Plan a trip to Clare

Ireland (Irish: Éire) is also known as 'The Land of Saints and Scholars'. It is all beautiful and hard to decide what part of Ireland is more appealing or exciting, since any area in this country is unique and magical. Yet we must admit, County Clare has some of the most scenic coastlines in Ireland and striking hills and vales. The county is in the province of Munster in the Southern Region of Ireland with the Atlantic Ocean on the western border.

The most famous attraction in Ireland, without a doubt, is The Cliffs of Moher, formed more than 300 million years ago! They lie between Liscannor village and the small village of Doolin in County Clare. The spectacular Cliffs of Moher reach its greatest height of up to 700 ft and run along the coast of Clare for about 14km. You can walk along the 18km Cliff Walk, from any point along the trail. The Visitor Center offers a multimedia exhibition tell you about the of the Cliffs geology and wildlife, then you can take time out to relax and browse the cafes, services and shops.

Another way to visit the cliffs is by boat with cruises departing from the village of Doolin where the people are known for their hospitality, Irish music and storytelling. During the summer months the village hosts a folk music festival that attracts folk musicians from all over the world. Another suggestion is that you stay-put in Doolin and do day trips in the area from there.

The Burren National Park is a protected area and without being too “technical” it is an incredible Karst landscape, made up of rock types such as limestone, marble and gypsum. It is called “karst landscape” because this is where bedrock starts to dissolve (which takes millions of years) and as a result sinkholes, rivulets, caves, etc. are formed. 
Both the Burren National Park and the Cliffs of Moher, spanning an area of about 500 km, are on the list of the UNESCO Global Geoparks List.

The Aran Islands are 3 rocky islands and a few smaller ones, just off the coast in Western Ireland at the mouth of Galway Bay. The largest one is Inishmore (Inis Mór) then Inishmaan (Inis Meáin) and the smallest of the three Inisheer (Inis Oírr). One of the best-preserved prehistoric forts and important archaeological site is found on Inishmore - the Fort Dún Aonghasa.

Secret: What is an Aran sweater? Whether you say sweater or jumper, the traditional Aran sweater is off-white and has cable patterns on the front, back and sleeves. It is so named because many generations ago it was first knit in Aran.  

The coast of County Clare is part of The Wild Atlantic Way, one of the longest coastal routes in the world – about 2500 km. It winds its way along from the Inishowen Peninsula in the north to the picturesque town of Kinsale in County Cork, in the south.

The SPA town of Lisdoonvarna is home to the famous singles-get-together-matchmaking event, usually held in September and a similar festival called the Outing Festival usually held in February for the LGBT community, bringing together love and traditional live music from all over Europe.  

P.S. You cannot visit Ireland without understanding the vital importance and uniqueness of celebrating traditional Irish music season. It is a genre of folk music, usually in a fast tempo to accompany jig and reel dancing. About ten specific instruments like the whistle, pipes, fiddle, banjo etc. create the Irish “eerie” sound. There is no way you can hear this kind of music and not tap your feet and clap your hands!