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Breathe in the fresh, pure air while you travel through
glorious scenery and fabulous attractions. Use the links below to see just some of the
many attractions County Clare has to offer:
The
Cliffs of Moher
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Just
North of Lahinch, on the coast of West Clare, are the famous
Cliffs of Moher, defiantly standing as giant natural ramparts
against the aggressive might of the Atlantic Ocean. They rise
in places to over 215 metres (700 feet) and stretch for almost
8km.
OBriens
Tower, which was constructed in the early 19th century
as a viewing point for Victorian tourists, is located on Mohers
highest Cliff. From its exceptional vantage position |
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can view the Clare coastline, the Aran Islands and mountains
as far apart as Kerry and Connemara. Visit the Cliffs
of Moher. |
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Lahinch aquarium
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Lahinch Seaworld and Leisure Centre invites you to explore the world beneath the waves and discover the awesome wealth of the Atlantic Ocean in a thrilling and dramatic way. Open all year.
The Prom. Lahinch
Tel. 065-7081900.
Visit Sea World |
The
Burren - A
Unique Landscape
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The
Burren limestone area has many unusual features that make it
unique in Europe. Its geology, flora, caves, archaeology and
history set it apart as a place of great mystery and beauty.
In
a 100 square mile area, there are sparkling rivers, brooding
castles, tranquil lakes, towering cliffs, lush green valleys,
barren rock mountains, green road walks - and everywhere relics
of ancient civilisation - dolmens, stone arches, round towers,
ancient churches, high crosses, crannogs, tombs, great houses,
monasteries and holy wells. |
Though
it has a wonderful sense of remoteness, it teems with life and
is probably most famous for its plant life which defies all
of nature's conventional rules
The
best way to get to know the Burren is to walk the Burren Way
or part of its 26 mile (42 kilometre) signposted trail between
Liscannor and Ballyvaughan.
For More information about the Burren please click here |
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Caherconnell Stone Fort
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The Caherconnell is a large and perfect fort 140-145 feet in external diameter, nearly circular in plan. It is 12 feet thick and from 6-14 feet high. The masonry consists of large blocks many 3feet long and 2ft. 6in.high. The inner face is almost perfect.'
Archaeology of the Burren: Prehistoric Forts and Dolmens in North Clare - Thomas Johnson Westropp.
Visit Burren Forts for more information |
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Burren Perfumery
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The
Burren Display Centre, Kilfenora, helps interpret this fascinating
area with audio visual and display supports.
The
Centre is open daily, March-October, 10.00am 5.00pm, with extended
hours during July and August 9.30am - 6.00pm.
Visit Burren Perfumery
Tel. 065 708 8030 |
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Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
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A window into the past
Built in 1425, the majestic Castle was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour. Within the grounds of Bunratty Castle is the Folk Park where 19th century life is vividly recreated. Set on 26 acres, the impressive Park features over 30 buildings in a 'living village' setting. |
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Shannon Heritage,
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park,
Bunratty,
Co. Clare. |
Tel: 061 360 788
Fax: 061 361 020
Visit Shannon Heritage |
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Boat Cruises
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Cliffs of Moher Cruises
Liscannor & Doolin , Co. Clare | 065 707 5949 | For More Info
Aran Island Cruises
Liscannor, Co. Clare | 065 682 1374 | For More Info |
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Dolphin
Watching
The
Burren Display Centre
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The
Burren Display Centre, Kilfenora, helps interpret this fascinating
area with audio visual and display supports.
The
Centre is open daily, March-October, 10.00am 5.00pm, with extended
hours during July and August 9.30am - 6.00pm. Tel. 065~7088030.
Visit the Burren Display Centre |
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Aillwee
Cave - The
Burren Underworld
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With
its stalactites, stalagmites, relics of bears, and a waterfall,
the superb Aillwee Cave has become one of Irelands leading
attractions. An essential part of any tour to the Burren. Open
daily, mid-March to early November.
The
Aillwee Cave is open daily, from 10.00am to 5.3Opm Mid - March
to 4th November. 10. 00am to 6.30pm July and August. For further
information Tel. 065 7077036. |
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Aillwee Caves
Ballyvaughan
Co. Clare.
