County Clare - Environment<< Clare Homepage |
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| Here's a selection of Clare Environment. Click on the 'Go to ALL' link to get the full list. |
1. Cliffs |
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Cliffs of Moher & O'Briens TowerCo. ClareJust north of Lahinch, on the coast of West Clare, are the famous Cliffs of Moher, defiantly standing as giant natural ramparts against the agressive might of the Atlantic Ocean. The Cliffs of Moher the (Great Wall of Thomond) and O'Brien's Tower, which stands out on a headland shows, the extent of the O'Brien influence on the history of the Celtic Tribes. The Cliffs are 8km long and 214m high, it is there that one can most easily get a feel for the wildness of the terrain over which the Celts wandered, for although they built imposing fortress castle, very often they preferred the outdoor nomadic life and enjoyed the hunt. The tower was built in 1835 by Cornelius O'Brien a descendent of Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland, and the O'Briens of Bunratty Castle, Kings of Thomond, as an observation point for the hundreds of tourists who even then visited the Cliffs. Cornelius was a man ahead of his time, believing that the development of tourism would benefit the local economy and bring the people out of poverty. O'Brien's Tower was not his only project - in fact it was said of him that 'He built everything around here except the Cliffs'. French German Show me all the details for Cliffs of Moher & O'Briens Tower | |
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2. National Parks |
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The Burren National ParkCo. ClareA magnificent karst limestone area which has a combination of many unusual features which make it unique in Europe. Its geology, flora, fauna, caves, archaelology, and history set it apart as a place of great mystery and beauty. In a small, 100 square miles area, there are wonderful rivers, castles, peaceful lakes, towring cliffs, lush green valleys, barren rock mountains, green road walks - and constant relics of ancient civilisation; round towers, stone arches, dolmens, ancient churches, high crosses, crannogs, tombs, great houses, monasteries and holy wells. A truly beautiful site, not to be missed. | |
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3. Tourist Attractions |
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Bunratty Castle & Folk ParkCo. ClareBUNRATTY CASTLE & FOLK PARK Bunratty, Co. Clare "A Window on the Past" Bunratty Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland. Built in 1425, and plundered on many occasions, it was authentically restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour, with furnishings and tapestries capturing the mood and style of the times. Famous Medieval Banquets are held nightly. Within its grounds is Bunratty Folk Park, where Irish village life at the turn of the century is tellingly recreated. The Folk Park contains typical 19th century rural and urban dwellings. There are eight farmhouses, a watermill, a blacksmith’s forge, a village street complete with pub, post office, school, doctor’s house, hardware shop, printers, drapery shop, pawn shop and village hotel. In the park, you can see traditional crafts such as bread baking, knitting, weaving, pottery and photography in their natural setting. Refreshments: Tea room, where morning and afternoon teas, light refreshments and snacks are served. Mac’s Pub in the village street serves soup and sandwiches, drinks and lunches. Mac’s seafood dishes are a speciality. Bunratty By Night Mac’s Pub is open by night, year round. Traditional Irish Music is featured on a regular basis. Admission is free after the Folk Park closes. The famous Medieval Castle Banquets and Traditional Irish Nights are held in Bunratty. Here, you can wine and dine, and enjoy the superb entertainment provided by the Bunratty entertainers, or Shannon Ceili team. | |
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4. Sightseeing Tours |
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Holidays East ClareDeclan Kavanagh , Drewsboro Road, Co. Clare | |
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5. Nature Reserves |
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Dromore WoodRuan, Co. ClareThe reserve consists of a semi-natural woodland. The area is particularly valuable for its diversity of habitats. | |
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6. Beaches |
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LahinchCo. ClareFormerly known as Leath Inse, or peninsula, from its water-bound location, its present Irish name derives from a prominent member of the O'Connor clan who is buried here. Lahinch, some 3 km west of Ennistymon is a very popular holiday resort, noted for its bathing beach and even more famous for its championship links and 18-hole golf course. There is a promenade facing the Atlantic. An Entertainment Centre beside the promenade is open during the high season and offers varied entertainment from bingo to traditional music. The beach offers excellent surfing. Some distance north of Lahinch, at O'Brien's Bridge, are the remains of Dough Castle, built by Donnchadh O'Connor in 1422, and later appropriated by the O'Briens. | |
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7. Islands |
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Scattery Island Interpretative CentreMerchants Quay, Co. ClareThe island of battles is a mistranslation of Scattery Island's ancient name, Inis Cathaigh, the Island of the Cathach, a legendary sea-serpent, but, mistranslation or not, it is a fitting name for a place that has seen so much bloodshed. As legend has it, the Cathach had his lair on the island. He terrorised the inhabitants of the surrounding region from here until he was banished by St. Senan, and imprisoned beneath the waters of Doo Lough, near Mount Callan. Viking raids were a frequent occurrence until the Vikings of Limerick settled on the island. This small island in the mouth of the Shannon, just out from Kilrush, encapsulated the history of ecclesiastical Ireland. During the sixth century St. Senan, the patron saint of West Clare, founded a monastic establishment here which developed into collegiate church. Today one can walk around Scattery in a few hours and gaze on the ruins of a fine round tower, four churches, a castle, a battery dating from Napoleonic times, and the remains of a village deserted by the last of its inhabitants in 1978. Show me all the details for Scattery Island Interpretative Centre | |
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8. Harbours |
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Carrigaholt HarbourCo. Clare | |
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9. Lakes |
