The Wild Atlantic Means Clare & Limerick
That is the third of our 4 half weblog on the Wild Atlantic Means Street Journey with a Caravan (WAW), the longest outlined coastal touring route on the earth. It stretches for over 2,500km so it’s finest to divide it into areas and take your time to discover and actually see the sweetness that Eire has to supply. Nonetheless, you don’t should comply with these routes and might cross over into different areas. One of the best factor is to be versatile and take your time to discover this nice nation.
There’s journey and pleasure round each nook of the Wild Atlantic Means.
On this weblog, we discover the Clare and Limerick space of the Wild Atlantic Means.
Clare – a county with terrain starting from rolling countryside to craggy Atlantic shoreline Clare has many secrets and techniques to share and lots extra to discover.
There’s a lot to like about county Clare; from the unimaginable shoreline alongside the Cliffs of Moher to the geological marvel of the Burren and the surfer’s paradise that’s Lahinch. Right here lies the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark. Within the beautiful surrounds of this UNESCO, recognised Geopark, one can find the longest cave system in Eire, the biggest stalactite in Europe, the Burren Nationwide Park, the Carron Nature Reserve, and a bunch of untamed natural world ready to be found.
Expertise a go to to Clare in your caravan or motorhome or by pitching your tents. Clare is house to a wide variety of top of the range websites all through the county. For a listing of caravan & tenting websites in Clare click on right here.
The Cliffs of Moher – no journey to Clare and even Eire could be full with out a go to to the Cliffs of Moher. Looming 700 toes above the crashing Atlantic alongside 8km of rugged, unspoiled shoreline the primary time you see the cliffs will go away you speechless. One of the best time to go to the Cliffs is early morning or late afternoon/night. Sundown on the cliffs is really spectacular. They are often very busy notably through the summer season months.
Additionally, it could be clever to test the climate earlier than you go to because it may influence your expertise. On the Cliffs, you possibly can go to the Customer Centre constructed into the hillside. There are additionally loads of spots the place you possibly can benefit from the surroundings without cost, looking on the sea arches and caves attributable to coastal erosion, in addition to wildlife reminiscent of puffins and dolphins.
The Burren – Limestone pavements and curious rock formations make it a captivating place to go to the place you will notice uncommon native Irish crops and flowers. The phrase “Burren” comes from the Irish phrase “Boíreann” that means a rocky place. Wander by the slim passages of the underground caves in The Burren Nationwide Park and be careful for waterfalls, stalactites, and stalagmites. Discover fascinating fairy forts and stone dolmens dotted throughout the karst panorama of The Burren. The Burren Nationwide Park is situated southeastern nook of the Burren and is roughly 1500 hectares in dimension and is free to entry. Close to the Nationwide Park one can find Corofin Village the place Corofin Village Caravan & Tenting Park is loacted a sheltered small household run web site.
Go to a cave – Clare is house to 2 of Eire’s most well-known caves – Ailwee Caves and Doolin Caves. The tour at Ailwee Cave takes you thru winding passages and chasms, previous fascinating rock formations and even an underground waterfall. Additionally, soak up a go to to the Chicken of Prey Centre at Ailwee Cave the place you will notice an illustration of the biggest show of eagles, falcons, hawks, owls and vultures within the nation. Doolin Caves has the deepest underground expertise within the Burren and you will notice the most important stalactite in Europe. For those who don’t fancy going underground there’s a pretty nature path at Doolin Cave planted with native Irish bushes. You’ve gotten two nice websites in Doolin that you would be able to pitch up for a number of nights – Nagles Doolin Tenting & Caravan Park, overlooking the Cliffs of Moher or O’Connors Riverside Tenting & Caravan Parokay overlooking the Aille River.
