Local Attractions

Peppers Bar and Restaurant – Feakle

Free courtesy bus for all Renaissance guests at Kiltannon Home Farm.

Established in 1810 and famous for traditional music and song, Pepper’s of Feakle, “Pepper’s Bar” is considered the cultural centre of East Clare.Serving food all day, the motto at Peppers Feakle is, “Home cooking at its best at a very affordable price”.Open early ’till late you can soak up the traditional atmosphere with lots of music and craic. There is always a wonderful atmosphere in Pepper’s Pub with regular traditional sessions. Many of the world’s finest traditional musicians have performed here including, Martin Hayes, Liam O’Flynn, Matt Molloy, Altan, Sharon Shannon, Kevin Crawford, Tommy Peoples, Jackie Daly, Begley and Cooney and many more. – www.peppersoffeakle.com

Aillwee Cave – Ballyvaughan

A visit to Aillwee Cave is an absolute must for any visitor to the county. The caves represent a dramatic spectacle of nature. Located on the edge of the

Burren country, it extends over 1.3 kilometres into the heart of the mountain. Guided tours will take you through beautifully lit caverns featuring stalactites, stalagmites, over bridged chasms, under weird formations and alongside the thunderous subterranean waterfall. You will be astounded with the sight of a frozen waterfall and fascinated to explore the hibernation chambers of long extinct brown bears. After you have viewed these wonders you can browse through an award-winning complex of craft shops and then relax in their friendly tea-room and savour the home-made produce like cheese and honey that is on offer. You can even sample a glass of wine on their terrace while enjoying beautiful views of Galway Bay. An experience not to be missed.

The Burren Centre – Kilfenora

The Burren’s flora, archaeology, geology, legends and history make it unique in Europe. The Burren

Centre tells the story of this unusual area in its multi dimensional exhibition called ‘ A Walk through Time’ Visitors get a comprehensive introduction to the geology, flora and fauna of the area and a full instruction on the history through a series of information panels, models and slides. Artefacts are beautifully displayed, including works of art and enthralling life-like reproductions of human activity which combine to provide and insight into the rich heritage of the Burren. An interactive three-dimensional model of the Burren is a central feature. Where computerised data on every aspect is touch button accessible.

The Burren – North West Clare

The north-western corner of County Clare, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the quieter waters of Galway Bay, is a rock garden of no ordinary proportions. The Burren extends over more than a hundred square miles and most of it is bare, pale grey limestone. If there were nothing but rock, a tour might become tedious, if spectacular for a while. But big or small patches of green pasture or little pieces of hazel woodland enliven the rock contours. On the pasture, and in the many crevices in the pavement of rocks, there are countless wild flowers so that the region is a mass of colour. Besides all this, it is mountainous, has wonderful seashore and is literally scattered with the monuments created by its human inhabitants in the course of six thousand years. At its best on a

sunny day in May when the greatest numbers of wild flowers are in bloom, the Burren is unique and worth a visit any time of year. Stone Age tombs and ceremonial places are liberally scattered throughout the Burren, memorials to a distant time when it supported a wealthy farming community. Poulnabrone dolmen is one of the finest and it features on more postcards than almost any other Irish monument. It resembles a huge table, built from a great slab of limestone resting on two long flagstones. Excavations in the 1980’s showed that people had been buried beneath it more than five thousand years ago. A few miles to the south of Poulnabrone the ruins of Lemaneh Castle stand by the roadside. A combination of a 15th century fortified tower and a Tudor mansion, it was the home of the redoubtable Maire Ruadh O’Brien tin the turbulent days of the 17th century. Her descendants agree with serious historians that she never threw her third husband out of one of the beautiful windows – but it was a good story, nonetheless. The stone plateau of the Cathair presents concentric rings of great stone walls whose outer defence is the precipitous wall of a deep chasm. People lived there in security in the Iron Age. Now it is a place for meditation, the ground carpeted with mosses and exquisite star like flowers of rare saxifrages. One of the delights of the Burren is the Cistercian Abbey of Corcomroe, beautifully titled ‘St. Mary’s of the Fertile Rock.’ The chancel area (around the altar) of Corcomroe has some of the finest stone carving in Ireland. The O’Briens, Kings of Thomond, founded it in 1195 on land that they wished to annex.

