Beyond Ennis
There's even more to explore when you travel outside of Ennis and around the county to the surrounding beaches and seaside villages.
Make Ennis your base
If you're looking for the ideal base from which to explore County Clare and all that it has to offer, you can't beat Ennis. Staying within the town allows you to enjoy the various activities and attractions on offer during the day, and savour the hospitality, culture and vibrancy of Ennis at night. Enjoy the spectacular views at the Cliffs of Moher, take in the unique landscape of the Burren or take a ferry across to the Aran Islands – whether you're travelling by car or with a guided coach tour, these attractions and so many, many more are available to you as easy, affordable day trips. See, Ennis really is the perfect starting point for the full Clare experience!
Lahinch
Nestled at the head of Liscannor Bay and boasting a 2km stretch of golden sand, it's no surprise that Lahinch is a popular holiday resort and a surfers' mecca. This lively seaside town offers golfing, swimming, watersports and a buzzing social life to boot.
Spanish Point
Located just 3km west of Miltown Malbay, Spanish Point is a small resort with a magnificent sandy beach, making it hugely popular with sea swimmers. It also has a superb golf course. The town is named after the Spanish crew members who were buried here after the wreck of the Armada ships in 1588.
Doolin
Hugely popular with visitors and locals alike, Doolin is a charming little fishing village on the northwest coast of the county. It's surrounded on one side by the stunning landscape of the Burren and on the other by the wild Atlantic Ocean.
Kilkee
With its beautiful horse-shoe-shaped bay and impressive beach, Kilkee is a hugely popular tourist destination. This small coastal town in West Clare also offers a spectacular cliff walk, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene.
Lisdoonvarna
In the words of Christy Moore, "Oooooh, Lisdoonvarna"! The charming North Clare town, once Ireland's premier spa resort, is famous for its music and festivals, most notably the world-renowned Match-Making Festival, which takes place in September every year, bringing love and romance into the lives of countless visitors.
Killaloe
The picturesque village of Killaloe sits on the River Shannon, right on the eastern edges of the county. It's a popular boating and fishing village and a great place to relax and enjoy the riverside lifestyle.
Doonbeg
Doonbeg, also known as ‘The Long Village’, is located in West Clare. It's famous for its beautiful beaches, traditional pubs, wonderful hospitality and, of course, for the five-star Trump International Hotel and Golf Club.
Fanore
Located on the main road from Doolin to Ballyvaughan, Fanore is a small seaside village on the north-west coast. It has a long beach, which makes it a popular swimming spot, and on a clear day it offers some of the most spectacular views.
Liscannor
Liscannor is located on the west coast of Clare and is the nearest village to the Cliffs of Moher (it's just 4km away). There's lots to do here, including angling, swimming and visiting Moher Hill Open Farm (a must for the smallies).
Carrigaholt
Carrigaholt is an authentic fishing village in West Clare on the Wild Atlantic Way.
