Irish Name: an Clár - "Level land"
County Town: Ennis
Nickname: The Banner County
GAA Colors: Blue and Saffron
Famous People with Clare roots: Brian Boru, Former Irish President Patrick Hillary, Sen. Chris Dodd, Frederick William Burton, John Holland (inventor of submarine), Daniel O'Connell, Eamon DeValera, Archbishop Clancy of Melbourne, Michael Cusack
Jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean from the Shannon estuary is the county of Clare. Though the unique natural phenomenon that is the Burren provides much of its fame Clare has far more to offer than that. With a host of attractions to appeal to young and old of all tastes Clare is worth seeing no matter where your interests lie.
Craggaunowen Centre dedicated to interpreting Ireland's pre-historic and early Christian ears. The story is told of how they lived, farmed, hunted and died. Visitor can, for example, see a replica of a Crannog (Lake Dwelling), Ring Fort and "An Iron Age" roadway. A major feature is the "Brendan Boat" built by Tim Severin who sailed from Ireland to Greenland, re-enacting the voyage of St.Brendan, reputed to have discovered America centuries before Columbus.
But if the past is not to your taste Clare's position as a coastal county provides the chance to see a different world. One of the most dramatic new attractions in the county is Lahinch Seaworld where visitors can see the underwater life of the Atlantic Coast in a giant aquarium. Close to nature to are the famous Cliffs of Moher, 214 metres high and nothing better to give a feel for the wildness of the county and the power of the Ocean.
Perhaps the most noteworthy natural phenomenon in Clare is the Burren itself with its rich diversity of flora and fauna and unusual limestone landscape. The Burren centre located in Kilfenora introduces you to this fascinating and unique part of the Irish landscape.
The usual sporting attractions of rural Ireland are well catered to with golf, sailing and hill walking but the horse racing at Lisdoonvarna is well worth a look if you get the chance and Dromoland Castle Estate provides 2,000 acres for shooting with 30,000 birds released annually.
Clare's charming landscape and rugged Ocean lashed coast are among some of the most spectacular sights a visitor can see in Ireland. With a range of sporting and cultural places of interest as well Clare has truly earned its reputation as an essential stage on any tour of the island.
Common Surnames in Clare: McMahon, McNamara, O'Brien, Moloney, Ryan, Kelly, Mclnerney, O'Connor, Keane, O'Halloran, Egan, Hogan, Burke, Murphy, Lynch and Walsh
6 Comments
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.NARROWBACK | Mar 16, 2012, 08:15 PM EDT
up the banner
doireann | Jan 24, 2011, 06:59 PM EST
I have viewed the cliffs from the sea and it is the most spectacular view you are ever likely to see.You can get a boat from nearby Doolin for a 1 hour trip.mohercruises@eircom.net
RosemaryKelly | Nov 21, 2010, 12:31 PM EST
Sounds great! My ancestors are from County Clare - Kilrush.
artsphotographi | Sep 15, 2010, 06:31 AM EDT
I lived in Doonaghboy Kilkee Co Clare for a while and I found it to be one of the unspoiled parts of Clare, and Ireland in general. In my opinion the tour of the West Clare Peninsula outbound along the River Shannon to Leap Head and back along the Atlantic Ocean is the most interesting and steeped in History, as well as the most Geological informative tour in the country. The sea cliff scenery is far more interesting and breathtaking than Moher and much more accessible. Kilkee itself was once called the Brighton of Ireland and is still the most popular and used beach in the county. Patrick Cuddihy
PatMurphy | May 03, 2010, 11:11 AM EDT
I have visited the Cliffs of Moher on each of my 3 trips to Ireland. Without a doubt they are very impressive. However, the cliffs are not on my recommended list any longer, unless you are well over 6' tall. In the past the cliffs could be viewed by anyone, the view was not obstructed and very breathtaking. In the recent years the power that be decided to add a stone slab wall all along the path and viewing area that is about 5' tall, obscuring all but the top of the cliffs for even 6' tall viewers and completely obstruction the view for youngsters and wheelchair-bound visitors. I understand that this was done for the safety of visitors, as well as to keep visitors from damaging the delicate ecosystem, but a less intrusive method could surely have been devised.
RosemaryKelly | Mar 20, 2010, 04:07 PM EDT
Very informative - my ancestors are from Co. Clare.