Beyond the Cliffs of Moher: Hidden Gems and Unique Experiences in County Clare
County Clare is known for the awe-inspring Cliffs of Moher. But as spectacular as the Cliffs are, they are often overrun with tourists, making the experince lackluster at best. (And in our case, the trails nearby were all closed for maintenance!) While the Cliffs are a bucketlist item for many, it was the hidden gems that made County Clare unforgettable, and my favorite days we spent in Ireland.
This post will guide you through the highlights of Clare beyond the Cliffs, from historical landmarks to natural wonders, along with local food and shopping suggestions. I’ll also share all about our fabulous stay at Gregans Castle Hotel! Perfect for those seeking something more than a bus tour, this guide will help you experience Clare in a way that most visitors miss.
Must-See Stops in County Clare
King John’s Castle (Limerick)
Why Visit? Okay, okay, I know this first location is not in Clare, but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention this stop we made as we drove to Clare. This medieval fortress on the River Shannon is a great spot for history lovers and families! The exhibits are interactive (including a courtyard with medieval activities!), and the views from the top are spectacular.
Extra Tips: You can book tickets online in advance, but it wasn’t very crowded while we were there. There is a free parking lot just for the castle (just plug it into Google Maps!). We spent around an hour, so I’d budget between 1-1.5 hours here.
Ennistymon Falls
Why Visit? A brief local stop to stretch your legs, we enjoyed the quietness of this wide waterfall.
Extra Tips: I’d recommend two places to park. You can pull into the archway by the Cheese Press and park right beside the stairs (but note that there are only one or two places to park here!). There’s also the free Glencree Car Park nearby.
Doolin Village
Why Visit? Doolin truly has a small town atmosphere, but it was overrun with tourists and no place to park (even on a Sunday in mid-September, which is not high season!). There are some nice views of the Atlantic and the Cliffs in the distance if you park near the Pier.
We popped into Russell’s Coffee Shop for a quick coffee (and based on the reviews, I might only grab a coffee here!). If it had been open, I would have loved to try a cup from Cupan’s, inside of Irish Crafts. (By September, the coffee area was already closed for the season). Irish Crafts is a great stop for souvenirs and Irish-crafted items, and it has its own parking lot, which is nice!
Extra Tips: From what I’ve read, if you truly want to experience Doolin, you’ll have to stay into the evening, after the rest of the tourists head on their way!
Burren Perfumery
Why Visit? One of my favorite stops, the Burren Perfumery feels like you’ve visited the town florist in a fairy tale. Beautiful flowers cover the stone buildings, and the gardens and outdoor spaces are just as whimsical as the store, perfume rooom, and tea room. Even better, it’s family-run company making lotions, perfumes, soaps, and candles in small batches, using local ingredients, completely on-site! It’s the perfect stop for quality, Irish-made gifts. (If you’re looking for more of my favorite small shops we visited in Ireland, check out this blog post – 20 Unique Shops in Ireland You’ll Love.)
We wandered through after a short hike nearby (more below!) and had an amazing lunch from the Tea Room here. Everything is sourced locally – and delicious! Hubby had the smoked mackarel, and I enjoyed a Irish goat cheese on freshly baked bread with a salad. Their scones and other sweets looked amazing, too!
Extra Tips:
- There is plenty of parking! We thought the first little “pull off” was the only parking. There is more – just drive further!
- Be sure to check their website in advance of your visit! They offer a few speciality classes (like “Introduction to Perfume Making”) and tours daily from June to September (at 11:30 and 2:30).
- The Tea Room is officially closed in the winter, but still offers free tea, coffee, and snacks!
Corcomroe Abbey
Why Visit? Not mentioned in almost any of my research (save one book!), we had Corcomroe Abbey almost all to ourselves! The Abbey dates to the 13th century and is a free historic site to walk around. If you look closely, you can find intricate carvings and decorative architecture.
Extra Tips: This is a quick 10-15 minute stop, but worth it to appreciate Ireland’s history in a more secluded location. (Bonus? Free and easy parking!)
Hidden Nature Spots in Clare
Hike at Slieve Carran
Why Visit? For a moderate hike, head to the heart of the Burren and hike the Slieve Carran. (On maps, it’s the Brown Route.) This trail gives views of the burren, Eagle’s Rock in the distance, and even features a woodland with ancient ruins. Check the Burren National Park website for more info on this hike and others!
Extra Tips: There is parking right beside the start of the trail. We walked to the fence and said hello to some resting cows (literally just walked on the path beside them!). A little further up the path, we walked into the woodlands, where we found old church ruins. From there, we headed back the way we came.
When going into the trees to look at the church (it looks like the back wall of a small house), come back out the way you went in to rejoin the path, regardless of whether you’re continuing on or heading back to your car. It was a bit muddy by the trees when we were there, so wear good hiking shoes. (Wondering what to pack for a hike in Ireland? Check out my post – How to Pack for Ireland in the Fall.)
