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Natural High: Clare, Galway & North Kerry
ACTIVITIES
Dolphin Watching
Explore the Burren
‘Pollock Hole’ diving
HIGHLIGHTS
Cliffs of Moher
Doolin Cave
Maritime Museum
LOCATION
Lahinch
Doolin
Tralee
Natural High: Clare, Galway & North Kerry
The wild lands of south County Galway, Clare and north Kerry make up the stunning Cliff Coast – a diverse playground where embracing the Wild Atlantic Way of life comes naturally! See it all on this five-day itinerary.
Overview
If you’ve never been to the Wild Atlantic Way’s Cliff Coast region before, prepare to be amazed by the rich array of sights to see and things to experience. Defined by the wonders of the past and the adventures of today, here you’ll find just the right blend of comfort, challenge and culture to make memories to last a lifetime.
DAY 1 (3 Stops)
LAHINCH – CLIFFS OF MOHER – LAHINCH
The unspoilt coastal stretches of the Cliff Coast make it the perfect destination for all things beach-related. From the very first day of this five-day adventure, you’ll find opportunities for a spot of shelling, sandcastle-building or, if you’re feeling plucky, surfing. You’ll witness breathtaking vistas at the Cliffs of Moher and enjoy tantalising food, drink, and nightlife in Lahinch. Shed your workweek skin and embrace each new experience as it comes; it’s going to be a day to remember.
Stop #1
LAHINCH
Your journey begins in the friendly seaside town of Lahinch, where having fun is practically a way of life. A surfer’s dream as well as a haven for all types of fun-seeker, it’s home to a pristine two-kilometre sandy beach, great waves, and a lively community of foodies, artists and adventurers. Pay a visit to Wild Kitchen for a memorable foraging picnic lunch, or try your hand at something new with Lahinch Adventures. Golfers, too, can stop for a round at the lush, world-famous Lahinch Golf Club.
Stop #2
CLIFFS OF MOHER
A 26-minute drive will bring you to one of the planet’s most iconic locations – the stunning Cliffs of Moher. At their heady highest, the cliffs reach some 702ft and are the country’s most-visited natural attraction. In the visitor centre you’ll find the award-winning interactive Atlantic Edge Exhibition, as well as a restaurant, gift shop and café. Outside, the vistas can be truly otherworldly; on a clear day you can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, the Twelve Bens and Maumturk Mountains in Connemara, Loop Head and the Dingle Peninsula and Blasket Islands in Kerry.
Stop #3
LAHINCH
Make the most of your time in this thrilling region by returning to Lahinch for a last taste of that famous hospitality and laid-back seaside pace of life. Go back the same way you came; upon arrival you can choose from a range of the town’s many inviting accommodation options. After a delicious meal be sure to soak up the buzzing nightlife, where live music is never very hard to find and the conversation, as well as the pints, will be flowing.
DAY 2 (3 Stops)
LAHINCH – BALLYVAUGHAN
From traditional music sessions led by friendly locals to the beautiful flora and fauna dotted around each corner, today’s itinerary is one filled with wonder and indulgence in equal measure. Explore the lunar landscape of the Burren, let your senses run wild in Carran, and treat your tastebuds in Ballyvaughan.
Stop #1
KILFENORA
Set off from Lahinch on a 14-minute drive to the picturesque village of Kilfenora. A gateway to the magnificent limestone-peppered landscape of the Burren, Kilfenora is famed for its rich heritage, with castles, Iron Age forts, cathedrals and ancient tombs all just waiting to be explored. Enjoy the rich local music tradition, learn about life on this unusual landscape at the Burren Centre, and even explore the surrounds in the company of a knowledgeable guide to learn about the area’s deep heritage, archaeology and folklore.
Stop #2
CARRAN
For a unique experience, don’t miss the next stop; Carran (10 mins) is the only village in the Burren uplands and well-worth a visit. Here, you can enjoy the sensuous delights to be found at the Burren Perfumery & Tea Rooms, a long-standing family-run labour of love that specialises in traditional soap, creams and perfumes inspired by the surrounding lands. Visitors can enjoy a tasty organic lunch after learning about how the aromatic creations come together. Carran is a great locale for a walk, too, with the Carran Turlough Loop a particularly bracing way to take in the region.
Stop #3
CARRAN TO BALLYVAUGHAN
On your way to Ballyvaughan (17 mins), be sure to make a sumptuous stop-off at Hazel Mountain Chocolate at the crossroads of Bell Harbour. One of the smallest and most remote chocolate factories in the world, it’s the perfect place to sample the sweets and pick up a few gifts. Upon arrival in the fishing haven of Ballyvaughan, a restful night awaits; foodies can head off on the award-winning Burren Food Trail while the village’s many rest options invite you to relax and unwind.
DAY 3 (3 Stops)
BALLYVAUGHAN – DOOLIN – KILKEE
Your inner adventurer will really have the chance to shine today as you set out along the coast towards the popular seaside escape of Kilkee. Wander in mysterious caves in Doolin, sail away from the shore for a glimpse of life at sea, climb cliffs in Doughmare Bay or dive in ‘Pollock Holes’ in Doonbeg – how you put the ‘wild’ in your Wild Atlantic Way adventure today is entirely up to you.
Stop #1
BALLYVAUGHAN TO DOOLIN
Take some time on Day Three to enjoy laid-back Ballyvaughan before taking to the open coastal road for a 38-minute jaunt to the traditional music capital of Ireland, Doolin. Perfect for musicians and music-lovers alike, it’s seaside setting and buzzy pub scene will be a real highlight of your trip. Along the way, you’ll pass inviting spots like Black Head, home to a pretty looped walk, Fanore Beach, which sits on the edge of the Burren, and mysterious Doolin Cave, home of the 7.3-metre-long ‘Great Stalactite’!
