About Clare
County Clare, on Ireland's rugged west coast, is a captivating blend of raw natural beauty, ancient history, and vibrant traditional culture. Its crown jewel is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Burren, a vast limestone karst landscape that transforms into a floral wonderland in spring and summer, dotted with prehistoric dolmens and stone forts like Poulnabrone. The county's dramatic coastline is dominated by the iconic Cliffs of Moher, soaring 214 meters above the Atlantic, offering breathtaking views. Clare is the heartland of Irish traditional music, with lively sessions in pubs across towns like Doolin, Ennis, and Kilkee. Explore the otherworldly Aillwee Cave, take a ferry to the remote Aran Islands from Doolin Pier, or walk the limestone pavements of the Burren National Park. From the charming villages of the Loop Head Peninsula to the surfing beaches of Lahinch and the medieval ruins of Bunratty Castle, Clare offers an authentic and unforgettable Irish experience where the landscape tells ancient stories and music fills the air.
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Things to do in Clare
Luke's McLaren Vale Wine Tour
From A$125
5.0 (77)
Coast to Vines: E-bike*, Paddle Board and Wine Tour (2 options)
From A$199
5.0 (10)
Shared Wine Taste Experience The Dead Arm Distinction
From A$55
5.0 (9)
McLaren Vale Wine-Lover - Luxury Full Day Private Tour
From A$900
5.0 (3)
Hardys: Tasting in the Dark: A Wine Sensory Experience
From A$125
5.0 (3)
McLaren Vale Small Group Wine Tour view d'Arenberg Cube inc lunch
From A$269
5.0 (3)
eTukTuk Adventure from Shirvington Wines - McLaren Vale
From A$180
5.0 (2)
Gourmet Grazing Platter & Wine Tasting Experience for 2
From A$72
5.0 (2)
Exquisite Unique Wine Tasting Experience
From A$30
5.0 (2)
Guided Gin Tasting Experience at Never Never Distilling Co.
From A$59
5.0 (1)
McLaren Vale Wine Tour: Tastings, Lunch, and Scenic Views
From A$300
5.0 (1)
McLaren Vale Private Tour inc Premium Lunch & d'Arenberg Cube
From A$670
5.0 (1)
Adelaide Scenic E-Bike Tour and Wine Tasting
From A$199
5.0 (26)
McLaren Vale North Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tour
From A$100
5.0 (261)
Discover McLaren Vale on eBikes - Full Day
From A$90
4.9 (32)Places to visit in Clare
Little Bardfield Village Sign
Little Bardfield Village Sign, Little Bardfield Road, Uttlesford, CM7 4TR, United Kingdom
Finchingfield Windmill
Finchingfield Windmill, The Causeway, Braintree, CM7 4JU, United Kingdom
Fitchingfield Village Sign
Fitchingfield Village Sign, Bridge Street, Braintree, CM7 4JT, United Kingdom
Gainsford End Village Sign
Gainsford End Village Sign, Gainsford End Road, Braintree, CO9 4EG, United Kingdom
Castle Hedingham village sign
Castle Hedingham village sign, St James Street, Braintree, CO9 3EW, United Kingdom
Glemsford Village Sign
Glemsford Village Sign, Water Lane, Babergh, CO10 7RG, United Kingdom
Brook Street Village Sign
Brook Street Village Sign, Crownfield Road, Babergh, CO10 7UD, United Kingdom
Bull Hotel
Bull Hotel, Hall Street, Babergh, CO10 9JG, United Kingdom
River Jetty
River Jetty, Station Road, Babergh, CO10 2RD, United Kingdom
Belchamp St. Paul Village Sign
Belchamp St. Paul Village Sign, Gage's Road, Braintree, CO10 7BT, United Kingdom
Stoke by Clare Village Sign
Stoke by Clare Village Sign, The Street, West Suffolk, CO10 8JE, United Kingdom
Hill Lodge Hotel
Hill Lodge Hotel, 8 Newton Road, Babergh, CO10 2RL, United Kingdom
Chedburgh Village Sign
Chedburgh Village Sign, The Green, West Suffolk, IP29 4UE, United Kingdom
Shimpling Village Sign
Shimpling Village Sign, Slough Hill, Babergh, IP29 4HW, United Kingdom
Whepstead Village Sign
Whepstead Village Sign, Church Hill, West Suffolk, IP29 4TR, United Kingdom
Travel Tips for Clare
Getting Around
The best way to explore Clare's dispersed attractions is by rental car, providing flexibility for the Burren, Loop Head, and remote beaches. Public bus services (Bus Éireann) connect main towns like Ennis, Shannon, Kilrush, and Kilkee, but service to rural areas is limited. Local Link Clare offers some rural bus services. Taxis are available in towns but should be booked in advance for remote pickups. Popular ride-hailing apps like Uber have limited availability; local taxi firms are more reliable. Cycling is popular, especially along the coast and in the Burren, but be prepared for hills and wind. Walking is excellent in national parks and along waymarked trails like the Burren Way and Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk.
