Wild Atlantic Way
The glorious Wild Atlantic Way stretches all the way from the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal right down to Kinsale in County Cork, offering visitors an opportunity to discover the west coast of Ireland and truly appreciate its spectacular land- and seascapes. And guess what? Ennis is ideally located about halfway along this 2,600km route, giving you the perfect excuse to enjoy a short break.
Ireland’s first long-distance driving route, the Wild Atlantic Way, covers 2,600km from the north of the country right down to the south. The Clare element of the Wild Atlantic Way is 230km long, beginning at the Killimer-Tarbert ferry and ending in the small village of Kinvara, and it offers some of the most breath-taking scenery along the way. In addition, the county boasts two very significant 'Signature Points' (these are designated discovery points that characterise the west coast due to their uniqueness) – the Cliffs of Moher and Loop Head.
Of course, all that driving can be exhausting so we highly recommend that you park up and rest a while in Ennis, taking the time to enjoy the unique boutiques, cafés, shops and restaurants of our pretty little town!
Signature Points in County Clare
Loop Head
Loop Head can be found on the western tip of Clare, a narrow peninsula of land which points towards the Atlantic Ocean and features some of the most stunning scenery and incredible cliffs for you to enjoy. Visitors can follow a tour guide up Loop Head’s lighthouse from April to October to discover its unique history.
The Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are among Ireland’s top visitor attractions. Awarded UNESCO Global Geopark status in 2011, they run for 8km and reach a height of 214m. From the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience Centre, you can walk the safely paved pathways and take in the incredible vistas over the Atlantic Ocean. On a clear day, you can see across to the Aran Islands.
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.
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.
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.
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.
