Things to do in County Clare for families
Below are the results of our Facebook survey, where we asked Clare parents to tell us what they recommend to do in the county to keep children happy. The information is not verified in detail and may be subject to errors. We cannot take any responsibility for the information given, nor for the links provided. Please be aware that the information is based on personal opinion. Make sure that your child is old enough for the individual activity it takes part.
Find a map with the attractions → here.
The numbers on the listing refer to the ones in the map.
(Please be aware, by clicking on the map links you consent to data processing by Google. The full maps open in a new window.)
Rockpool Adventures (1)
- Low tide fun with just a net, a bucket and spade, a flask and sandwiches in Seafield/Quilty, Whitestrand Doonbeg, Clahane Liscannor; as well as at the Pollock holes in Kilkee, which allow good swimming too.
Bathing & Swimming Beaches
- White Strand, Doonbeg
Popular 'Blue Flag' Beach - sign posted from Doonbeg village. - Seafield, Quilty
Two long sandy beaches - Spanish Point
South-West of Miltown Malbay: Sandy beach, safe swimming at the northern end close to the rocks. - White Strand Miltown Malbay
Sandy, protected beach, north of Spanish Point and west of Miltown - Lahinch
popular long sandy beach, surfing - Kilkee
Popular sheltered sandy beach; more swimming in the Pollock holes on the westend of town - Shannon Estuary
Several small beaches along the shoreline of the Loop Head Peninsula - Fanore beach
Surfing Beaches
- Spanish Point
Recommended by our followers: Pats Surf Camp/Lessons Spanish Point (086) 862 5564, Excellent and great value - Lahinch
Recommended by our followers: Lahinch Surf Centre,ages 7-70, free showers sauna and jacuzzi and steam room exclusive to lahinch surf centre; Lahinch Surf experience takes kids of all ages, group lessons, very reasonable and very safe.
More water fun (2)
- The diving boards in Kilkee
- Water park in Kilrush
- Kilkee indoor pool, open for the summer 11 to 6 with slides, waves
- Mountshannon swimming area, playground & maze. Boat trips out on Lough Derg
- Heated outdoor pool in Ballina
- Jumping off the piers at Cappa and Kilkee
Boat trips (3)
- Dolphin watching: Kilrush Marina ph (065)9051327 Carrigaholt: ph (065)9058156
- Scattery Island, Tours from Kilrush
- Boat tips to Aran Island; walking, cycling, bathing on the islands
Walks
- Dromore woods in Ruan, Ballybeg woods in Ennis (known as the Rocky), Lees Road walks in Ennis
- Cascades in Lissycasey
- Kilkee cliff walk.
- The White Strand Headlands, Miltown Malbay
- Vandeleur walled gardens & Kilrush woods, Kilrush
- East Clare Way is the real hidden Clare. Meet some real characters on this route
- The Burren hills, especially Lough Avalla Farm walk
- 12 O’Clock Hills. An amazing walk for all the family.
- The Burren Experience Guided Walks
Marie has great insight on the Flora and Fauna of the Burren - Archeological walks around Dysert O’Dea and the castle
Outdoor activity providers, Summer camps & classes, Workshops
- Irish water safety run weekly courses at a number of locations through Clare and nationwide during summer months
- Clare Sports Partnership for a guide to outdoor activities for children/adults,
- Clare watersports. They have kid camps for kayaking. Also daily hire
- Star Camps: singing, dancing, and more. With camps in Ennis, Shannon and Kilrush
- NevSail Kilkee Outdoor activities.
Riding
- Carmen's Riding School, Querrin, Loop Head
Golf, Mini Golf, Pitch & Putt
- Spanish Point, Lahinch
Fun to visit (4)
- Bunratty Folk Park
- Aillwee Cave and Birds of Prey
- Doolin cave
- Loophead Lighthouse
- Moher Hill Open Farm
- Ennistymon Cascades
- Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheep’s Dog demonstration, the Burren
- Craggaunowen - The Living Past Experience, a 16th-century castle and an archaeological open-air museum.
- The Museum of Irish Rural Life in Kilrush
Traditional afternoon sessions
- Considine's bar on Parnell St. Ennis each Saturday afternoon 2.30 to 5.30 trad music with Michael (Blackie) O'Connell piper, Cyril Donoghue on Bouzouki, Siobhan Peoples violin/fiddle. All top musicians!
For the little connaisseurs (5)
- Linnalla's Ice cream and Linnane's Lobster Bar, Newquay
- Diamond Rock's Café, Westend, Kilkee
More to see and to do... (6)
- Yoga, woodland walks and a labyrinth at Purecamping, Loop Head
- Find the 'Harry Potter Cave' under Hags Head, the southern most cliff of the Cliffs of Moher.
- Museum of Irish rural life in Kilrush
- Clare Museum in Ennis is one of the dandiest small museums in the entire country.
- Loop Head Alpacas, Kilferagh, Kilkee (for visits on a booking only: mobile - 0838486901)
- Ennistymon Art & Craft Trail
- Burren Farm Experience, spend a day at and around Lough Bunny, Burren National Park
- Burren Mountain Tours: The only driving tour over a private mountain farm in the Burren
Leave no trace!
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Be considerate to others!
- Respect farm animals and wildlife
- Leave what you find
- Dispose of waste properly
- Minimise the effect of open fires