Burren Hill Walks

Enjoy a unique walking exp

erience and explore the Burren region with a local guide. Choose a walk from a variety of gentle rambles to rigorous hill climbs, or walks that can be designed for you and your time requirements. Visit a wide range of historic monuments and unique habitats or escape to hidden corners of the Burren.

Aspects covered on each walk include Geology, Natural History, Botany, Ancient Monuments and Archaeology, Wildlife, History, Folklore, Agriculture and Conservation.

The Burren Perfumery and Floral Centre

Ireland’s first perfumery is situated in the heart of the Burren and is a family run business. Each of the Perfumery’s products is hand produced using the highest quality pure natural essences, plant extracts and pure Irish spring water. All processes at the Perfumery star

t with the initial harvesting of the plants. The plants are organic and non-organic, wild and cultivated from the Perfumery’s own herb garden and surrounding countryside and collected from growers throughout Ireland and Europe. All of the Burren Perfumery’s fragrances are carefully blended to capture the mystery of Ireland and the purity of the Burren combined. The Perfumery’s visitors centre has a unique photographic exhibition and outstanding audio-visual presentation. Their organic herb garden has a huge variety of organic native and cultivated plants. You can still see natural essential oils being extracted and blended using the traditional still. Soap making and the various natural processes used to create their products. All of their products are on display and available to sample and purchase in their showroom.

Cliffs of Moher and O’Brien’s Tower

Just north of Lahinch, on the coast of West Clare, are the famous Cliffs of Moher, defiantly standing as giant natural ramparts against the aggressive might of the Atlantic Ocean. They rise in places to over 215 metres (700 feet) and stretch for almost 8km.

O’Brien’s Tower which was constructed in the early 19th century by Cornelius O’Brien, a

descendant of Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland, and the O’Briens of Bunratty Castle, Kings of Thomond, as a viewing point for Victorian tourists is located on Moher’s cliffs, which are the highest in Europe. From this vantage point one can see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay, as well as the Twelve Pins and the Maum Turk Mountains to the north in Connemarea and Loop Head to the south. Facilities at the Cliffs include an ample car park, visitor’s centre and craft shop. The Cliffs are one of Irelands top tourist attractions. These natural wonders put on a dramatic display of crashing waves against sturdy rock.

Clare Heritage Centre and Genealogical Centre – Corofin

The award winning Heritage Museum is housed in what was once St. Catherine’s Church, which was built in 1718 by a first cousin of Queen Anne. Its main theme,

‘Ireland West 1800-1860’ portrays a traumatic period for Irish history under such headings as ‘Land Tenure,’ ‘The Famine,’ ‘Emigration,’ ‘Education,’ ‘Irish Language and Music’ etc. The circumstances that moulded the character of the people over one hundred years ago are interpreted in an absorbing story.

Nearby, the Genealogical Research Centre was founded in 1982 by the late Dr.Ignatius Cleary and is now widely recognised as the leading centre of its kind in the country. The centre houses the most comprehensive research material held at any one location to enable persons with Clare roots to trace their ancestry. The Centre holds data on 47 Parish Registers, and over 500,000 people who were born in this country during the 19th Century.

Golf at East Clare

The East Clare Golf Club and golf course is set in 150 acres of unspoilt, rolling, quiet countryside with majestic views of East Clare. Our course is very popular with visitors from both overseas and within Ireland, and hosted the 1998 West of Ireland Seniors Championship.

East Clare Golf Club operates a “pay as you play” policy for visitors ensuring visitors can be accommodated at all times. Club membership is also currently open to new members.

