The Wild Atlantic Method Clare & Limerick
That is the third of our 4 half weblog on the Wild Atlantic Method Highway Journey with a Caravan (WAW), the longest outlined coastal touring route on the planet. 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. Nevertheless, you don’t must observe these routes and might cross over into different areas. The most effective 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 Method.
On this weblog, we discover the Clare and Limerick space of the Wild Atlantic Method.
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, you’ll discover the longest cave system in Eire, the most important stalactite in Europe, the Burren Nationwide Park, the Carron Nature Reserve, and a number 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 can be full with out a go to to the Cliffs of Moher. Looming 700 ft above the crashing Atlantic alongside 8km of rugged, unspoiled shoreline the primary time you see the cliffs will go away you speechless.
The most effective time to go to the Cliffs is early morning or late afternoon/night. Sundown on the cliffs is actually spectacular. They are often very busy significantly in the course of the summer season months.
Additionally, it could be clever to verify the climate earlier than you go to because it might impression your expertise. On the Cliffs, you’ll be able to go to the Customer Centre constructed into the hillside. There are additionally loads of spots the place you’ll be able to benefit from the surroundings at no cost, looking on the sea arches and caves attributable to coastal erosion, in addition to wildlife comparable to puffins and dolphins.
The Burren – Limestone pavements and curious rock formations make it an enchanting place to go to the place you will note uncommon native Irish vegetation 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 you’ll discover 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, absorb a go to to the Chook of Prey Centre at Ailwee Cave the place you will note an indication of the most important show of eagles, falcons, hawks, owls and vultures within the nation. Doolin Caves has the deepest underground expertise within the Burren and you will note the largest stalactite in Europe. In case you don’t fancy going underground there’s a pretty nature path at Doolin Cave planted with native Irish bushes. You will have two nice websites in Doolin that you could 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 – In 2021 9 seashores have been awarded Blue Flag standing – 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 you’ll discover the seaside city of Lahinch. Famed flooding tide makes it ultimate 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 freshmen can take classes. Right here you’ll discover 2km of lengthy sandy seashore excellent for spending a soothing day on the seashore, swimming, having a picnic and watching the surfers. Pitch up for the evening at Ocean View Park overlooking Liscannor Bay.
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 tougher 8km looped stroll. Begin on the Diamond Rocks Cafe at Kilkee’s West Finish and observe 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 fantastic 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. In the intervening time the lighthouse is closed for renovations (June 2021). 
From the lighthouse you’ll be able to see the large white letters carved out of the grassy headland spelling EIRE – a relic from WWII to let pilots know they have been getting 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. It’s best to be capable of 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 the direction of the Cliffs of Moher.
Loop 2 (26/39KM, 3-4 hours). Visits the southwest nook of North Clare taking in some superb coastal view
Loop 3 (43 KM, 4-4.50 hours). Guides cyclists inland in the 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 presents great views of the native countryside with beautiful coastal panoramas. There are quite a few stop-off factors alongside the routes with wonderful eating places, pubs and different services and providers.
Ennis – An historic city with its slim with winding streets, historic buildings and a busy market city ambiance. 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 provides you with a superb perception into the historical past of the world or take a stroll by the slim winding streets with one thing for everybody. Why not see what’s going down at Glór, the humanities centre situated within the centre of Ennis.
They provide a programme of theatre, music, dance, visible arts, movie and workshops.
Shifting inland, a visit to Lough Derg is effectively well worth the detour. Set within the coronary heart of Lough Derg at Mountshannon is Lakeside Vacation Park the place you’ll have entry to a number of actions on the lake.
Limerick, whereas technically will not be a part of the Wild Atlantic Method because of its shut proximity to Clare it is just pure that in case you are visiting Clare you’ll want to make a visit to Limerick. Limerick has an enchanting 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 – just lately topped the Wild Atlantic Method Gateway Metropolis, Limerick is a metropolis that’s steeped in historical past. King John’s Fort is a thirteenth Century stronghold on King’s Island within the coronary heart of medieval Limerick and is without doubt one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Europe. Right here you’ll discover interactive actions and exhibitions, CGI animations and projections that actually convey its story to life. Additionally, within the metropolis, you’ll discover the Hunt Museum the place you’ll discover artefacts from historical 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. If you’re fortunate you may be capable of expertise the ‘Munster Roar’ at a match.
Kayaking in Limerick Metropolis – What higher solution to see Limerick than kayaking on the River Shannon. Excursions range in size from 1.5 hours to five hours. You will note a lot of Limerick’s most fascinating websites like King Johns Fort and the Treaty Stone. You’ll go below a number of the oldest and most well-known bridges and previous many well-known landmarks and alongside the best way. There are additionally numerous enjoyable kayaking video games and adventures.
Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum – only a brief drive from town is the city of Foynes. The Museum will convey you again to the thirties and forties when Foynes was an important hub within the growth of transatlantic passenger flight. The exhibitions, memorabilia and a life-size duplicate of a Boeing 314 Flying Boat will convey 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 Method, 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 vegetation. There are a number of looped way-marked trails within the park to go well with 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 in search of extra demanding strolling and biking choices. It’s also possible to in a single day within the park on the Curraghchase Caravan & Tenting Park the place you might be free to discover the grounds of the 774 acre property.
Lough Gur – Lough Gur is situated inside the Ballyhoura area simply 21km from Limerick Metropolis the place guests can take pleasure in rural unspoilt magnificence. Discover Lough Gur Customer Centre and examine the fascinating exhibitions at one among 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 info and magical myths of this scenic setting.
Click on under for different blogs on the Wild Atlantic Method:
Half 1 Wild Atlantic Method – Donegal & Sligo
Half 2 Wild Atlantic Method – Galway & Mayo
Half 4a Wild Atlantic Method – Kerry
Half 4b Wild Atlantic Method – Cork
Caravan & Tenting in Eire
I hope these enable you to to essentially take pleasure in your vacation in Eire. There is no such thing as a higher solution to see the nation with all your personal house comforts. Click on Tenting Eire to search out data on all the good caravan & tenting websites all through Eire earlier than you journey. It’s at all times clever to e book forward so that you gained’t be upset or have a wasted journey. Obtain the Tenting Eire App which you should utilize to browse and seek for accredited websites with ease if you are travelling round. For extra data on the app click on right here
There are over 100 high quality accredited caravan & tenting parks all through Eire. Websites provide top-class services with many onsite facilities.
There’s a wide range of websites round Eire. Perhaps you might be in search of a quiet web site the place you’ll be able to pitch up and use the positioning as a base for travelling round. Perhaps you desire a web site the place there’s a playground in your children and even websites the place there are a number of onsite actions for all of the household to take pleasure in.
No matter you need Tenting Eire has one thing for everybody.
Don’t neglect to order your Tenting Key Europe Card which presents nice reductions and financial savings at campsites, customer sights and plenty of extra shops. The cardboard is accepted in over 2,800 websites in Eire and Europe. It additionally consists of free third-party insurance coverage. You’ll be able to order the cardboard right here
For data on these websites, the services they provide and different data log onto our web site Tenting Eire Benefit from the independence and adaptability that tenting in Eire can provide in high quality accredited websites. We stay up for welcoming you to outside residing.
(All data corrected at time of publishing)
