A walker is spoilt for choice in County Clare. Clare is every walker’s haven, with walks to suit everyone, young and old.
Slieve Callan walk
Short hike to the top of West Clare's highest mountain. Excellent views all around on a clear day - from Mt. Brandon in the South to the Connemara Hills in the North, including the West Coast of Clare, the Aran Islands, the Silvermine Mountains in Limerick, East Clare and the Burren. Waterholes on a very few portions of the track possible, boots recommended - especially for the usually wet top of the hill. Newly installed closed gate on start of track, if you do not want to climb it take the return route both ways.
Cliffs of Moher Walk
Ideal for the seasoned walker. A stunning linear route, which takes 4.5 hours to complete.
With a remote, exposed cliff-top path, this strenuous walk requires a high level of fitness. Challenging walkers with narrow, steep ascents and descents, flagstone steps, farm tracks, local and regional road; it can be quite challenging due to the uneven surface of the cliff, but the walker is rewarded with astonishing views of the cliffs and spectacular scenery.
This trail starts/ends on road from the villages of Liscannor and Doolin, before moving onto protected paths at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre. It then steps up a gear, as the trail becomes more isolated and demanding, with no barriers, handrails or seaward fencing.
Afterwards, rest and relax in one of Liscannor’s or Doolin’s welcoming pubs and cafés.
The Burren Walking Trails
There are seven way-marked walking trails in the Burren National Park and Slieve Carran Nature Reserve. The walks vary from a short thirty-minute loop walk to a three hour walk over limestone hills. Details of each of the walks are outlined below and a Walking Trails Map is available for download (JPEG 1.64MB) Each trail is signposted with colour-coded markers. The trails traverse a limestone landscape which can be uneven and steep in places, so care must be taken. Please be aware that none of these trails are wheelchair accessible. For trail advice, you can contact us at the Burren National Park Information Point from April to September.
The Cliff Walk
The Kilkee cliff walk or “The Cliff” is a beautiful scenic walk that loops around the rugged coastline of Kilkee. Offering two options of walk both short at around 4km and longer 2-3 hour 8km walk. This breathtaking walk starts from the car park by The Diamond Rocks Cafe where the Westend road ends. Passing some of the town's greatest places of interest like the Pollock Holes, rock pools that are naturally formed into swimming pools by the tide. As you continue along to the amphitheatre, these are carved into the cliff face by the power of the sea over thousands of years. A geologist's paradise, they truly are a site to be seen. Bringing you on to Intrinsic Bay, named after the ship that sank back in 1836. The walk offers some of the most beautiful sights Ireland has to offer.
Bringing you to your turning point where you continue on the coast road back into town. Giving you spectacular views of the town as you descend down Moveen Hill home.
Loop Head Lighthouse
Loop Head Peninsula was recently voted as the best place to holiday in Ireland, with Loop Head lighthouse being one of its most popular attractions. Originally a coal burning platform situated on the roof of the lighthouse keepers cottage. There has been a lighthouse on the Loop since 1670. The lighthouse is part of the wide entry to the Shannon Estuary. It is one of 70 lighthouses operated by the Commissioners of Irish Lights around the coast of Ireland and continues to provide a vital role in maritime safety today.
The Bridges Of Ross
Historically the Bridges of Ross referred to a trio of spectacular natural sea arches, two of which have since fallen into the sea. While only one ‘bridge’ remains the name remains in the plural. As the remaining bridge cannot be seen from the road, visitors can walk a few hundred metres west along the footpath from the Bridges of Ross car park. During autumn migration the seabirds pass very close to shore. While sitting at this sea watching point one faces northwards, so the light and sun is at your back, this is a great place to observe the marvellous views of the coast and the West Atlantic Ocean.
