CLARE ( An Clár )

Clare comes from the Irish An Clár, meaning the plain. Clare is also known as the Banner County. Clare contains a karst limestone surface called the Burren. The Cliffs of Moher are another remarkable geographical feature in County Clare. The Ailwee Caves hold geographical features such as stalagmites, stalagtites and pillars. Ennis, County Clare is Ireland's Information Age Town because of its developments in Information Technology.

To the north of the county, the rugged Atlantic coast rises nearly 700 feet above the sea in the shape of the Cliffs of Moher. A couple of miles away, you'll find an amazing Karst limestone region called the Burren, which features caves, underground streams and rare alpine flora. The area also has plenty of fascinating archaeological sites, including the 5000-year-old Poulnabrone Dolmen. Why not explore this beautiful area by taking a rail tour?

Charming villages like Doolin, Fanore and Ennistymon are famed for their traditional music sessions. Clare is an ideal destination for those in search of the outdoors; sea, lake and river fishing, walking and cycling and of course golfing are all popular activities in the county

Clare’s principal town is Ennis, a busy market centre on the River Fergus. Its famous narrow streets are dotted with a host of unusual shops, bars and restaurants. Ennis is regarded as the heartland of Irish music; look out for superb nightly sessions, as well as some very lively annual festivals.

Ennis is an ideal centre for touring around County Clare. Whether you'd like to banquet at 15th century Bunratty Castle, visit the delightful lakes of East Clare or explore the isolated loop head coastline, everything is a short drive from Ennis

Below we feature the beaches and marinas that were awarded ‘Blue Flag’ status in 2003. The Blue Flag is an international environmental award made to beaches and marinas thoughout Europe that demonstrate good environmental standards and good sanitary and safety facilities. The award is made by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), an independent non-profit organisation.

Beaches in County Clare

Cappa Beach, County Clare: A small rocky beach with a small pier and harbour. Close to Scattery Island which is a worthwhile place to visit. A good place for birdwatchers.

White Strand, Miltown Malbay, County Clare: Close to Lahinch. Relatively small sandy beach with rocky shoreline. There are good walks around the headland.

Lahinch, County Clare: Resort town, with beach facing the open Atlantic Ocean. A large crescent-shaped sandy beach close to Liscannor. Close to the Burren area with its unique limestone landscape.

Fanore, County Clare: Exposed beach to the Atlantic swell. Golden Sand and delicate limestone cliffs. Close to the heart of the Burren area which can be fascinating for the botanist, zoologist, archeologist and geologist to explore.

Kilkee, County Clare: Holiday resort town, crescent shaped beach of golden sand shelves gently seawards. The beach has a number of interesting pools and good cliff walks.

White Strand, Doonbeg, County Clare: A sandy beach which is in a designated a Natural heritage area of ecological importance it is also a Special area of Conservation (SAC)
 

Clare County Council

HOSPITALS

ESTATE AGENTS

Browne, Paddy & Co
Harbour House
Wood Quay
Ennis
Co. Clare
Phone : (065) 6841755
Fax : (065) 6841757
E-Mail : info@pbrowneauctioneers.ie

Kelleher & Co.
Harveys Quay
(Parnell Street., Car Park)
Ennis
Co Clare
Phone : (065) 6840202
Fax : (065) 6840202
E-Mail : kelleherco@eircom.net
Website : http://www.kelleherco.com

O`Reilly, Philip & Co. Ltd.
22/24 Abbey Street
Ennis
Co. Clare
Phone : (065) 6844448
Fax : (065) 6820496
E-Mail : info@philiporeilly.com
Website : http://www.philiporeilly.com/

THINGS TO DO