Clare

Things to Do in Clare

Scattery Island

A small monastic settlement a few kilometres from the Kilrush shore, Scattery Island boasts a still-functioning lighthouse, six ancient church ruins and one of the highest round towers (120ft/36.5m) in the country. An historic island, Scattery has seen its fair share of invasions and has plenty of far-fetched legends and tales to tell.

Aillwee & Doolin Caves

Cliffs Of Moher

One of Ireland’s most visited natural attractions, at 702ft/ 219.5m above the crashing Atlantic swells, it’s not hard to see why. With a superb visitor centre, an invigorating coastal walking route and beautiful birdlife, the Cliffs of Moher’s hefty 8km breadth delivers at every turn. At the Aillwee Cave, take a tour of this stony underworld of winding passages, chasms, strange rock formations and waterfalls. While at Doolin Cave with its famous Great Stalactite, head 200ft underground to go an astonishing 350 million years back in time.

Loop Head & Lighthouse

On the Loop Head Peninsula, right on the very western edge of Clare, you’ll find this pristine lighthouse, with views that unravel all the way to the Cliffs of Moher. Head to the top of the lighthouse to take it all in from a 90-metre height and keep an eye out for the 160+ dolphins that call these waters home.

Poulnabrone Dolmen

One of the most memorable spots in the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, sitting high on a limestone plateau you’ll find the ancient Poulnabrone Dolmen. This portal tomb is one of Ireland’s most recognisable archaeological sites and is the oldest megalithic monument in the country.

The Burren

Ticking all the boxes as an historical, geomorphic, geological and archaeological wonder, the intriguing stony karst landscape of the Burren is a marvel to roam, cycle, spot unique flora and fauna on and even follow a food trail over. At its UNESCO-recognised geopark, discover the longest cave system in Ireland, the largest stalactite in Europe and plenty more.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park

Bunratty Castle was graciously restored in the 1960s and is furnished by Lord Gort’s magnificent collection of medieval furnishings. The 19th Century Folk Park features over 30 buildings in a ‘living’ village setting. Children love interacting with their farm animals and exploring the Fairy Trail. The Bunratty Folk Park reopened as an outdoor visitor experience on April 30.

Craggaunowen

Ireland’s award-winning Prehistoric Park. Explore the roots of the people, animals and artefacts of our Celtic ancestors of over 1,000 years ago. Experience Craggaunowen Castle, explore the ‘Brendan Boat’, the boat in which Tim Severin sailed from Ireland to the United States and see how Celts made their homes on a Crannóg.

A day in the life with…

DON MESCALL

Acclaimed Limerick producer, songwriter and performer Don Mescall has worked with some of the biggest names in music from Sir Cliff Richard, Backstreet Boys and Rascal Flatts to Sharon Corr, Ronan Keating and Geri Halliwell. He moved back to Ireland from London in 2020 and now lives joyfully in a converted church in Co. Cavan. He is currently collaborating with Christy Dignam on the Aslan star’s legacy solo album.

What are you up to right now? Right now, it’s 7.30am, I’m sitting up in bed with my laptop in front of me and my trusted little Nespresso machine on the locker. Just had the most amazing first coffee of the day and I can hear the birds sing their morning song in the trees outside.

How does a usual day begin? Exactly as above. I actually preload the coffee machine the night before!

What are your biggest challenges day-to-day? Trying to find a healthy balance between work and leisure time. My recording studio is also in my home, so it’s too easy to get lost in work on occasions.

What do you love most about your job? The moment of creation of a song - it’s a birth in a way. It didn’t exist before and now it’s got its own life. It always amazes me that a little song can end up being a big part of the soundtrack of a complete stranger’s life. Songs can bring you back to a certain time in your life - happy or sad.

What do you do to relax? I enjoy working on old motorcycles and upcycling things, I can’t pass an old junk shop.

Favourite staycation destination in Ireland? It’s got to be Quivvy Church in Co. Cavan. I’ve been here since Covid - it’s also my new home. It’s an old church I bought a few years ago, built in 1856. After living in various places outside Ireland for the past 25 years, it feels like I’m on a staycation here. I’ve never been happier.

