What to do in West Clare
Angling
The area has excellent sea and freshwater fishing opportunities. The coast near the house is popular for rock angling, but can be dangerous - seek local advise before going there. Beach angling is safer, as well as fishing in the local lakes and rivers. Sea angling trips from Doonbeg, Kilkee and Carrigaholt are a unique adventure with garantueed success! More about fishing in West Clare as well as about Atlantic and Shannon Estuary Charters can be found here.
Golf
A 10 minute drive will take you to either the renowned Greg Norman designed Doonbeg golf links, luxury hotel and spa or to the beautifully located Golf links in Kilkee. Other renowned Golf courses in Kilrush, Spanish Point and Lahinch are all less than half an hour from the house. Ballybunion in County Kerry can easily be reached via the Shannon Car Ferry. Green Fees are available on all of these courses.
Surfing and Swimming
White Strand is a "Blue Flag" beach and only a few minutes away. It is a safe beach for children and supervised in season. Surfing is possible there at times too. Doughmore Strand near Doonbeg is also famous for surfing, for its beautiful sand dunes, for long beach walks and for pony beach riding. More beaches can be found in Kilkee, Quilty, Spanish Point and Miltown Malbay. Kilkee also has a gym with an indoor pool, which is open all year.
Sightseeing
Kilkee has a beautiful sheltered beach and is also starting point of the Loop Head Drive leading along spectacular cliff scenery to Loop Head Lighthouse. The bustling market town of Kilrush with it’s modern marina is just 20 minutes drive away. Boat trips to historic Scattery Island are highly recommended. The town of Miltown Malbay is hosting the annual Willie Clancy Summer School each July which attracts thousands of visitors who are passionate about traditional Irish music and dance. The famous Cliffs of Moher and its state of the art interpretive centre Atlantic Edge is also only a 40 min. drive away, as is the carst terrain of the Burren, a haven for walkers, climbers and botanists.
Traditional Music
West Clare is the pulsing heart of Traditional Music in Ireland! Many pubs in the area have traditional music sessions, and the music festivals in Kilrush and Miltown Malbay each summe attract many music enthusiasts.
More to do:
* Walking and Cycling
Kilometers of quiet country roads make for perfect walking and cycling. The West Clare Cycleway passes near the house. Exciting cliff walks are also possible near the house, but should only be undertaken by experienced walkers. [more...]
* Pony trekking (2 equestrian centres near Doonbeg)
* Abseiling/Rock climbing in Kilkee
* Diving & Snorkeling
A diving centre providing all equipment is in Kilkee
* Sea Kayaking in amp; Kilkee
* Dolphin & Bird watching
Dolfins regularly appear in Baltard Bay near the house. Guided boat dolphin watching tours take place from Kilrush Marina and from Carrigaholt. The coast all along to Loop Head Lighthouse is also great for birdwatching!
Read more about all the activities possible in the West of Clare here