Age-Friendly Clare is a Special place for Relaxing Breaks and Reunions.
County Clare is a special place to refresh your spirits. It’s where seascapes, landscapes and lakescapes all combine with a rich historical tapestry to set the backdrop for a memorable holiday. It’s an age-friendly county that is wonderful for couples, solo travellers, and friends who want to meet up for a relaxing break (reunions in Clare are very popular!). Clare offers so much in its contrasts and diversity that the biggest decision you need to make is where to begin!
If you start in Ennis, you can take it all in. Ennis, accessible by train, is one of Ireland’s most picturesque towns. Its history, combined with its famous narrow streets and character buildings, tells you that this is somewhere special. Visitors particularly enjoy exploring its history, great music and entertainment, unique and diverse boutiques and shops, cosy cafés and top-class restaurants. There are plenty of accommodation options in and close to Ennis town centre. From Ennis, head in any direction and you will be rewarded with wonderful experiences.
Nearby, in Mid Clare, you can enjoy historical attractions, including ancient Quin Abbey and world-famous Bunratty Castle and Folk Park – a real favourite.
Head to North Clare, and its amazing attractions come in many forms. Take in the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. Formed millions of years ago, its geology, flora, cliffs, caves, archaeology, and history set it apart as a place of great mystery and beauty. You can explore the Burren’s underworld at either of its two wonderful showcaves – the Aillwee Cave or the Doolin Cave. Don’t miss the 214 meter high Cliff of Moher, standing firm against the power of the Atlantic Ocean. The cliffs’ sheer scale and dramatic impact never cease to amaze and delight in equal measure.
West Clare is an area of unspoilt, natural beauty. It is wedged between the Shannon Estuary and the Atlantic, which has carved out giant natural sculpture formations from the stone-faced coastline and trimmed them with safe beaches and old-world fishing villages. Check out Loop Head Peninsula and its panoramic cliff views, or the Victorian charm of Kilkee, or take in Kilrush and visit the wonderful Vandeleur Walled Garden.
Vandeleur Walled Garden in Kilrush, County Clare, is a sheltered walled garden, formerly part of the Vandeleur Family Demesne.
If you love the coast, head to Clare’s Wild Atlantic Way, taking in the coastline of both North and West Clare. Chill out and enjoy a swim at any of Clare’s seven coastal blue-flag beaches at Cappagh Kilrush, Fanore, Kilkee, Lahinch, Spanish Point, White Strand (near Doonbeg), or White Strand (near Miltown Malbay).
East Clare, part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, preserves the best of everything in a fresh visitor-friendly environment with towns and villages like Scarriff, Tulla, Killaloe, Mountshannon, and Feakle. East Clare is dotted with almost 40 lakes and boasts the unrivalled asset of Lough Derg Blueway and the Shannon Waterway. The area is loved by walking and water enthusiasts. It also has two of Ireland’s blue-flag inland beaches at Ballycuggeran (Killaloe) and Mountshannon.
Loved by Walkers and Golfers
Clare is a haven for anyone interested in activities and, in addition to all its water activities, land-based activities are well catered for. You can enjoy some wonderful loop and trail walks – to suit different fitness levels – by sea, rivers, and lakes, including excellent forest walks. Thanks to nature, Clare also has eleven top-class golf courses, including 18-hole links courses at Lahinch and Doonbeg.
Fab for Foodies and Great Accommodations Options
Clare presents great choice. There are lots of restaurants and cafés to choose from, catering for all tastes, dietary requirements, and budgets. As you would expect, Clare also provides excellent serviced and self-catering accommodation – with many offering mid-week deals and special off-season and group rates.
Age-Friendly County Clare: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has included County Clare in its global network for age-friendly cities and communities. As a member, County Clare is part of a growing global movement that has pledged to meet the needs of older people.
For more information on the wonders of Clare, check out VisitClare.ie
