Clare is a small county that punches well above its weight. It has Ireland’s single most famous attraction (the Cliffs of Moher), one of the most unique landscapes in Europe (the Burren), and the best traditional music scene in the country.
The Cliffs of Moher
Eight kilometres of sea cliffs rising 214 metres above the Atlantic. They’re spectacular, and they’re popular - over 1.5 million visitors per year. Go early morning or late afternoon to beat the coach tours. The visitor centre is well done, but the real experience is walking the cliff path beyond the official viewing areas.
The Burren
The Burren is a 250km² karst landscape that looks like the surface of the moon. Bare limestone pavement stretching to the horizon, criss-crossed with cracks (grikes) that shelter rare wildflowers. It’s unlike anywhere else in Ireland.
Music
Doolin and Ennis are the epicentres of Clare’s traditional music scene. Sessions happen nightly in multiple pubs - O’Connor’s in Doolin is the most famous, but locals prefer Gus O’Connor’s or McGann’s.
