Pub GuideNatural beauty of the Shannon Region
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The Burren
This lunar-like, rocky landscape is a National Park and geological wonderland of terraced grey limestone covering 250 square km in north Clare. The Burren is world-famous for the richness and beauty of its wild flowers, where Arctic and Mediterranean species flourish side by side. www.burrenbeo.com
This joint rampart of rugged, rocky coastline on the edge of the Burren plunges dramatically to silent, Atlantic waves from a height of over 200 metres, (700 feet). Its towering cliff face of sheer visual force is home to many species of sea birds. The cliffs are spectacularly interpreted in the visitor centre. www.cliffsofmoher.ie
Loop Head Peninsula
Wedge-shaped, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Shannon Estuary on the other, cliffgirded Loop Head, gives the feeling of standing at the end of the world. The lighthouse that stands at the tip of the head has been flashing its warning signal to shipping for 300 years. www.westclare.com and www.loopheadpeninsula.htm
Callows and Peatlands
The water meadows of the River Shannon form a great expanse of green land, offering a haven for birds and bird-watchers: corncrakes breed there in summer, waterfowl by the thousand gather in winter. The seemingly endless, level peatlands nearby constitute one of the largest remaining tracts of raised bog in western Europe. www.DiscoverIreland.ie/ShannonRegion
Dolphin watching
The sheltered waters of the Shannon Estuary are home to a community of about 100 Bottlenose Dolphins, one of the largest ‘pods’ in Europe. These beautiful creatures can be observed from boat trips operating from Carrigaholt and Kilrush. www.shannondolphins.ie
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