Spend a day on the seashore –There are lots of Blue Flag seashores in Clare together with – Ballycuggeran, Cappa Pier, Fanore, Kilkee, Lahinch, Mountshannon, Spanish Level, White Strand Doonbeg and White Strand Miltown Malbay
Lahinch – situated a brief drive from the Cliffs of Moher one can find the seaside city of Lahinch. Famed flooding tide makes it ideally suited for browsing, sea kayaking and kite browsing. Seasoned surfers journey right here from all around the world however there are additionally loads of surf colleges right here the place you learners can take classes. Right here one can find 2km of lengthy sandy seashore good for spending a soothing day on the seashore, swimming, having a picnic and watching the surfers.
Kilkee – If you wish to be extra energetic make a journey to Kilkee and expertise a number of the finest surroundings in Eire on the magnificent Kilkee Cliffs. You’ll be able to select from a brisk 5km or more difficult 8km looped stroll. Begin on the Diamond Rocks Cafe at Kilkee’s West Finish and comply with the cliff path. See the shipwreck web site of Intrinsic Bay, the Diamond Rocks that glitter within the sunshine, scenic Foonagh Bay, and take a look at the wonderful views from Moveen Hill.
Loop Head Peninsula – Loop Head Lighthouse is situated 90 metres above the Atlantic Ocean and has stood guard over this spectacular promontory for over 340 years.
From the lighthouse you possibly can see the large white letters carved out of the grassy headland spelling EIRE – a relic from WWII to let pilots know they had been coming into impartial airspace. The Loop Head Peninsula includes the villages of Cross, Kilbaha and Carrigaholt, in addition to the charming seaside city of Kilkee, with its stunning sheltered bay and beautiful seashore. Round 160 bottlenose dolphins live within the waters. You need to have the ability to spot them enjoying within the space – or take a Dolphin watch boat journey from Carrigaholt. Situated on the Peninsula is Inexperienced Acres Caravan & Tenting with unspoilt views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Doolin Cycle Hub – there are 4 nice round routes as a part of the Doolin Cycle Hub.
Loop 1 is the shortest tour (18KM, 1.5-2 hours). It goes from Doolin south in direction of the Cliffs of Moher.
Loop 2 (26/39KM, 3-4 hours). Visits the southwest nook of North Clare taking in some wonderful coastal view
Loop 3 (43 KM, 4-4.50 hours). Guides cyclists inland in direction of Kilfenora and the Burren area.
Loop 4 (21/47KM, 4.5-5 hours). Takes cyclists north from Doolin alongside the coast street with spectacular views of the Aran Island
Every cycle gives great views of the native countryside with beautiful coastal panoramas. There are quite a few stop-off factors alongside the routes with glorious eating places, pubs and different amenities and companies.
Ennis – An historic city with its slim with winding streets, historic buildings and a busy market city environment. There’s a load to see and do in Ennis. Take a go to to the Franciscan Friary which dates again to 1242 or go to the Clare Museum which offers you perception into the historical past of the realm or take a stroll by the slim winding streets with one thing for everybody. Why not see what’s happening at Glór, the humanities centre situated within the centre of Ennis.
They provide a programme of theatre, music, dance, visible arts, movie and workshops.
Transferring inland, a visit to Lough Derg is effectively definitely worth the detour. Set within the coronary heart of Lough Derg at Mountshannon is Lakeside Vacation Park the place you should have entry to a bunch of actions on the lake.
It’s only pure that in case you are visiting Clare you’ll want to make a visit to Limerick. Limerick has a captivating previous, beautiful countryside and is overflowing with tradition.
Transfer inland and take a look at the charming heritage city of Adare, Eire’s prettiest village. Pitch up your tent, caravan or motorhome at Adare Caravan & Tenting Park simply 3.5km from the city.
Limerick Metropolis – Limerick is a metropolis that’s steeped in historical past. King John’s Citadel is a thirteenth Century stronghold on King’s Island within the coronary heart of medieval Limerick and is likely one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Europe. Right here one can find interactive actions and exhibitions, CGI animations and projections that actually deliver its story to life. Additionally, within the metropolis, one can find the Hunt Museum the place one can find artefacts from historic Greece and Rome, artwork by fashionable masters like Jack B Yeats, Pablo Picasso and Henry Moore, and essential Irish relics from Neolithic instruments to the well-known Antrim Cross. For any sports activities followers, a visit to Thomond Park is a should. It is possible for you to to take a guided tour of the stadium and expertise areas of the stadium usually reserved for gamers and coaches. In case you are fortunate you would possibly have the ability to expertise the ‘Munster Roar’ at a match.
