Explore Clare and Limerick

Bunratty Castle

www.bunrattycastle.com

Visit the 15th century Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in Clare and discover what it was like to live in medieval Ireland. The castle has a long history and in 1954 was restored to its former glory. There is a folk park built within the grounds that has over 30 buildings, including houses, a school and shops, in a rural and village setting which shows what life was like over a century ago. There is also a beautiful walled garden to see. Opening hours are from 9am-5.30pm and adult tickets cost €11.55 and children €8.95.

King John’s Castle

In the heart of King’s Island in Limerick city, explore King John’s Castle. This 13th century castle has over 800 years of local history within. Explore the new visitor centre, which offers an array of computer-generated animations and ghostly projections that will bring you back through time. In the courtyard, discover a medieval campaign tent, a blacksmith’s forge and scenes from a 17th century siege. Relax afterwards in the café while enjoying beautiful views of the River Shannon. Opening hours are from 9.30am to 5pm daily and admission is €6 for children and €10.50 for adults.

Willie Clancy Week

www.scoilsamhraidhwillieclancy.com

Travel to west Clare this summer where the Willie Clancy Festival will take place from 1-9 July. Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy is a week-long summer school in traditional music and set dance held each year. See the seaside village of Miltown Malbay come alive with visitors who have travelled long distances to hear music from world-class traditional musicians who come to celebrate the musician Willie Clancy. We recommend a trip to McCarthy’s Pub in Mullagh too, which is well renowned for lots of craic and great musicians during the week.

Visit Lough Derg

Lough Derg has lots of lovely places to visit and activities along its 179km of indented shoreline, some of which runs through Clare. The lake stretches from Portumna in Co Galway down to the beautiful town of Killaloe, one of Ireland’s most picturesque places. Go fishing along the river in Killaloe or for a cruise on the River Shannon with Killaloe River Cruises, swim at the beach in Mountshannon or bring the kids to the playground in Scarriff. The East Clare Way is a lovely walking trail which allows you to spend a few days exploring all this beautiful part of the world has to offer.

Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland and no wonder why. Located on the southwestern edge of the Burren in Co Clare, the cliffs boast truly spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged edge of Ireland that sweeps down to meet it. After a day on the cliffs breathing in all that salty fresh air, we advise you to take a break in Fogarty’s Thatch Bar in Crusheen. Sit back and relax with an Irish whiskey or cup of coffee in this old-world pub which dates back to the early 1800s.