Favourite place? I had never really discovered Kerry until a few years agao when my friend Shane invited me down to Cahersiveen for a weekend. I was blown away by the scenery, the Ring of Kerry around the Iveragh Peninsula – wow! No wonder in normal times the Americans come in their thousands.

Favourite holiday destination outside of Ireland? South GOA India. I’ve been going there for quite a few years now, I love the remoteness, the people, the colours, the incredible food, the Arabian Sea, it’s a simple way of living. I stay at a beautiful place near Talpona Beach, the Peace Garden. It’s a very quiet tranquil place between Turtle Beach and the mouth of the Talpona River. It’s a time when I can truly relax, read, walk, swim and eat amazing vegan food. I travel about on an old rented Royal Enfield motorcycle and really get a feel for the local area - every day is a new adventure. Waking up in a beach hut and listening to the ocean outside is probably one of my favourite things.

One thing you won’t travel without? I try to travel light, especially when I go to Goa, you need so little. I find my mini iPad is a good travel accessory - small enough to pack away but it allows me to write ( I’ve got a wireless mini keyboard) and it’s also a tiny movie theatre at night, a source for listening to music, a camera and a way to pick up emails. But I try to limit myself to around an hour in the evenings after dinner.

Best holiday ever? Probably Kefalonia in Greece. At the time in the 90s it felt like the island was less commercialised. The scenery was stunning and the water almost transparent. The colours … I couldn’t believe how green it was. Years later reading the wonderful Captain Corelli’s Mandolin brought those memories flowing back. Then the movie followed and I wanted to go back all over again. I did!

Favourite motto? I think, therefore I’m vegan.

Wild about Swimming

Wild swimming is having a moment in the sun right now, though for many of us it’s been part and parcel of growing up in Ireland for decades.

Throwing yourself into the nippy waters of the Atlantic and Irish Sea, or taking a dip in one of the many lakes and rivers across the country have been holiday season highlights.

Swimming, as it were, has been a joyful pastime on the island for centuries.

The sense of rejuvenation that comes from wading into crystal clear open waters, however, can’t be underestimated.

There’s a rush of adrenaline that comes with immersing yourself into cold water that not even the best hit of caffeine can match. Though feel free to contradict us here if you know an exceptionally good place for a cuppa near you.

Add to that being surrounded by the dazzling beauty of nature and you can understand why so many of us are now fully embracing getting wet outdoors.

Even the celebrity world is on board.

Jodie Comer, Villanelle in the hit TV series Killing Eve, was spotted enjoying some vitamin sea at White Rocks Beach in the south of Dublin.

Her post-swim snap from September 2020 on Instagram, titled ‘Thanks a mil Ireland. x’, received over 345,000 likes and seals of approval all round.

A few things you should know if you’re tempted to try a spot of wild swimming yourself.

Water temperatures are usually between 16-18 degrees in summer, dropping to between 6-8degrees in late winter and early spring.

Not for the faint-hearted but sure to give your heart rate a delightful boost. Glendalough, Co. Wicklow

Take a sunset swim at the magnificent Glendalough with its famous round tower and ancient monastic settlement setting the scene.

Hook Head, Co. Wexford

Strong swimmers will love the natural rock pool here, located beside Ireland’s oldest working lighthouse. The rock pool forms a bubble bath texture at mid to high tide.

Where to dip in

Carrickfinn Beach, Co. Donegal

This blue flag, extensive and secluded sandy beach backed by dunes and close to the beautiful Irish-speaking village of Annagry.

Lough Derg, Co. Clare

The banner county offers a stimulating countryside lake swim.

River Barrow, Co. Carlow

Revive your soul and refresh yourself with a riverside dip.

FIELD OF DREAMS

Grá Picnic’s Clara Clarke on her favourite al fresco spots

When Clara Clarke returned to Co. Clare after seven years living in the Middle East she was once again drawn to the West of Ireland’s magnificent landscapes.