Kayaking in Limerick Metropolis – What higher method to see Limerick than kayaking on the River Shannon. Excursions range in size from 1.5 hours to five hours. You will notice lots of Limerick’s most fascinating websites like King Johns Citadel and the Treaty Stone. You’ll go underneath a number of the oldest and most well-known bridges and previous many well-known landmarks and alongside the way in which. There are additionally a number of enjoyable kayaking video games and adventures.
Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum – only a quick drive from the town is the city of Foynes. The Museum will deliver you again to the thirties and forties when Foynes was a significant hub within the improvement of transatlantic passenger flight. The exhibitions, memorabilia and a life-size duplicate of a Boeing 314 Flying Boat will deliver you again in time. It’s additionally the place the primary Irish Espresso was served, so it could be impolite to not partake!
Curraghchase Forest Park – not on the Wild Atlantic Means, however nonetheless value a go to in case you are in Limerick. Curraghchase Forest Park is a improbable amenity for all of the household to take pleasure in. The Park covers 313 hectares of combined woodlands, parkland and lakes which collectively present a wealthy habitat for a various vary of animals and crops. There are a number of looped way-marked trails within the park to swimsuit all guests. They range from the multi-access trails appropriate for wheelchair customers and household walkers to the longer Curragh and Glenisca trails appropriate for these on the lookout for extra demanding strolling and biking choices.
Lough Gur – Lough Gur is situated throughout the Ballyhoura area simply 21km from Limerick Metropolis the place guests can take pleasure in rural unspoilt magnificence. Discover Lough Gur Customer Centre and look at the fascinating exhibitions at one in all Eire’s most essential archaeological websites.
Take a look at replicas of well-known archaeological finds on this area together with Stone Age pottery, the well-known Bronze Age Lough Gur Defend (the unique is now housed within the Nationwide Museum) and the Countess of Tub chalice and paten. Study in regards to the actions of the primary farmers on this wealthy archaeological space, together with their dwellings, rituals, instruments, implements and burial websites. Uncover Lough Gur, the horseshoe lake on the backside of Knockadoon Hill, see the 113 standing stones of the Grange Stone Circle and take a guided tour to find the information and magical myths of this scenic setting.
Click on under for different blogs on the Wild Atlantic Means:
Half 1 Wild Atlantic Means – Donegal & Sligo
Half 2 Wild Atlantic Means – Galway & Mayo
Half 4a Wild Atlantic Means – Kerry
Half 4b Wild Atlantic Means – Cork
Caravan & Tenting in Eire
I hope these provide help to to actually take pleasure in your vacation in Eire. There isn’t a higher method to see the nation with all your individual house comforts. Click on Tenting Eire to seek out data on all the nice caravan & tenting websites all through Eire earlier than you journey. It’s all the time clever to guide forward so that you gained’t be disenchanted or have a wasted journey.
There are over 100 high quality authorized caravan & tenting parks all through Eire. Websites supply top-class amenities with many onsite facilities.
There’s a wide range of websites round Eire. Perhaps you might be on the lookout for a quiet web site the place you possibly can pitch up and use the location as a base for travelling round. Perhaps you desire a web site the place there’s a playground on your children and even websites the place there are a bunch of onsite actions for all of the household to take pleasure in.
No matter you need Tenting Eire has one thing for everybody.
For data on these websites, the amenities they provide and different data log onto our web site Tenting Eire Benefit from the independence and suppleness that tenting in Eire can supply in high quality authorized websites. We sit up for welcoming you to out of doors residing.
(All data corrected at time of publishing)