Stop #2
DOOLIN
History and heritage alike define the peaceful yet spirited town of Doolin, as do the friendly people who reside there, providing its all-round jovial atmosphere. Want to experience the Cliffs of Moher from a different point of view? Set sail for a one-hour journey to the cliffs with Doolin Ferry Company, where you’ll cruise around and gaze upon Ireland’s largest mainland nesting bird colony and the Great Sea Stack of An Branán Mór.
Stop #3
DOOLIN TO KILKEE
The road to Kilkee (1 hour 6 mins) is a highlight in itself, as you’ll have the opportunity to visit Spanish Point and its fantastic long sandy beach. Wander among the dunes, cliffs and cosy pubs of Doughmare Bay and explore the charming village of Doonbegbefore arriving in secluded Kilkee, a popular haunt over the years for well-known figures like Charlotte Brontë, Che Guevara and Russell Crowe. On its Blue Flag beach, you’ll find the famous ‘Pollock Holes’; when the tide goes out, they form deep, calm pools perfect for swimming and diving in.
DAY 4 (4 Stops)
KILKEE – LOOP HEAD – BALLYBUNION – TRALEE
There’s no shortage of exciting ways to spend Day Four of your Cliff Coast tour; climb to the top of an iconic lighthouse; reflect on your journey so far on a ferry cruise; explore castles, cliffs and coves, and, of course, dine like royalty in the heart of the ‘kingdom’ of Kerry. Today’s itinerary blends Ireland’s past and present to reveal the unique character of this region of the Wild Atlantic Way in surprising and delightful ways.
Stop #1
KILKEE TO LOOP HEAD PENINSULA
After a restful night in Kilkee, take the road towards Loop Head (45 mins), where the coast road will connect with R487 to bring you to the Bridges of Ross and onward to Loop Head’s iconic lighthouse. Dating back 346 years, its beam has guided many ships to safety over the years. Today, its light is automated, and you can climb to the top of its tower for stunning views out toward the distant Cliffs of Moher. At the end of the peninsula, large white letters spell out the word É-I-R-E. A relic from World War II, this marking let Allied pilots know they were entering neutral airspace.
Stop #2
LOOP HEAD TARBERT
Stay on the coast road for just over an hour as you pass through a series of towns and villages before taking to the water. A 20-minute ferry ride across the Shannon Estuary will take you from Clare to Tarbert, in what’s affectionately known as the ‘kingdom’ of Kerry thanks to its incredibly dramatic scenery. The only vehicle ferry trip on the main spine of the Wild Atlantic Way, this crossing will allow you time to contemplate the rugged nature of land and sea as you breathe in the region’s trademark salty sea air.
Stop #3
TARBERT TO BALLYBUNION
Back on dry land, you’ll pass the small village of Ballylongford (check out its national monument, Carrigafoyle Castle) and the mighty Bromore Cliffs before reaching the bustling resort town of Ballybunion (30 mins). It’s home to 16th-century landmarks, a relaxing main beach, cliff walks and a rich history best discovered on an exciting guided walk or cycle with local historian (and All-Ireland Piping Champion) Danny Houlihan. Houlihan will happily serenade guests with both lively tunes and traditional airs during this relaxed and informative tour – a truly unique Wild Atlantic Way experience.
Stop #4
BALLYBUNION TO TRALEE
On your way to your final stop for the night, pull in to Fenit Bay, a picturesque seaport dating back to 1887. Here, you can enjoy a jet kayak around the birthplace of St Brendan the Navigator, an Irish monk who’s believed to have sailed to America in the sixth century, with Wild Atlantic Sea Tours. Take the R551 out of town for little more than an hour until you come to lively Tralee – the capital of County Kerry. Enjoy dinner and drinks in a local restaurant or pub before settling in for the night; there’s plenty more in store for tomorrow!
DAY 5 (3 Stops)
TRALEE
As your epic road trip winds to an end, today’s itinerary offers something for everyone. You can choose to sit back and reflect on the beauty of nature as you glide over scenic wetland wavelets or dig a little deeper into the region’s recent past on a walking tour of Victorian-era Tralee. Consider the achievements of man and machine in Blennerville or simply stretch the legs on a final walk in the countryside. Whatever your taste, there’s a final day flavour to suit as you wrap up a trip well-taken.
Stop #1
TRALEE
Kerry’s vibrant beating heart boasts something for everyone, from the internationally-recognised Rose of Tralee festival to man-made lakes, purpose-built museums and, of course, some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the entire country. Take a walking tour of Ashe Street and Denny Street where you’ll marvel at Victorian-era shop fronts and facades while covering key milestones in Irish history between 1895 and 1930. Afterwards, enjoy morning tea with tasty baked goods that reflect the era.
Stop #2
TRALEE WETLANDS
The crystal blue waters of Tralee are a sight to behold, and you can traverse them in style with Tralee Bay Wetlands, conveniently located on the outskirts of the town. Explore the wetlands’ man-made lake in a private pedal boat or canoe, or if you’d rather stay dry, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the pretty walks and cycleways. The viewing tower boasts impressive panoramic scenes over Tralee Bay and out to the crashing Atlantic.
Stop #3
TRALEE TO BLENNERVILLE
The final leg of your journey, this eight-minute trip to nearby Blennerville is sure to be memorable. Here, you can pay a visit to Ireland’s largest working windmill – a monument to resilience and sustainability. The impressive structure was first built in 1800, operating for about 40 years before falling into disarray, only to be restored again in the 1980s. Today, it’s the centre of major visitor attractions on the shores of gorgeous Tralee Bay, and a relaxing way to conclude your trip.
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