| Regional
Attractions |
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Lahinch Beach
Sometimes referred to as the Golden Mile, the Lahinch Beach is
bordered on the north by the Inagh River estuary and on the south
by a rocky coastline of tidal pools. The Blue Flag beach—a
sign of environmental excellence— is located at the end
of wide-mouthed Liscannor Bay. The Atlantic swell reaches well
into the area, and the waves are more extreme than on other more
sheltered shores in Clare County, making Lahinch an exceptional
spot for surfing.
West
Coast Surf Club - lahinch
surf school -
Lahinch
Surf Shop website |
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Cliffs of Moher
Just north of Lahinch are the world renowned Cliffs of Moher, defiantly
standing over 700 feet as giant natural ramparts against the might
of the Atlantic Ocean. From the top of O’Brien’s Tower
located on the highest cliff, you can view the Clare coastline,
Aran Islands and Connemara mountains.
Shannon
Heritage |
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The Burren
The northwestern corner of County Clare is a rock garden of no ordinary
proportions. From a distance, the Burren is more than a hundred
square miles of pale grey eroded limestone accentuated by patches
of green pasture and hazel woodland. Close up, it is a weathered
jewel box of extraordinary wild flowers, especially on a sunny day
in May. Beyond the natural wonders of this designated area of special
conservation, archaeological monuments to 6,000 years of human habitation
liberally dot the landscape. Most spectacular of these is the famous
Poulnabrone Dolmen or Portal Tomb, final resting place of more than
thirty ancient inhabitants. For the hiker, The Burren Way, beginning
just across the bay in Liscannor, wanders along the Cliffs of Moher,
through Doolin and along Green Roads to Ballyvaughan, 26 miles away.
burrenbeo |
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Aran Islands
Just off the coast of Clare lie the stunningly beautiful Aran islands,
an extension of the Burren as well as one of the last outposts of
Gaelic civilisation. The islands are rich in prehistoric forts of
dry-stone masonry and other relics of antiquity. Traditional music
sessions are a feature of the islands’ pubs. Two ferry companies
serve the three islands from Doolin: Aran Island Fast Ferry 065
70704450 and Doolin Ferries at 065 707 4455. |
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Ennistymon
Just two kilometres from Lahinch, Ennistymon is a small market town
with colourful traditional storefronts. Following the footpath that
runs the whole way, you get a good view of the cascades, the pride
of Ennistymon, as you cross the Inagh River bridge. |
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Seaworld and Leisure Centre
Just a few minutes walk from the hostel, Seaworld has a variety
of facilities in two main sections. The swimming complex comprises
a 25-metre pool, children’s pool, Jacuzzi and sauna. The Atlantic
aquarium exhibits include a lobster breeding station, a mysterious
ocean tank, a ray pool, a blowhole wave explosion, plus regular
feeding sessions with the resident marine life.
www.lahinchseaworld.com |
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Racing
Ireland is renowned for horse racing along with the festivities
that surround a day at the races. The Shannon region has six tracks:
Limerick, Tipperary, Thurles, Listowel, Tralee and Galway. www.horseracingireland.ie.
in addition to the Galway Races. Greyhound racing, another popular
entertainment, takes place on Monday, Thursday and Saturday nights
in Limerick
(www.igb.ie). |
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Sea Angling
The coastline of Clare is a prominent shore angling area for all
species of sea fish, and Lahinch beach itself offers good opportunity
to wet a line. |
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Golf
Lahinch is home to one of the oldest and most notable links courses
in Ireland, paired with a newer course at the same location. Sometimes
referred to as the St. Andrews of Ireland, it looks out over the
ever-changing Atlantic Ocean and is subject to all her mood swings.
Substantial discounts are offered to students on both courses, and
those under 18 get an even better deal. (www.lahinchgolf.com)
. Doonbeg, the new links course designed by the Shark himself
is a half hour bus ride down the coast. (www.doonbeggolfclub.com)
For a less challenging and less expensive golf alternative, two
pitch and putt courses are within easy reach of Lahinch. |
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Aillwee Cave
Beautiful caverns, bridged chasms, stalactites and stalagmites,
as well as hibernation chambers of the long extinct brown bear await
you at Aillwee Cave in a 30 minute guided tour. It is open daily
all year and offers discounts for students (www.aillweecave.ie).
For the experienced spelunker, the Doolin Cave System is over 10.5
kilometres in length, incorporating many underground rivers flowing
through the limestone. You’ll need a local guide to introduce
you to the entrance of this “subterranean” Burren.
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