The parkland championship course, designed by noted golf architect Dr. Arthur Spring, was opened in 1997 and is located just 5 minutes from beautiful Lough Derg and about 35 minutes from Shannon Airport. This par 71 course with more than 5,920 metres (over 6,500 yards) of fairways includes several strategically placed and potentially hazardous lakes, streams, bunkers and trees.

For more details, click here. www.eastclare.com

Woodstock Ennis Golf Club

Founded in 1988, Woodstock is situated in pleasant countryside on the outskirts of Ennis. It features a tough opening hole, a loop of holes (6-8) around a lake that can spoil a card early, and provides six excellent
finishing holes. In between there are good scoring chances.
The course is protected by several natural lakes, a river, and mature wooded areas. The Par-4 seventh features a tee-shot from an elevated position across a lake to an island fairway. The second shot requires a fairway-wood or long iron across the same lake to a large two-tiered green also protected by bunkers.
A lay-up area is available to the right of the green and must always be considered.
The next hole is a Par-3 that requires a full carry across water to a green protected on both sides.
No wonder it’s called ‘Woodstock’s Amen Corner’. www.woodstockgolfclub.com

Dromoland Golf Club Quin

The purpose built Club House and 18 hole parkland course is set against the impressive backdrop of Dromoland Castle. In existence since 1961, our course was designed by the renowned golf architect Mr. Brook L. Wigginton of the USA.
In 2003 the par 72 Dromoland Castle Golf & Country Club championship parkland course was carefully redesigned and updated by world class architect Ron Kirby and Irish golfing legend J.B.Carr. The course plays 6,824 yards for men and 5,242 yards for ladies. It is a captivating test of golf surrounded by the wonders of the Irish Countryside. It has been described as an experience never to be forgotten, presenting the pure challenge of golf to both professional and amateur alike.
The 18 enchanting holes sweep through 450 acres of shady woodland, open rolling pasture, feral lakes, streams and the magnificence of the 16th Century baronial Dromoland Castle presiding over the estate. Yet for all the regal splendour and unassuming nature, it is a course for the 21st Century. www.dromolandgolf.com

Lahinch Golf Club

The Old Course is one of two 18-hole courses at Lahinch Golf Club. Golf at Lahinch dates back to 1892, making it one of Ireland’s oldest clubs. The Old Course is a classic seaside links layout with rolling greens and undulating fairways. The towering sand dunes that cover the landscape guarantee that golfers will encounter several blind shots. The unpredictable winds coming off the ocean add an interesting twist to the round. The golf course’s most famous holes are the par-5 fourth and the par-3 fifth. The fourth requires a drive to a long, narrow fairway. It is nicknamed the “Klondyke” after the treacherous hill that blocks the view for the second shot. After the tricky fourth hole, golfers are then immediately faced with an unusual par-3 that is nestled between two steep dunes and is completely blind from the tee. www.lahinchgolf.com

Lahinch Seaworld and Leisure Centre – Lahinch

Spend a fun filled day at the Seaworld indoor complex overlooking the majestic

Lahinch Beach. The facilities are divided between the swimming complex and the Atlantic aquarium. The former includes a 25-metre pool, children’s pool, a Jacuzzi and sauna, a café and gift shop and kiddies play area. The Aquarium is sure to fascinate adults and children alike with a lobster breeding station, a mysterious ocean tank, a ray pool, plus a blow-hole wave explosion and much more.

Kilkee Waterworld

Treat the whole family, young of old to a splashing

great day out in Kilkee’s Waterworld. An aqua play centre boasting a range of fun features atmosphere. Geysers and gushers, bubbles and whirls mean all the family enjoys Waterworld. The thrill of the slide or our lazy river ride will leave the whole family in a sea of smiles.

The indoor complex features – a bubble pool – a Crystal Tower slide 61m – Tommy Turtle’s play pool – Shower geyser’s and gushers – the lazy River Ride – Bubble jet massage lounger – and a Beach Pool.

All swimming necessities are available in the shop on the premises. Tea, coffee and a snack service is also available.