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Ballyalla LakeCo. ClareA fair-sized lake on the River Fergus, it is a short distance from Ennis off the Gort road (N18). Follow the signs left for Ruan. There is a riverside park with picnic facilities, toilet and car park. The lake, although small for the purpose, is usable for dinghy sailing. Ballyalla has some features for those interested in wildlife and acquatic plants. Wintering wild-fowl frequent the lake and surrounding grassland. Ballyalla Castle, now demolished, figured prominently in a siege of 1642. | |
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10. Caves |
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Aillwee Cave BurrenCo. ClareOur highly trained expert guides will accompany you at all times during a leisurely tour, you will take a 30 minute stroll through beautiful caverns over bridged chasms, under weird formations, alongside the thunderous waterfall which can sometimes gently spray the unsuspecting visitor. Pass by the frozen waterfall, on to explore the hibernation chambers of the long since extinct brown bears (ursos arctos). The guides will bring you safely back to the outside world where you can SHOP and browse through the distinctively different craft shops housed in the award winning building that guards the entrance to this wonderful and fascinating adventure. Look for an unusual mineral specimen, crystals, fossil, personalised souvenir, or handcrafted teddy bear. Watch cheese being made in the dairy, or perhaps honey being extracted from dripping combs in the apiary. Jams, fudge or chutney could be bubbling away in pans in the farm kitchen, always something happening. Climb freely over the typical Burren limestone pavements above the cave to see the spring gentian or mountain avens blooming in profusion. Sit for a few moments in our friendly tearoom and eat; you should not leave without sampling the appetizing food prepared in our own kitchens, made with the finest of ingredients in small quantities. The smell of freshly baked bread and ground coffee wafts everywhere each morning. Take a glass of wine out onto the terrace to see the most breathtaking view in Ireland of Galway Bay stretching away to the Connemara mountains. Ballyvaughan is an attractive centre from which to explore the Burren; other bases with accommodation are Killinaboy, Corofin or Ennistymon. The southern section of the Burren is characterised by seasonal lakes called turloughs, which ebb and fill as the region's water table changes. Gradually, rainwater falling on this limestone plateau finds its way underground into a maze of caves and subterranean channels. Most are too dangerous for novice investigations, but one has been opened and is worth a visit. | |
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11. Water Falls |
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Aillwee Cave BurrenCo. ClareOur highly trained expert guides will accompany you at all times during a leisurely tour, you will take a 30 minute stroll through beautiful caverns over bridged chasms, under weird formations, alongside the thunderous waterfall which can sometimes gently spray the unsuspecting visitor. Pass by the frozen waterfall, on to explore the hibernation chambers of the long since extinct brown bears (ursos arctos). The guides will bring you safely back to the outside world where you can SHOP and browse through the distinctively different craft shops housed in the award winning building that guards the entrance to this wonderful and fascinating adventure. Look for an unusual mineral specimen, crystals, fossil, personalised souvenir, or handcrafted teddy bear. Watch cheese being made in the dairy, or perhaps honey being extracted from dripping combs in the apiary. Jams, fudge or chutney could be bubbling away in pans in the farm kitchen, always something happening. Climb freely over the typical Burren limestone pavements above the cave to see the spring gentian or mountain avens blooming in profusion. Sit for a few moments in our friendly tearoom and eat; you should not leave without sampling the appetizing food prepared in our own kitchens, made with the finest of ingredients in small quantities. The smell of freshly baked bread and ground coffee wafts everywhere each morning. Take a glass of wine out onto the terrace to see the most breathtaking view in Ireland of Galway Bay stretching away to the Connemara mountains. Ballyvaughan is an attractive centre from which to explore the Burren; other bases with accommodation are Killinaboy, Corofin or Ennistymon. The southern section of the Burren is characterised by seasonal lakes called turloughs, which ebb and fill as the region's water table changes. Gradually, rainwater falling on this limestone plateau finds its way underground into a maze of caves and subterranean channels. Most are too dangerous for novice investigations, but one has been opened and is worth a visit. | |
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12. Woods and Forests |
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Dromore WoodRuan, Co. ClareThe reserve consists of a semi-natural woodland. The area is particularly valuable for its diversity of habitats. | |
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13. Walks |
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Kilrush Heritage WalkCo. ClareKilrush Heritage Walk Market House & Maid of Erin Monument Scattery Island Visitor Centre at Merchant's Quay. An exhibition on the natural and cultural history of Scattery Island. Boat trips to the Island leave from here. | |
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14. Visitors Centre |
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Bunratty Castle & Folk ParkCo. ClareBUNRATTY CASTLE & FOLK PARK Bunratty, Co. Clare "A Window on the Past" Bunratty Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland. Built in 1425, and plundered on many occasions, it was authentically restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour, with furnishings and tapestries capturing the mood and style of the times. Famous Medieval Banquets are held nightly. Within its grounds is Bunratty Folk Park, where Irish village life at the turn of the century is tellingly recreated. The Folk Park contains typical 19th century rural and urban dwellings. There are eight farmhouses, a watermill, a blacksmith’s forge, a village street complete with pub, post office, school, doctor’s house, hardware shop, printers, drapery shop, pawn shop and village hotel. In the park, you can see traditional crafts such as bread baking, knitting, weaving, pottery and photography in their natural setting. Refreshments: Tea room, where morning and afternoon teas, light refreshments and snacks are served. Mac’s Pub in the village street serves soup and sandwiches, drinks and lunches. Mac’s seafood dishes are a speciality. Bunratty By Night | |
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