County Clare Off The Beaten Path

  Askeaton friary - just a few km from...
by globetrott
 
  • Askeaton friary - just a few km from Bunratty
      Askeaton friary - just a few km from...
    by globetrott
  • Askeaton friary - just a few km from Bunratty
      Askeaton friary - just a few km from...
    by globetrott
  • Askeaton friary - just a few km from Bunratty
      Askeaton friary - just a few km from...
    by globetrott
  • Askeaton friary - just a few km from Bunratty
      Askeaton friary - just a few km from...
    by globetrott
  • Askeaton friary - just a few km from Bunratty
      Askeaton friary - just a few km from...
    by globetrott
 

Most Viewed Off The Beaten Path in County Clare

1.

Tuamgraney   Shannon

Tuamgraney, Shannon

 1 Review  If you have any interest in seeing how hand woven scarves are made, stop in Tuamgraney along the shores of the Shannon enroute to Mountshannon. Anke and Eugene McKernan do beautiful work, and will... 

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2.

Corkscrew Hill   Ballyvaughan

Corkscrew Hill, Ballyvaughan

 1 Review  If you are travelling around the Burren by car and have a spare half hour to spare (or just happen to be travelling this way), take the N67 road that runs between Ballyvaughan and Lisdoonvarna. On... 

 See All 5 Off The Beaten Path in Ballyvaughan

3.

Newtown Castle   Ballyvaughan

Newtown Castle, Ballyvaughan

 1 Review  Just down the road to Ballyvaughan, to the right of the N67 as you head toward Lisdoonvarna, you will find this castle tower. Unusual for its type, in that it starts square at its base and devolves... 

 See All 5 Off The Beaten Path in Ballyvaughan

4.

Beach   Ballyvaughan

Beach, Ballyvaughan

 1 Review  A few miles before we got to Ballyvaughan we pulled left to take a break at this stoney beach. Isn't this ground amazing???? It started raining when we were here. Luckily I was rather close to the car... 

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Poulnabrone Portal Tomb

by leafmcgowan

In the heart of the Burren, sits the infamous Irish "hole of sorrows". It is a portal tomb that dates back to the Neolithic, approximately between 4,200 and 2,900 B.C.E. dolmen consists of a 12' tall, thin, slab-like tabular capstone supported by two slender portal stones. The construction creates a 9m low cairn chamber that has a north facing entrance. Excavations in the area uncovered between 16 and 22 adults with 6 children buried underneath the monument. Personal effects included a polished stone axe, a bone pendant, quartz crystals, weapons, and pottery. A later burial of a newborn baby was found in the portico just outside the entrance. This sacred space was most likely used for ceremonies and rituals as well as the burials.

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The East Clare Way

by donpaul77

The East Clare Way is one of several long distance walking routes in Ireland. These routes are loop walks and can be broken up into day-hike sized sections. The idea is that you could hike all day and stay in a B&B at night.Since I was staying locally, I arranged to be picked up at the end of each day and dropped off at the same point the next day. I completed about three sections of it, beginning with Killaloe to Broadford, Broadford to O'Callaghan's Mills, and then from Tulla, into Feakle, ending with a pint at Pepper's Bar. I was blown away by the things I saw, heard and even smelled!The messiest bit was from Tulla to Feakle, as we had to cross an expanse of wet bog. All along the way there are places of interest, such as tombs, castles, churches and plant and wildlife, along with the tremendously varied terrain. I highly recommend picking up a good map and guidebook. Not just to for...

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A step back in time...

by donpaul77

O'Callaghan's Mills is home to two of my favorite pubs in Ireland. One of these is the BlackSticks. If you can find it you should drop in for a pint and experience an old-school country pub. The Blacksticks is small and spartan and the seating is limited to three benches along three walls in a sort of a horse shoe shape. There is no such thing as a private conversation here. You will only be a stranger for a few minutes because you can't help but converse with the people who are sitting so close by you. The floor is concrete and the bathrooms are outside, but I always feel really comfortable here. I've heard it argued that they pour the best pint of Guinness outside of Dublin. Of course, I've heard that argued many places.While you're there, look on the wall for a picture of Biddy, the pub's former owner. According to history, Biddy used to doze off on the stool behind the bar, so if you...

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LoopHead peninsula and the Bridges of Ross

by donpaul77

If you want to get away from the crowded Cliffs of Moher then drive south along the coast towards Loop Head. This area is unfrequented compared to Moher, but is graced with natural beauty. The most outstanding natural feature on the trip down here are the Bridges of Ross. They are natural arches carved by the see. Several of them have collapsed, but some still remain. Use your own judgment in venturing out on these things. No railings and, most of the time, no one around to call for help. It's a nice spot for a picnic.You can continue your drive south along the Loop Head Drive to the light house. The area feels very remote and you can breath in the atmosphere. There is much to see and do here, so a few hours up to a half day is appropriate.DIRECTIONS:LoopHead is in the southwest of Clare. From the Cliffs, follow the most coastal roads. The r478 to the n67 will get you on your way. NOTE:...