Vandeleur Walled Garden – Kilrush

Beautifully constructed walls enclose this sheltered Walled Garden which is set among 420 aces of native woodland. Once the walled garden for Kilrush House

but forgotten for many years, restoration work began in 1977. It has been redesigned for the 21st century around the old path system and specialises in many unusual and tender plants that thrive in the areas temperate climate. Take time out to stroll around the garden and woodland trails or just laze by the river. The centre portion contains the nucleus of a plant collection while other aspects include a tree collection, horizontal maze and unusual water features. In the beautifully restored farmyard buildings you can relax in the coffee shop and browse through the gift shop.

Kilkee Thalassotherapy Centre

Kilkee Thalassotherapy Centre is a family run health spa situated in Kilkee,

one of Ireland’s oldest holiday resorts

. The centre offers a range of specialised treatments for both men and women to relax, rejuvenate and re-balance the body. Traditional seaweed baths – algeotherapy/seaweed body wraps – balneotherapy – cryotherapy – massage – marine based facials – sauna/steamrooms – beauty treatments -sunbed. Explore the natural riches of the Oceans vital active marine ingredients and living plant concentrates in a range of intensive skin care treatments for your face and body.

Bunratty Winery

Situated in the shadow of the famous 15th century Bunratty Castle is the Bunratty Winery / Museum showroom, where you can purchase the famous Bunratty Mead and Potcheen.

If music be the food of love, then Bunratty Mead is surely the drink of passion. First discov

ered by Irish Monks in the Middle Ages. The seductive aroma of Bunratty Mead is the result of marrying the pure homey and fruit of the vine together with selected herbs to create this sensual liqueur.

In olden times the bride and groom drank Mead for one full moon after their wedding, hence the term honeymoon still used today. Mead is believed to have magical powers of fertility and virility!

Potcheen is the clear smooth Irish spirit that’s been banned in Ireland since 1661 – now legal.

Distilled for centuries for its smooth extra strong taste, this fine potcheen – the first to be legally produced and bottled in Ireland- is now available for the rest of the world to savour. It has an impressive nose but unlike that of fermenting mash in a brewery its taste is dry and grainy with a delightful changing aftertaste that sweetens as it develops.

Burren Smokehouse

Learn about how to smoke salmon, see a

demonstration kiln and look at the oak shavings used to produce Smoked Salmon from the Burren. Enjoy a unique series of mosaics about the ancient Legend – The Salmon of Knowledge and look at the biggest wild salmon that was ever caught for this smokehouse.

The Gourmet shop on site holds an impressive selection of locally produced gourmet foods that can be sent all over the world with their mail order service.

Aran Islands – Doolin

Welcome to Doolin!
Your gateway on the Wild Atlantic Way for the Aran Islands, the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. DoolinFerries.com is a family-owned business which is part of the largest ferry company operating between Doolin and the Aran Islands, and we pioneered the spectacular Cliffs Of Moher cruise. We have over 50 years sea-going experience in these waters, and the safety of our passengers is our top priority. www.doolin2aranferries.com

Glor Theatre – Ennis

To establish glór as a centre of excellence for audiences, artists, performers, and the community, and as an integral resource for the traditional arts.’Since glór opened in November 2001 many thousands of people have crossed our threshold as customers, performers, artists, tourists, conference delegates and community members. In the intervening years, glór has evolved to serve the needs of the public and we promise many more changes, all positive and of benefit to you. If there is anything you would like to see us do or bring to glór, please let us know. http://www.glor.ie/

As Clare’s community venue, we invite you, the public, to join with us in celebrating the best of entertainment, music, theatre, art, food, and people. Le gach dea ghuí.

Kilrush Town – West Clare Railway Centre

West Clare Railway has been restored to provide a fun day out for families and school tours.The importance, magnitude and impact of the birth of the West Clare Railway on the local transport system of County Clare cannot be measured. The story has been well documented over the years, in book and song. However, it is extraordinary that it was not until the mid 1990’s that a local committee attempted to revive this treasured historical railway.

