County Clare
Plan a trip to western Ireland for the Cliffs of Moher, the limestone scenery of the Burren, coastal villages and traditional Irish music.
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County Clare is in Munster on Ireland’s Atlantic coast, northwest of the River Shannon. Ennis is the county town and largest settlement. In the north, The Burren has bare limestone pavements, caves and rare flowers and wildlife. The Cliffs of Moher stand on its western edge, facing the Atlantic. Further west, Loop Head is the county’s westernmost point. Other stops include Poulnabrone, a Neolithic tomb, and coastal villages such as Doolin and Lahinch.
Clare suits a trip linking the coast, countryside and towns, or a stay focused on traditional Irish music. Milltown Malbay hosts the Willie Clancy Summer School every July. Ennis is a regional hub, with trains to Dublin via Limerick; the journey generally takes about three hours. Shannon Airport is about 20 km west of Ennis. Car ferries run from Killimer to Tarbert in County Kerry, and passenger ferries from Doolin go to Inisheer and Inishmore in the Aran Islands. The N18 links Limerick and Galway through Ennis, while the N67 runs along the coast to Kilrush.
County Clare in five
- Fly into Shannon AirportShannon Airport is about 20 km west of Ennis.
- Use Ennis as a rail baseTrains from Ennis go to Dublin via Limerick; the journey generally takes about three hours.
- Check the ferry routeCar ferries run from Killimer to Tarbert in County Kerry. Passenger ferries from Doolin go to Inisheer and Inishmore.
- Allow time for the coastThe N67 runs along the coast to Kilrush. The N18 links Limerick and Galway through Ennis.
- Check conditions before heading outThe Cliffs of Moher and Loop Head face the Atlantic.
Neighborhoods
Cliffs of Moher
- Best for: A trip focused on the cliffs
- Price band: $$
- On the western edge of The Burren
- Atlantic-facing coastal setting
- Doolin is another coastal stop
Skip if you need rail connections from your base.
The Burren
- Best for: Limestone landscapes and archaeology
- Price band: $$
- Bare limestone pavements
- Poulnabrone dolmen is in the area
- Caves and rare wildlife
Skip if you want to stay in the county’s main town.
Things to do in County Clare
See all attractions in County Clare
Need to know
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Entry
- Entry rules depend on your passport; check Ireland’s immigration guidance Read more
- Emergency
- 112 or 999 for police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Optional; service charges may be included
- Time
- UTC+0 in winter, UTC+1 in summer
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- JanuaryWinter days
- FebruaryWinter days
- MarchSpring starts
- AprilLonger days
- MayLonger days
- JuneSummer days
- JulySummer days
- AugustSummer days
- SeptemberAutumn starts
- OctoberShorter days
- NovemberShort days
- DecemberShort days
Right now in County Clare
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
8
- Feels like
- 7°
- Humidity
- 90%
- Wind
- 7 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 0%
County Clare
08:47 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today12°2°0%Monday: Cloudy. High 12°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Tue11°3°2%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 11°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Wed12°4°0%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 12°, Low 4°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Thu10°7°6%Thursday: Cloudy. High 10°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 6%.
- Fri11°5°10%Friday: Cloudy. High 11°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 10%.
- Sat9°6°12%Saturday: Cloudy. High 9°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 12%.
- Sun7°5°15%Sunday: Cloudy. High 7°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 15%.
Updated 05:53 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Every year
- JulGalway International Arts FestivalGalway, a day trip
Before you go to County Clare
Rules for County Clare, checked
- Check Ireland’s entry requirements for your passport with the Irish Immigration Service before you travel.Source
- Drive on the left in Ireland; check the current road rules and signs before driving in Clare.
- If you plan to take a car ferry from Killimer, check the operator’s current sailing information before setting out.
Plan around County Clare
Cliffs, limestone country and towns across the county
Read the guideCliffs of MoherPlan a visit to the cliffs on Clare’s Atlantic coast
Read the guideThe BurrenExplore north Clare’s limestone pavements and caves
Read the guideGetting aroundTransport advice for planning your route
Read the guideVisas and entryCheck entry requirements for your passport
Read the guidePhones and eSIMCompare ways to stay connected on the trip
Read the guideCounty Clare FAQ
What is County Clare known for?
County Clare is known for the Cliffs of Moher, the limestone karst of The Burren and traditional Irish music. Ennis is its county town and largest settlement.
How many days do you need in County Clare?
The time you need depends on which parts of Clare you plan to visit. The Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Doolin and Loop Head are among the county’s stops.
Where should I stay in County Clare?
Ennis is the county town and a rail hub. Doolin, Lahinch and Ennistymon are among the towns and communities to consider for a trip to the coast or The Burren.
Can you visit the Cliffs of Moher and The Burren in one day?
The Cliffs of Moher stand on the western edge of The Burren. Allow time for the drive and for stops across the limestone area.
Can you get around County Clare without a car?
Bus Éireann serves many of the county’s larger settlements, and trains connect Ennis with Dublin via Limerick. Clare Bus runs a limited number of accessible routes. Check current services before choosing a car-free itinerary.
Are there ferries from County Clare?
Yes. Car ferries cross from Killimer to Tarbert in County Kerry, and passenger ferries run from Doolin to Inisheer and Inishmore in the Aran Islands.