Best Time To Visit
Late May to September offers the warmest and driest weather, with long daylight hours ideal for exploring. July and August are peak tourist seasons with more crowds and higher prices, but also host numerous festivals like the Fleadh Nua in Ennis (traditional music). June and September provide a good balance of decent weather and fewer visitors. The Burren is particularly spectacular in late spring (May) when wildflowers bloom. Winter (November-February) is quieter, colder, and wetter, but offers a dramatic, moody atmosphere and cozy pub sessions.
Local Customs
Clare has a strong pub culture centered on traditional Irish music ('trad sessions'); it's polite to listen quietly during performances. A friendly, informal atmosphere prevails. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory: 10-15% in restaurants if service is good, rounding up the bill in taxis, and not typically in pubs unless table service is provided. Dress is casual but layered for weather; smart-casual may be expected in some hotel restaurants. Greetings are friendly; a handshake or nod is common. Respect local heritage sites; do not climb on ancient monuments or remove stones from the Burren. Sunday is still a quieter day, with some smaller shops closed.
Safety Information
Clare is generally very safe for travelers. Violent crime is rare. Exercise normal precautions: secure valuables, don't leave belongings unattended in cars (especially at tourist sites like the Cliffs of Moher), and be cautious on narrow, winding rural roads. When visiting the Cliffs of Moher or other coastal areas, stay on marked paths and heed all warning signs due to unpredictable weather, strong winds, and unstable edges. There are no specific areas to avoid, but use common sense in quieter areas at night. Scams are uncommon, but be wary of unofficial tour operators. Road safety is paramount; drive cautiously on narrow country lanes and respect local drivers.
Health Information
Medical care in Clare is of a high standard. The main public hospital is University Hospital Limerick (in neighboring Limerick city), with Ennis Hospital providing urgent care and local injuries units. For minor ailments, pharmacies are widely available. Travelers from the EU/EEA should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or its UK/Irish replacement. Non-EU travelers should have comprehensive travel insurance. No specific vaccinations are required for Ireland. Tap water is safe to drink. Be prepared for changeable weather; waterproof clothing is advised. Ticks can be present in grassy/wooded areas, so check after hiking. The emergency medical number is 112 or 999.
Languages Spoken
EnglishIrish (Gaeilge)
Quick Facts
Currency
Euro (EUR)
€
€
Timezone
Europe/Dublin +00:00 (GMT) / +01:00 (GMT+1 during Irish Summer Time)
Calling Code
+353
Electricity
Driving Side
Left
Population
Approximately 118,000
Area
3450 km²
Government
County Council (Local Authority within the Republic of Ireland)
ISO Code
CE
Emergency Contacts
Also known as: Abhainn an Chláir, Clare, Monachanas, Monaghan, Monakhan, Muineachan, Muineachán, monahan, monahani, Монахан, მონაჰანი, モナハン