Poulnabrone Dolmen
Why Visit? One of the more popular sites in the Burren, Poulnabrone Dolmen is considered the oldest dated megalithic monument in Ireland, built over 5,000 years ago. When it was excavated in 1986, the dolmen was discovered to be the burial place of over 33 people. It also revealed numerous artifacts, including arrowheads, beads, and pottery.
Extra Tips: There is plenty of parking, and visiting the dolmen is free! You’ll want to watch your step on the limestone, and be sure to be careful with phones, keys, and cameras (some of the cracks are pretty deep!). I will add, too, that the dolmen is much smaller than it looks in online photographs!
Local Food Experiences in Clare
The Good House
If you’re looking for lunch in County Clare, you’ll want to stop for a bite (and maybe a pint!), at The Good House in Inagh. We had a great meal here while on our drive to the Cliffs of Moher. I enjoyed a burger and the hubby had a crab sandwich (both excellent!). It has a comfortable, modern pub atmosphere and was full of locals enjoying a Sunday lunch out. Highly recommend!
Clare Jam Shop
Another stop where we were the only people, but I can’t overstate this enough – PLEASE stop here. The Clare Jam Shop is just outside Doolin and on the road to the Cliffs of Moher! It’s a very small shop, but inside you’ll find the shelves full of colorfully labeled jams, jellies, marmalades, chutneys, and mustards, all made by hand from Irish ingredients. I am going to cry when I run out of their Extra Blackcurrant Jam. Truly one of the best hidden gems in County Clare!
Hazel Mountain Chocolate
Located along the Wild Atlantic Way, you’ll find the most whimsical chocolate shop and cafe. Ireland’s only bean to bar chocolate factory, Hazel Mountain uses sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients. We loved this stop! The coffee, hot chocolate, and seasonal desserts in the cafe are absolutely delicious and welcome after a morning hike in the Burren! Chocolate is a fabulous souvenir to bring back for family, friends, and schoolteachers (it packs flat!). Unless you’ve got children, in which case the giant chocolate sheep also might have to be shoved into your carryon.
Gregans Castle Hotel
Found in the heart of the Burren, Gregans Castle Hotel focuses on providing a luxury, eco, and gourmet experience. The 18th-century manor feels as if you’ve stepped into a storybook, with warm peat fires, antique decor, and even a housecat or two curled up on a chair. The property is steeped in history — J.R.R. Tolkien is said to have stayed here, finding inspiration for Middle-earth in the Burren landscape. The views outdoors are equally stunning – well-tended gardens, Burren hillsides, and Galway Bay glittering in the distance.
The Rooms
Though we booked the smallest room, we had the option to upgrade when we arrived, as someone had else had cancelled. (Prices for rooms range from around $350-700 per night.) I can’t say enough wonderful things about the service and care at Gregans – the General Manger showed us around the property and then to our room, the whole time chatting as if we were old friends. The rooms are all uniquely decorated and full of charm, and to be honest, I don’t think you could go wrong with any of them. Children are welcome (a few rooms can add one additional twin-sized bed), but overall, I’d say the experience was more for couples or adults traveling with friends.
Dining at Gregans
One of the highlights of Gregans Castle Hotel is its dining experience. As soon as you book your room, be sure to reserve a spot for their 8-course gourmet dinner (€100), that includes foods fresh from their own garden and other locally-sourced ingredients. Gregan’s is rumored to receive a Michelin star in 2025 – and I 100% understand why! After dinner, we enjoyed petit fours with tea in the cozy Drawing Room while curled up with a book. Breakfast, which is included with your room, includes both a menu and buffet (with great coffee!). We were up early, and able to enjoy a table by the window with views of the garden.
Truly, every corner of Gregans Castle Hotel gives the stay a feeling of warmth and comfort – from sittting by cozy fireplace, taking a walk in the gardens, exploring the organic vegetable garden, or relaxing in our stunning room. My only regret? That we didn’t book a longer stay!
Planning Tips & Optional Stops
While driving through Clare, there were two castles that we were able to see from the road that you might want to mark on your road trip map! On the way to the Cliffs of Moher, you’ll pass Doonagore Castle. There is literally only room for one car to pull over (and it’s on private land), but still fun to see! Heading toward Galway, you’ll spy Dunguaire Castle near Kinvara. It seems that it isn’t open very often, but it might be worth stopping the car for a few moments – its setting on Galway Bay makes it look out of a fantasy novel.
With Ireland comes rain, and I have to say that aside from the hike and dolmen, all of the stops mentioned will still be enjoyable on a blustery day! On just an “on and off” rain day, even the outdoor activities would still be doable.
We were on a pretty quick trip (with grandparents watching our littles!), but if I’d had longer in Clare, I would have definitely signed up for a nature hike through the Burren with a guide or even explored via a horseback ride.* The Burren landscape, flora, and fauna are so unique that having someone guide you through would be so interesting!
More Than the Cliffs – Hidden Gems in County Clare
Whether you’re hiking through the rocky Burren, exploring ancient castles, or enjoying an incredible meal at Gregans Castle Hotel, Clare is truly full of gems. The Cliffs of Moher may draw the crowds, but it’s these unique experiences that make it unforgettable.
