6 exciting places to stop off in Clare on your next Wild Atlantic Way road trip

Brought to you by Discover Ireland

The Wild Atlantic Way has no shortage of hidden gems for you to discover...

County Clare is an outdoor playground for adventure seekers. With its dramatic location along the Wild Atlantic Way, prepare for some stunning scenery and spectacular sunsets. Home to fabulous food experiences as well as the incredible landscape of The Burren, you will also find lots of ways to take to the waves and make the most of that captivating coastline. So, are you ready for your next adventure? Here are six sensational experiences to enjoy in beautiful Banner County.

The Burren

The lunar-like landscape of The Burren is astonishing and feels very otherworldly. As you scramble up and over the karst landscape, you'll stumble upon fairy forts, ancient monuments, Celtic crosses and megalithic tombs that are older than the pyramids of Egypt. See how many of the over 2,700 recorded monuments you can find.  The fertile landscape is also home to over 70% of Ireland's native flora. Unusual combinations of Arctic, Alpine and Mediterranean species carpet the ground and create a vast, wildflower meadow. It is painterly pretty. [caption id="attachment_532667" align="alignnone" width="2048"] The Burren[/caption]

Aillwee Cave and Birds of Prey Centre

Impressed by The Burren? Wait till you see its dramatic underworld! During the Aillwee Cave Experience, you'll explore caverns and chasms and marvel at formations and frozen waterfalls. You'll also uncover the hibernation chambers of the brown bears that once called this place home. Whilst here, pop into the Burren Birds of Prey Centre and visit the open-fronted aviaries, take a Hawk Walk and watch a dramatic flying display. This is a rare opportunity to get up close and learn all about raptors, including vultures and eagles and falcons. Oh my!  While you're there, be sure to visit Burren Gold Cheese. The Farmshop at Aillwee has been described by many as a must visit by many, as you'll get to see the Cheese Factory, learn all about cheese making and see Gouda style cheese being produced. 

The Burren Perfumery

If your olfactory senses have been stimulated by the smells of the land and sea, head to The Burren Perfumery where you can bottle your aromatic memories. Located in the heart of The Burren this scent sanctuary makes perfumes, creams and soaps by hand using natural ingredients. The surrounding landscape inspires the fragrances. Make sure you leave enough time to visit its delightful Tea Rooms. Here you can tuck into a mouthwatering selection of food and drinks made using local, seasonal, organic produce.

Doolin Tours

Situated at the point where the Cliffs of Moher plunge into the wild Atlantic, Doolin with its brightly painted ribbon of buildings, is a postcard-pretty seaside village. One of the best ways to get out and explore more of this colourful spot and meet the characters is on a guided group tour with Ollie's Tours. A Clare native, Ollie's authentic tours are all about having the craic whilst connecting with the area through stories. Eat rings around yourself on a food tour or take an adventurous cliff walk and enjoy the breathtaking views of Doolin, the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher along the way. [caption id="attachment_532669" align="alignnone" width="2048"] The Cliffs of Moher[/caption]

Shuck Off Oyster Experience

Did you know that oysters grow from seed and that the environment gives an oyster its flavour? Hear these fascinating facts and more on an oyster experience with Flaggy Shore Oysters, where you'll also learn how to shuck an oyster open before tasting these marvellous molluscs.  The oyster experiences take place at New Quay Pier in Clare, along the Wild Atlantic Way. To make the most of this magnificent setting, Flaggy Shore Oysters can arrange an oyster picnic. Head down the flaggy shore and shuck and slurp whilst watching the sunset over the Cliffs of Moher. Ah shucks, you'll fall in love with oysters for sure. 

Ben's Surf Clinic

How does an exciting weekend of surfing on the Clare coastline sound? Based on the seafront, Ben's Surf Clinic is the ultimate surfing school for beginners and skilled surfers alike. Ben's Surf Clinic has over 25 years coaching experience, offering surfing lessons on a year round basis. Groups are kept small with a focus on fun and spending as much time in the water as possible, and it's the ultimate spot to experience the exhilaration of riding the wild Atlantic waves before the winter nights set in. Take a break this autumn – Keep discovering and let’s go! Capacity restrictions may be in place at visitor attractions, sites and restaurants so you are encouraged to book ahead to avoid disappointment. The Leave No Trace principles help us make as little an impact as possible on the incredible Irish landscape as we explore the outdoors this summer and beyond. Keep outdoor areas safe, clean and free from waste/hazards, and help protect the natural environment. Love this place, leave no trace. Brought to you by Discover Ireland