“Good weather gives you plenty of outdoor dining options,” she says of her time abroad. “When I returned to Ireland, I was looking to plan a girls’ day out and thought a picnic would be perfect. “But I struggled to find any company doing picnics. If you can’t find what you are looking for, create it.” With that in mind she headed to Guerin’s Path, a gem of a trail with Cliffs of Moher views, and created a picnic set-up. A photo shared by a friend on Instagram and suddenly there was huge interest from people across the country. “Grá was born,” Clara says. So the picnic is sorted, who’d make it onto the ideal guestlist? “Oh wow, I’ve so many,” she says. “Family and friends go without saying. Other than that, I would say Morgan Freeman. His calm voice sets the tone for the kind of picnic I adore. “Sharon Shannon for her exquisite music, Elon Musk for some tips on how to create a billionaire empire. “Michael D. Higgins for wonderful chats about being President but on condition he brings his dogs,” she jokes. “I admire Darina Allen and hope she would bring some of her world renowned Ballymaloe cooking … I could go on forever.” Guerin’s Path doesn’t get much better for al fresco nibbles and among the entrepreneur’s other favourite picnic spots are Spanish Point (beautiful private dunes overlooking a blue flag beach) and Loop Head (the perfect cliff and lighthouse combination). The pandemic as been both a challenge and a catalyst for this new business. “We are embracing the Irish weather and getting outdoors a lot more,” she says. “I’ve never seen so many people take up hiking, it’s so inspiring. “People tend to complain less about the weather now. I’d imagine the weather app ratings have rocketed in Ireland, I know I live on mine now,” she jokes. “Before I’d say it’s raining Tuesday, now I say it’s nice from 3-7pm, I’ll head out for a picnic. We are seizing the day.” Seizing the moment is exactly what Clara is doing. She has just purchased a mobile coffee horsebox, which will be parked up at Guerin’s Path overlooking the cliffs this summer. “We’ll be serving gourmet sandwiches from Wild Catering and coffee from Anam, Clare’s local roastery in the Burren. Come say hello if you are in the area,” she says. As for her own staycation plans – there’s the possibility of a trip further north. “I would love to make it to Donegal this year for its dramatic coastline, beautiful beaches and towering mountains,” she says. “But I’m very lucky living in Clare. We are spoiled for choice for beauty and also have our beautiful historic neighbouring city Limerick.”

Five picnic essentials

Blanket – where every good picnic starts Basket of food – what’s a picnic without delicious food! We source ours from Wild Atlantic Picnics in Clare Crockery - try stay clear of single use plastic and use plates and cups from home Corkscrew - if you plan on having some vino, don’t forget to bring one Rubbish bag - always take your garbage away with you

Explore the West Coast with Doolin Ferry Companuy

A must to have on your itinerary is to see the Aran Islands & the Cliffs of Moher with Doolin Ferry Company Established in 1970, they have been operating to the Aran Islands for 50 years and provide the fastest & most comfortable travel and with their new express ferries, it takes only 15 minutes to Inis Oirr, 30 to Inis Meain and 35 to Inis Mor plus you can capture the Cliffs of Moher on your return journey.

“There’s no better way to spend a summer’s day along the coast of Ireland”

Discover the Aran Islands in style on board with Doolin Ferry Company

doolinferry.com

Address : No.1 Doolin Pier, Doolin, Co. Clare, V95 DR74 Contact Details : Phone : 065 707 5555 After Hours : +353 (0)87 958 1465 Email: info@doolinferry.com

Ciara Dorgan Art

Self-taught artist living in West Kerry, Ireland, who works primarily with acrylics to create many styles of paintings, but with a heavy focus on colourful, abstract pieces. You can find me on www.ciaradorganart.com, Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date with collection releases, discounts and sales.

Moher Soap

We’re a natural Irish skincare company from the West of Ireland based beside the Cliffs of Moher. All our products are handcrafted in small batches with plant oils & butters, essential oils and botanicals. Our range includes handmade soap, body scrubs, body moisturisers, lip balms, bath salts and a selection of gift sets.