If you are thinking of taking a self-drive trip on the Emerald Isle or need inspiration for which destinations to visit in County Clare, here is a 4-day itinerary that you can use. This Ireland itinerary includes the Cliffs of Moher, the main highlight of County Clare however; it incorporates some fun and lesser-known activities and suggestions as well.
This Ireland itinerary includes self-catering accommodations suitable for a large family or group with, suggested day trips. The itinerary is designed for seven adults however; the activities are fit for all ages. The day trips focus on visiting some of the best destinations in County Clare, plus a day in Cong, County Mayo. Because this is a self-catering trip, you will need to rent a vehicle (or two) in order to get around. A vacation home in Kilfenora is the accommodation for this amazing adventure around western County Clare. You will enjoy action-packed days, lots of walking and plenty of downtime in the evenings.
This County Clare Destinations Itinerary is good for:
- Families and groups
- Day-trippers
- Scenic drives
- Historical site-seeing
- Birds of Prey enthusiasts
- Photographers
County Clare Destinations: 4-day Ireland Itinerary
This itinerary has you flying into Shannon and outlines daily suggestions. The day trips can be mixed up as you see fit, more likely, as the weather sees fit!
Curated Contents:
Day 1: Arrive in Shannon and Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
Shannon airport allows for easy access to Ireland’s west coast and the County Clare destinations suggested for this trip. If you are flying into Shannon on an overnight flight, this itinerary has you hitting the ground running. So, have a hearty breakfast at the airport before picking up your rental car, it can be your very first Irish breakfast!
Like many accommodations, you cannot check in to your vacation home until later in the day. So, spend the day exploring Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. It is only a 15-minute drive from Shannon airport, where you are able to go inside the most complete and authentic castle in Ireland. The park is a beautiful recreation of 19th-century cottages, farm homes, and village shops. It is a great place to stretch your legs and ease into your first day in Ireland.
If you have worked up an appetite after wandering around the park there is a cafe on the grounds. If traditional is more your thing try Durty Nelly’s. The thatched-roof cottage established in 1620, serves up fresh local produce next door to Bunratty Castle.
Bunratty Mead & Liqueur Co.
From Durty Nelly’s make a quick stop at nearby Bunratty Mead & Liqueur Company. You can taste some of Ireland’s mythical drinks, Mead and Potcheen. Buy a few bottles to share!
At this point, you will probably be exhausted so; head to your accommodations, the drive is about an hour. If you will be cooking meals at the house, I suggest going grocery shopping after settling this evening. We shopped for breakfasts, dinners, beverages, and snacks. However, if you do not want to cook after all that and who could blame you, try Vaughan’s Pub. It is an old, local, family run pub and restaurant in the village of Kilfenora that serves traditional Irish food.
Total driving time: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Total walking time: 35 minutes
Accommodations: We rented the Burrow Lodge, a vacation home in Kilfenora, western County Clare. It provided seven adults plenty of space and comfort. It is surrounded by peaceful farmland and the village is only a few minutes’ drive away. If an entire house is unnecessary, I’d recommend a local B&B or guesthouse. (Book the Burrow Lodge).
Day 2: Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands Cruise
Hopefully, you will have had a good night’s sleep, as today is full of more adventures. You will enjoy two destinations in County Clare that should not be missed when visiting western Ireland: the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands!
Inisheer (Inis Oirr)
The first half of the day is spent on the smallest of the Aran Islands. An extension of the Burren, Inisheer is traditional Ireland at its best. Spending a few hours on the island makes for an enjoyable experience. You can rent a bike to explore on your own or hire a pony and trap where you may get a very informative history on the island. We were told to have one of the younger people give us a tour, as they are ‘livelier’. You will get to see the ancient castle and ruins, a lighthouse and even a shipwreck from 1960! Have a delicious lunch of fresh crab and seafood chowder at the quaint Radharc an Chaislean B&B and Cafe. It is just below O’Brien’s Castle.
Upon returning to Doolin, the ferry sails along the bottom of the Cliffs of Moher. The impressive views from the water are obviously jaw dropping. Try to spot a Puffin flying overhead!
