the prow of a magnificent ship. To make the most of the magic, nothing quite beats a wind-whipped trek across the clifftop, the edges peaking slightly upwards like the crests of the waves that roll endlessly below. Try the Doolin Cliff Walk: it leads you down the full length of the well-worn trail to the hugely informative Visitor Centre, set into the hillside like a hobbit house. To guarantee that you’ll see those magnificent sights, pre-book to avoid disappointment!

Limestone limelight

What’s more, mention the word ‘Burren’ and a barren limestone landscape springs to mind. Scratch that, a barren moonscape springs to mind. But this extraordinary region—part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark and nestled in the middle of the Wild Atlantic Way—isn’t as lifeless as you may think. Come April and May, the Burren blossoms into a unique rock garden with millions of wildflowers bursting up through the clints and grykes. It’s an extraordinary sight, even more so when you consider the ancient seeds were borne from Alpine, Arctic and Mediterranean climates.

There’s a surprising amount to do in the Burren too. Every May, the Burren in Bloom Festival celebrates the surrounding blossoms, shedding a light on the region's formation. And even your gifts are sorted as the Burren is home to its very own perfumery.

Local hotspots

County Clare is also home to gorgeous spots such as Lough Derg and the River Shannon, as well as leafy villages like Mountshannon and Killaloe. It’s a delightful stopover that you won’t regret exploring.

Boats from Doolin carry visitors to the Aran Islands offshore. In the pubs of Milltown Malbay, traditional music sessions wind up precisely 11.30pm—or not! Steven Spielberg is among the visitors to have chilled out in Ballyvaughan and the angling is amazing off Black Head.

But where should you base yourself? Well look no further than the Falls Hotel and Spa in Ennistymon, situated in a wonderful and unique location mid-way along the fabulous Wild Atlantic Way.

Within a 20 minute drive of the hotel, heading north, you have the aforementioned, awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher and the mythical Burren region. Driving south, you will reach the magnificent Loop Head Peninsula, with the Victorian seaside town of Kilkee, the lovely fishing village of Carrigaholt and the majestic Loop Head lighthouse. In between, there are an abundance of villages, beaches, restaurants, craft shops, pubs and countless hidden gems that make your trip to Clare well worth it.

Within a short distance of the hotel you can enjoy: golfing, surfing, diving, kayaking, pot-holing, hiking, eating, drinking, singing, dancing and talking. Clare really does have it all, when you visit, you might never want to leave!