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Tel: 065 7077036
Fax: 065 7077107
Visit the Aillwee Caves |
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Corcomroe Abbey
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One
of the delights of the Burren is the Cistercian Abbey of Corcomroe,
beautifully titled 'St. Mary's of the Fertile Rock.' The chancel
area (around the altar) of Corcomroe has some of the finest
stone carving in Ireland. It was founded in 1195 by the O'Briens,
Kings of Thomond on land that they wished to annex. As the domestic
buildings have largely vanished, the church is the main item
of interest.
Visit Corcomroe Abbey |
Kilfenora - 'The
City of the Crosses'
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So
many high crosses adorned the cathedral grounds at Kilfenora,
that it became known as 'The City of the Crosses'.
Today
the 12th century Doorty Cross near the cathedral door and the
West Cross, 'The Cross in the Field', are among the most outstanding
surviving examples. There is a wealth of mediaeval detail to
be seen and admired in the now unroofed chancel: three-light
cast window, carved tomb, and various effigial slabs. |
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diocese is the smallest in Ireland, encompassing only 13 parishes,
and covers the north Clare baronies of the Burren and Corcomroe.
In the Catholic union the Bishop of Galway is the Apostolic
Administrator of the diocese and the Pope is Bishop of Kilfenora. Visit Kilfenora. |
Poulnabrone Dolmen -An Ancient Monument
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Poulnabrone
Dolmen or Portal Tomb in the Burren, is one of the most photographed
of all the monuments in Ireland.
Its
dramatic sitting on the limestone pavements makes as much impact
on one's senses as the most famous piece of modern sculpture
does. High praise indeed, for its builders of more than 6,000
years ago. |
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Polished
stone axeheads, a bone pendant and other small pieces of jewellery
were also discovered. Animal bone identified included horse,
cow, pine martin and most unusually, the wood martin.
Recent
conservation work ensures Poulnabrone's survival for another
6,000 years.
Visit Poulnabrone Dolmen |
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Clare
Heritage Centre - At
Corofin.
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Portrays
the traumatic period of Irish culture, which included famine
and emigration. It offers a professional genealogical service
to persons wishing to trace their ancestry. Open year round.
A
Genealogical Research Form which can be obtained by writing
to or indeed visiting the centre gives details on the source
material available as well as detailing the Research Fees. More ... |
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daily April October 10am to 5.30 pm. Visit Clare Heritage Centre |
Doolin Caves
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A Stunning Underworld Experience
Doolin Cave is one of Europe’s most compelling cave attractions. It is a truly authentic experience. ‘The Great Stalactite’ It is your only opportunity to see such a large free hanging stalactite anywhere in the world.
Visit Doolin Cave |
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Dysert
O'Dea Castle
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Home
of the O'Dea Clan until 1691, this castle is situated in one
of the richest archaeological areas in Europe. A complete
guide and history of the monuments is available at Dysert O'Dea
Castle which is open from 10.00am to 6.00pm May to September
inclusive.
Visit Dysert O'Dea Castle |
Guided
Walks
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Burren
Hill Walks provide guided walks in the Burren region ranging
from gentle rambles to more rigorous hill climbs. The walks
give the visitor an opportunity to see the Burren off the beaten
track while availing of the knowledge of a local guide.
For
further details, contact Lahinch
Fáilte today. |
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The
Burren Way
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The
'Burren Way' is a 26 mile (42kms) signposted walking trail between
Lahinch and Ballyvaughan in North Clare. The route brings the
walker from Lahinch, along by the Cliffs of Moher, on to Doolin
and Ballinalacken. It then continues, mostly along the Green
Roads, across the Burren landscape to Ballyvaughan.
For
further details, contact Shannon Region Tourism |
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The Great Hunger Memeorial, ennistymon
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An Gorta Mor Memorial was erected to the memory of the victims of the great potato crop failures of 1845 to 1850 known as the Great Hunger (An Gorta Mor) and dedicated on August 20 1995 – the 150th anniversary of that tragedy. It is located across from a deserted workhouse and mass grave on the Lahinch Road between Ennistymon and Lahinch. It was erected by a combined effort of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) Board of Erin and Board of America and the Clare County Council.
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The monument was designed by an artist from Co Kerry and depicts an account found in Book 4 of the archived papers of the Workhouse preserved in the Ennistymon Library. The account centered on a note that was pinned to the torn shirt of a barefoot orphan boy who was left at the workhouse door on the freezing cold morning of February 25, 1848.
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