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Clare
09/03/26
Clare doesn’t whisper. It roars.
This is a county of towering cliffs, lunar landscapes, and trad music sessions that feel older than the stones themselves. Sitting along the Wild Atlantic Way, Clare is raw, rugged, and unapologetically Irish.
Landscapes that don’t feel real
The Cliffs of Moher are the headline act, and fair enough. They rise straight out of the Atlantic like something out of a fantasy film, all crashing waves and wind that rearranges your hairstyle permanently.
But Clare doesn’t stop there.
The Burren is one of the strangest landscapes in Europe — cracked limestone stretching for miles, dotted with wildflowers, ancient tombs, and the odd wandering goat. It’s stark, beautiful, and oddly peaceful.
Where to stay in Clare
But we’re getting ahead of ourselves here. Before your Clare adventure you need a base for your trip, so which hotels get the Lidl Breaks seal of approval?
Treacy’s West County Hotel Ennis: Contemporary and relaxed, the Treacys West County in Clare is one of the best hotels Ennis has to offer, making it an ideal base to explore all the gems of County Clare including Bunratty Castle, the Aillwee Caves and the world famous Cliffs of Moher.
Temple Gate Hotel
The Temple Gate Hotel welcomes you to a charming family owned and managed hotel in the heart of Ennis, Co. Clare. Our hotel offers the perfect location to wander the cobblestone streets of Ennis or explore the West of Ireland.
Armada Hotel
The Armada Hotel is a stylish contemporary hotel, which is located in Spanish Point, County Clare, one of the most inspiring locations in Ireland. All of the superior guestrooms have stunning, sweeping views across the Atlantic ocean. It's a world away from the hustle and bustle of modern living, an oasis of peace and tranquility.
Things to do (besides stare dramatically at the ocean)
Walk the Cliffs of Moher coastal trail for views without the crowds
Explore Aillwee Cave or the nearby Birds of Prey Centre
Take a ferry from Doolin to the Aran Islands
Wander through the Burren and pretend you’re on another planet
Food worth the detour
Clare keeps things hearty and honest.
Vaughan’s Anchor Inn (Liscannor): Seafood straight from the Atlantic
Randaddy’s (Lahinch): Big flavours, laid-back vibe
Clare’s festival moments
- Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival (September): A charmingly chaotic search for love
- Doolin Folk Festival (June): Music, community, and serious talent
- Ennis Trad Festival (November): For those who like their sessions non-stop
Final thoughts
Clare is not subtle.
It’s cliffs that make you feel small, music that pulls you in, and landscapes that don’t try to be pretty in a conventional way. It’s wild, windswept, and completely unforgettable.