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Dysert O'Dea Church and High Cross

by donpaul77

Near Dysert O'Dea castle is the beautiful ruin of O'Dea Church and round tower, as well as a massive high cross. Unlike O'Dea Castle, access to the church ruin is free. The castle is well preserved/restored, and is certainly worth a visit, but I enjoyed walking across the field, past the high cross to roam around the church ruins. The church dates back to the 12th century and features a wonderfully detailed Roman archway. The high cross is located to the east of the church, and the ruin of the round tower is right next to the church. Located off the R476, 5kms south od Corofin, 11kms north of EnnisThe link below has good directions to the cross and church.

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Quin Friary

by donpaul77

Tucked away in the village of Quin are the subtle ruins of Quin Friary. The friary was founded in 1480 on top of the ruins of a Norman castle. The ruin is surrounded by idyllic pasture and has a very peaceful sense to it. I've never known it to be flooded with tourists, so it's one of those spots where you can take your time and contemplate your surroundings. There is limited access to the inside of the friary. It's not a place to go way out of your way to get to, but if you are not far away, it's definitely worth a visit. At the time I write this, there is no fee to get into the grounds.Also nearby is the ruin of St. Finghin's Church. It was built between 1278-1287.Quin is a nice village, so you could stay for lunch in one of the pubs there, or pack a picnic.Location: Quin, Co. ClareDirections: It's right in the village center, set back from the road.

Teerovannan Castle

by donpaul77

I came to this castle while hiking along the Kilgory Walk in O'Callaghan's Mills, East Clare. Teerovannan Castle is the beautiful ruin of what was a massive 17th century keep. It is located in the middle of a field to which I found easy access from the road. I was able to walk right up to the castle and could have walked within the walls, if I wasn't turned away by all the cow patties.Teerovannan is crumbling gracefully. The inner stonework is masterfully done, and with sections of the wall missing, you can see the guts of the castle, with the exposed skeleton of a spiral staircase on one corner. I created a google marker for this site below, as it is difficult for me to describe how to get there.*Just a general warning: This isn't Disneyland. The castle is indeed slowly crumbling, so think twice before getting too close!

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Ennis - Singing Pubs & colorful shop-facades

by globetrott

Ennis is the largest town in the Burren with 16.000 inhabitants and it is well known for its plenty of great "Singing Pubs" and the beautiful shop-facades, like to be seen on my picture.Ennis Friary is another good reason to go to Ennis - it dates back to the 13th century and you may still see great sculptures and tombs there. The friary is to be found in Abbey-street and it is open for visitors daily between may and september.Next to the Friary you may see Cruise's Restaurant and Queen's Hotel - both of them are mentioned in James Joyce's novel Ulysses.

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There is not only Poulnabrone Dolmen

by globetrott

There is not only Poulnabrone Dolmen, BUT also another similar such construction next to the parking where you have a small space to park your car, when visiting Poulnabrone Dolmen. You simply have to step over the stone-wall and turn to the right instead of heading towards the much more famous Poulnabrone Dolmen.The Dolmen in my picture looks less spectacular, but it reminds me a lot more of a tomb - Don't miss it, when you are in the Burren.On my 2nd picture you may see my old motorhome, parked in the street, and - unfortunately quite dark - the other Dolmen in front.

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Leamaneagh Castle

by globetrott

Leamaneagh Castle is quite an impressive building in the south of the Burren. The castle dates back to the 17th century and is uninhabited today, in fact the ruins are in the middle of a meadow with lots of sheep and cows and you may not get any closer to the building. Leamaneagh Castle is more of a landmark today at the crossing of the roads R480 and R476 and you may use it when driving from Aillwee-cave in order to remember to turn right and drive to Kilfenora.Leamaneagh Castle is about 5km east of Kilfenora and ca. 6km south of the Poulnabrone Dolmen.

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Unique Places in County Clare

Top 3 Hotels in County Clare

Ballinalacken Castle Country House  Doolin

 4 Reviews and 170 Opinions  This is the fantatsic restaurant at the Ballinalacken Hotel, also dueled as our wedding reception... 

 Hotels in Doolin

Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort  Shannon

 479 Opinions

 Hotels in Shannon

Bunratty Manor Hotel  Bunratty

 106 Opinions

 Hotels in Bunratty

107 Hotels in County Clare
 
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Reviews and photos of County Clare attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for County Clare sightseeing.

Experience County Clare
Off The Beaten Path: Cities in County Clare
  1. Shannon Off The Beaten Path
  2. Doolin Off The Beaten Path
  3. Ennis Off The Beaten Path
  4. Bunratty Off The Beaten Path
  5. Ballyvaughan Off The Beaten Path
  6. Burren Off The Beaten Path
  7. Kilfenora Off The Beaten Path

More Cities in County Clare

 

Questions and Answers

Gigir21 profile photo

Q:  Hi, I am getting hopelessly lost in all timetables, trying to find a way to get back to Dublin after Willie Clancy week. I have... 

wise23girl profile photo

A: You are somewhere near Ring of Kerry and Killarney aren't you.? There are trains from Killarney into Dublin Hueston, then I think bus is cheaper option (than a taxi)... 

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