Doolin, Co Clares best loved and most visited Visitor Attractions
Attractions
- The Cliffs of Moher
stretch for 8km & rise up to 214 metres above the Atlantic Ocean. For information on the new interpretive centre ATLANTIC EDGE is the exciting interpretive centre now open at the Cliffs of Moher New Visitor Experience. Housed at the centre of the underground building a huge domed cave contains images, exhibits, displays & experiences that will delight young and old alike. - Bunratty Castle
Originally built in 1277 by Thomas de Clare, the Norman-Irish Castle was destroyed and rebuilt more than once in the centuries that followed.
It was captured by the O’Brien in 1355 and remained their headquarters until 1712. The MacNamara’s, a sept of the O’Briens erected its present form in 1460 but time took its toll upon the building until Viscount Gort bought it in 1954 and, with the aid of Bord Failte, had it restored by the Office of Public Works.
The Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland and boasts one of the finest collections of 14th-17th century material in these islands. The castle and its contents are now held in trust for the nation. The establishment is managed by the Shannon Development Company, which arranges medieval banquets on a year-round basis. The castle is open to visitors daily during the year. Admission charge.
- Bunratty Folk Park
Features a complete reconstruction of a 19th century village street, including craft shops, general stores and post office. There are examples of houses representing a variety of districts from west Clare to the rich farmlands of Limerick. Traditional crafts of an earlier age may be observed in action basket weaving, farriery, candle making and the home-baking of bread. A collection of early agricultural machinery is also on show. In the folk barn country style meals are served and entertainment provided music, story telling, Irish dancing and songs.
www.shannonheritage.com - Burren Smokehouse, Lisdoonvarna.
Burren Smokehouse produce oak-smoked Irish Atlantic Salmon. The ancient tradition is explained in their new visitors centre. Gourmet and Craft Shop. Audio-visual in English, German, French and Italian. - Kilrush Heritage Centre
“Kilrush in Landlord Times” depicts the story of Kilrush from its establishment as an Estate Town by the Vandeleur Landlords at the end of the 18th Century.
Starting point of a heritage walk through the streets of Kilrush.
Open daily, Jun. to Sept.
- Dún Guaire Castle, Kinvara.
A 16th century castle that stands out prominently on the seashore. Named after the 7th century King of Connaught, Guaire whose palace had occupied the same site, the castle was built by the O’Hynes and later passed into the hands of the O’Shaughnessy and then the Martyn clans. It was sold to John Gogarty a poet and writer in 1924 who subsequenty sold it to Lady Christabel Ampthill.
The castle is open to the public and hosts medieval banquets with traditional Irish music and story telling. - Knappogue Castle, near Quin.
Originally a MacNamara stronghold, (built 1467). Restored in the 19th century by Lord Dunboyne. The castle passed to the Land Commission in the late 1920s and was re-sold in 1966. The new owner refurbished the interior in 15th century style. The castle is open to visitors and medieval banquets are served from March to October. Admission charge. - Killaloe Heritage Centre
combines the old and the new in an exhibition tracing the history of Killaloe, Capital of Ireland 1002-1014. The visitor information centre provides a full range of services, including reservations for cruiser hire, nightly mediaeval banquet feasts, etc.