Facilities:

• Old dining carriage renovated for our tea/coffee area and souvenir shop.
• The original station house with living quarters, kitchen, bedrooms, toilets
• Ticket office & waiting room.
• Percy French, ‘Are you right there Michael?’ memorabilia.

The highlight- One of the original West Clare Railway steam engines “The Sliabh Callan” brought back to it’s former glory is back on track burning coal and carrying visitors from near & far down memory lane(track!) www.westclarerailway.ie

Loop Head and Peninsula – Wild Atlantic Way

The Loop Head peninsula on the west coast of County Clare juts into the Atlantic Ocean like a gnarled finger pointing westward. It is bounded on the north and west side by the Atlantic Ocean and on the south by the River Shannon estuary with barely one mile of land saving it from island status meaning it has one of the highest ratios of coastline to land surface in Ireland. It is in the middle of the Wild Atlantic Way a 2,500 km of finest Coastal Scenery in Ireland.The Loophead lighthouse is overlooking the whole area. The peninsula is bounded to the east by European designated conservation areas. Within this small triangle lies the entire range of coastal ecosystems found on the Atlantic coast of Europe. As such the Ocean provides us with our raison d’être, it feeds us, entertains us and provides us with employment opportunities.The area is sparsely populated with Kilkee being the only centre of population. There are three attractive villages encompassed in the peninsula, in the Loop Head Peninsula, Kilbaha, Cross and Carrigaholt. They are relatively small and untouched by development. The peninsula is extensively farmed, mainly with beef cattle and dairy herds.Loop head Lighthouse is a huge tourist attraction in the area. The Lighthouse was opened to the public June 2011 and had 19,000 visitors during summer 2013. Visitor can take a guided tour up the tower and go out onto the balcony. The Loop Head Lighthouse is a fantastic place to visit! loopheadclare.com

Killaloe – Lough Derg

Far from main roads and motorways, Lough Derg is an overlooked treasure for those on the hunt for adventure in an unspoiled away-from-it-all location.Sitting cosily between the three counties of Galway, Tipperary and Clare, this lake on the Shannon offers 32,000 twinkling acres – just waiting to be enjoyed. For the thrill seekers, top of the list might be flying across the glassy surface wakeboarding, waterskiing or windsurfing.Then again, you might prefer the more chilled-out pursuit of moseying along in a sea kayak or a small sailing boat, stopping off to explore the shoreline or even the series of tiny islands that dot the lough.Or for the more indolent, there is always the option of angling for brown trout, pike and bream, or perching yourself on the deck of a cruiser and simply watching the world go by.No matter what your mode of transport, when you need to be fed and watered, you’ll no doubt be drawn back from the wilds to the warm bustling lakeside towns and villages.Steeped in history dating back to Brian Boru and beyond, these towns like Garrykennedy, Portumna, Killaloe, Ballina, Dromineer, Terryglass and Mountshannon offer an eclectic collection of fine restaurants, cosy pubs and a wide range of accommodation as well as marinas and camping facilities.And back on dry land you’ll discover plenty more activities to keep you entertained. Maybe you’d like to horse ride along the shore or hike near the lake and through the Slieve Bernagh and Arra mountains along the Lough Derg Way.Or if you’re after something completely different, what about trying a high- or low- ropes course, archery, orienteering, paintballing or dragon boating? Your choices are endless! -Lough Derg – www.discoverloughderg.ie

Killaloe – Brian Boru Heritage Centre

Welcome to the Brian Boru Heritage Centre located where the Shannon river flows to Lough Derg in the magnificent backdrop to the Clare and Tipperary mountains. There is no better place from which to start your visit of this area.Your visit features an audio-visual presentation of the route the canal boat took while making deliveries from Dublin to Limerick. The touch screen facility provides a range of extensive information on the area. Our friendly staff share an in-depth knowledge of things to see and do during your visit. You’ll find the tourist office has a full range of services including reservations for cruiser hire, accommodation, Medieval Banquets, Irish Nights Brian Boru Heritage Centre – www.shannonheritage.com/DaytimeAttractions/BrianBoruHeritageCentre