72 Hours in West Clare

Morning

Start your day by visiting the Vandeleur Walled Garden in Kilrush.

This enchanting garden is spread across 2.5 acres and features beautifully landscaped lawns, flower beds, and a variety of plants. Explore the restored 19th-century garden walls and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of this hidden gem. Afterwards, head to the Woodland Bistro, located adjacent to the Vandeleur Walled Garden, offering a delightful selection of breakfast and brunch options, including delicious paninis, sandwiches, hot drinks, and homemade sweet treats.

Afternoon

Make your way to the pretty market town of Kilrush.

Situated on the banks of the Shannon Estuary, Kilrush offers a delightful blend of history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. Explore the historical sites, indulge in shopping excursions, and more. Experience Scattery Island with Scattery Island Tours, just a short 20-minute ferry ride from the marina. This nature lover's paradise offers open spaces, rich heritage, and diverse wildlife. Explore historic sites, including churches, a cathedral, a round tower and a restored village. Enjoy guided tours and downloadable audio in several languages. Families can embark on treasure trails, picnic and have a swim as well.

Evening

Have dinner at Zoe Bistro, a brasserie-style restaurant.

Offering everything you love about the world and Irish cuisine. They offer juicy hamburgers, seafood dishes, as well as vegetarian and vegan options with seasonal fresh succulent salads. The team strive to create exceptional culinary experiences by combining traditional and modern techniques. Their unique dishes are crafted using locally sourced ingredients and take inspiration from their team members' diverse culinary backgrounds.

Night

Stay at Zoe Accommodation B&B.  Le below: 

a comfortable and welcoming bed and breakfast that offers cosy, modern, and uncluttered rooms, decorated in colours that reflect the coastal landscape. All rooms are en-suite and feature a rainfall shower, with high-quality, hand-picked linens to ensure beauty and comfort.

Morning

Fuel up for the day ahead at Zoe Accommodation B&B. After breakfast, hop into your car and hit the road towards Loop Head Lighthouse. 

Situated on the scenic Loop Head peninsula in County Clare. It's a significant landmark on the northern shore of the Shannon River, offering amazing 90-meter-high views of the sea towards Kerry Head, Dingle, the Shannon, the Clare coast, and the Cliffs of Moher. It's one of the most important lighthouses along the Irish Coast.

Afternoon

Head to Kilkee, County Clare’s vibrant seaside town. Stroll along their Golden Blue Flag beach.

Swim in protected waters, and enjoy a cliff walk or a game of tennis. Take a dolphin-watching boat trip from Carrigaholt, capture incredible pictures, and breathe in the fresh sea air. When hunger strikes, visit Drift Cafe, a welcoming community cafe located in Kilkee Waterworld. This family-friendly establishment offers a delicious range of options, including comforting soups, mouthwatering breakfast rolls, stacked toasties, enticing pizzas, irresistible cakes, and the finest coffee, brewed using their state-of-the-art Nespresso machine.

Evening

Enjoy an afternoon with a long-standing tradition of Afternoon Tea by a roaring fire at Dromoland Castle.

Delight in a feast fit for royalty, and enjoy the prettiest selection of treats: scrumptious finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and homemade jams, delicate pastries, the signature tea brack, and the sweetest confections. Savour specially selected loose-leaf teas which are served in sparkling silver teapots, alongside the most beautiful china. An unmissable five-star indulgence experience.

Night

Spend the night at The Inn at Dromoland situated on 450 acres of wooded countryside in Co. Clare, The Inn at Dromoland overlooks the Shannon Estuary and is located on the renowned Dromoland Castle Estate.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Deerfields Restaurant an elegant dining room of the Inn at Dromoland. The restaurant provides a relaxing, cosy atmosphere for all of your dining requirements.

Morning

After enjoying a delightful breakfast at the Inn at Dromoland, make your way to Spanish Point, where you’ll find exciting activities to keep you entertained throughout the day.

Spanish Point is named after the unfortunate fate of two Spanish Armada vessels that met their demise off its shores in 1588.

The beach has plenty of amenities including a surf school /surfboard rental, free parking, public toilets and shower facilities, an observation deck, picnic tables, numerous trails and loop walks, and a Wildlife Information Point.

Afternoon

Visit Bellbridge Bar and treat yourself to a delicious meal in their relaxed dining area or lounge.

They have a wide range of mouth-watering options, from hearty pub-style dishes to lighter snacks. Take your time to savor your meal and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the hotel. Next, get ready for some outdoor fun at Quinn's Pitch & Putt course, located next to the Armada Hotel. Grab your golf clubs and embark on a game of pitch and putt in the picturesque surroundings.

Evening

Dine in at Aileen’s restaurant in the Armada Hotel, celebrating modern Irish food with a local twist.

Offering a selection of wines, handpicked by their wine expert, John McDonnell. Savour the finest meats sourced from North Clare, and enjoy the fresh vegetables from the Armada Farm and Moy Hill Farm. You can also find the famous Burren smoked salmon, local beers, sea vegetables from across the bay, and low-impact seafood, among other delicious options.

Night

After a delicious dinner, unwind in the Armada Hotel’s uniquely designed guest rooms, perfect for unwinding after exploring West Clare’s natural beauty or embarking on adventures along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Drawing inspiration from the surrounding environment, their rooms offer a serene ambience, and generous space exquisite with local craftsmanship.