The easiest way to get to Inisheer is by taking a ferry from Doolin. The pier is located about 25 minutes from Kilfenora. (Book your Inisheer and Cliffs of Moher Cruise).
From Doolin, hop in your car and head south 15 minutes, to explore the Cliffs of Moher from the top. While the cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean offer dramatic views, the visitor’s center has an exhibition of the cliffs that is definitely worth checking out as well.
Total driving time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Total walking time: 2 hours (or more, depending on how much time you spend on the cliffs).
Day 3: The Quiet Man Tour and Lough Cruise
Today you will venture north of County Clare, to Cong, in County Mayo. Your activities include the Quiet Man Tour and an afternoon cruise on nearby Lough Corrib.
From Kilfenora, it is nearly a two-hour ride to Cong, so you will want to give yourselves plenty of time as the tour begins roughly at 11 a.m.
The Quiet Man Museum offers a guided walking tour daily. The tour visits locations around the town of Cong that were featured in the 1952 film, The Quiet Man, starring Maureen O’Hara and John Wayne. If you are a loyal fan, like most in my family, have lunch at Pat Cohan’s. It is the local pub featured in the film and currently run as a restaurant and pub of the same name.
Lough Corrib Cruise
After the tour and some lunch, drive east on R346 to Lisloughrey pier. The ride is only a couple of minutes and there is a sign for Lisloughrey Quoy to make a right turn. You will take a late afternoon cruise on Lough Corrib. The cruise lasts for two hours and stops for a tour on the historic island of Inchagoill. On the boat, there is a bar and live music. Our musician was an extra from the Quiet Man movie! (Book your Lough Corrib Cruise).
From Kilfenora, the scenic way to Cong is via N67 to N83 to N84. If you would rather take the motorway, take M18 to M17 then R333. On the scenic route, you will be driving through some beautiful Irish countryside dotted with castles and ruins. You will pass by Leamaneh Castle, not far from Kilfenora in North Leamaneh and Dunguaire Castle that juts out into a cove on Galway Bay in Kinvarra. If you are up for country road driving, I would suggest the scenic route as both trips are about the same amount of driving time.
Total driving time: 3.5 hours
Total walking time: 45 minutes – 1 hour
Day 4: Aillwee Cave and Birds of Prey Center
Since Kilfenora is less than a thirty-minute drive to Aillwee Cave, you can start your morning slowly today. While there are many destinations worth a visit within County Clare, begin with an incredible flying demonstration at the Birds of Prey Center at Aillwee Cave. It is located in the heart of the Burren, Ireland’s karst national park. Even if birds are not necessarily your thing, I guarantee you will be impressed by the soaring spectacle.
Not only can you bear witness to some high flying raptors but, you’ll also get a close look at other birds of prey from around the world.
Farm Shop
After learning about the birds, visit the Farm Shop to taste the award winning Burren Gold Cheese; you may even get a glimpse of the cheese-maker in action. Along with homemade fudge, you can pick up local honey, jams and other yummy accouterments in the shop.
After browsing a bit and tasting what the shop has to offer, hop in your car and head up the hill for a guided tour of one of the oldest caves in Ireland. You will wander deep beneath the limestone of the Burren where you will see the bones of an ancient bear and a waterfall. Outside offers breathtaking views of Galway Bay and the Connemara mountain range beyond.
If you are into ancient things and archaeology, check out the nearby stone-age tomb Poulnabrone Dolmen and the ruins of medieval Caherconnell Stone Fort. Caherconnell Fort has a visitor’s center where you can see sheepdog demonstrations.
Total driving time: 1 hour (Aillwee Cave); 40 min (Poulnabrone Dolmen and Caherconnell Fort)
Total walking time: 45 minutes
Day 5: Fly out of Shannon or Continue to your next destination
Today ends your 4-day County Clare trip. Head to Shannon airport, or if you have more time continue your journey and visit more of County Clare’s extraordinary destinations.
More time in Ireland?
If you still have time to explore the Emerald Isle why not head to Ireland’s Ancient East? For inspiration and suggestions use this 6-day County Wicklow Ireland Itinerary, that includes day trips to Dublin and County Kildare.
Have you stayed in County Clare? Where are your favorite destinations?
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