🌬️ County Clare: Cliffs, CĂ©ilĂs, and the Coziest Guesthouses in Ireland
Welcome to County Clare, where the wind sings through ancient stones, the music never stops, and the Guinness tastes like it was poured by the gods themselves. Perched on Ireland’s wild west coast, Clare is a county of dramatic landscapes, deep traditions, and some of the most welcoming bed and breakfasts in Ireland.
Whether you’re standing on the edge of the world at the Cliffs of Moher, tapping your toes in a trad session in Ennis, or waking up to a full Irish in a cosy bed and breakfast in Clare, this county is a feast for the senses and a balm for the soul.
🌄 Must-See Marvels and Hidden Gems
The Cliffs of Moher: Ireland’s Edge
Towering 214 metres above the Atlantic, the Cliffs of Moher are Ireland’s most iconic natural wonder. On a clear day, you can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, and even the Twelve Bens of Connemara. On a misty day, it’s like standing at the edge of a dream.
Tip: Visit early or late in the day to avoid crowds—and bring a windproof jacket!
The Burren: A Lunar Landscape on Earth
The Burren is a vast limestone plateau that looks like it belongs on another planet. But look closer, and you’ll find rare wildflowers, ancient tombs, and hidden caves. It’s a place of quiet magic and geological wonder.
Don’t miss Poulnabrone Dolmen, a 5,000-year-old portal tomb that stands like a sentinel over the stone-strewn landscape.
Doolin: The Heartbeat of Irish Music
This tiny village is world-famous for its traditional music. Every night, pubs like Gus O’Connor’s and McGann’s come alive with fiddles, flutes, and foot-stomping fun. Grab a pint, find a corner, and let the music carry you away.
🧙‍♂️ Curious Facts and Local Lore
- Clare is home to Father Ted’s House, a pilgrimage site for fans of the beloved sitcom. It’s privately owned, but you can book afternoon tea by appointment.
- The Aillwee Cave in the Burren is one of Ireland’s oldest caves—and it comes with a birds of prey centre!
- Clare’s Loop Head Peninsula was named the best place to holiday in Ireland by The Irish Times. It’s wild, windswept, and wonderful.
🛏️ Bed and Breakfasts & Guest Houses in Clare
To truly experience Clare’s charm, stay in a bed and breakfast in Clare or one of its many delightful guest houses. These locally run gems offer warm welcomes, hearty breakfasts, and insider tips you won’t find in any guidebook.
Here are some of the top-rated guest houses and bed and breakfasts in Clare:
🏡 Ballinalacken Castle Country House – Near Doolin
A luxurious B&B set in a 15th-century castle with panoramic views of the Atlantic. Perfect for a romantic getaway.
🏡 Daly’s House – Doolin
A guest favourite for its warm hospitality, beautiful rooms, and legendary breakfasts. Located just a short stroll from the music pubs.
🏡 Glasha Meadows B&B – Doolin
Spacious rooms, peaceful surroundings, and a breakfast that’ll keep you full until dinner. Ideal for exploring the Burren and Cliffs.
🏡 Railway View House – Ennis
A charming guesthouse in Clare’s musical capital, offering comfort, convenience, and a great base for exploring the county.
Whether you’re after a coastal escape, a musical retreat, or a base for Burren adventures, guest houses in Clare offer something for everyone—and a true taste of bed and breakfast in Ireland.
🍽️ Where to Eat Like a Local
Clare’s food scene is a celebration of land and sea. Here are a few must-try spots:
- Vaughan’s Anchor Inn – Liscannor: Famous for its seafood and traditional charm.
- The Wild Honey Inn – Lisdoonvarna: Ireland’s first Michelin-starred pub.
- The Cloister Restaurant – Ennis: Elegant dining in a historic setting.
And don’t forget to try Clare’s famous smoked salmon, best enjoyed with brown bread and a sea breeze.
🍻 Cheapest Pint of Guinness in Clare
Now, the golden question: Where can you find the cheapest pint of Guinness in County Clare?
Local sources point to The Diamond Bar in Ennistymon, where a creamy pint of the black stuff will set you back just €4.70. It’s a traditional pub with a friendly crowd, a roaring fire, and a pour that would make Arthur Guinness proud.
🧳 Whimsical Weekend Itinerary
Day 1: Cliffs and CĂ©ilĂs
- Morning: Walk the Cliffs of Moher coastal trail.
- Afternoon: Explore Doolin and the Burren.
- Evening: Dinner and a trad session at Gus O’Connor’s.
Day 2: Caves and Castles
- Morning: Visit Aillwee Cave and the Burren Perfumery.
- Afternoon: Afternoon tea at Father Ted’s House (book ahead).
- Evening: Relax in your bed and breakfast in Clare with a cup of tea and a view of the hills.
📸 Instagram-Worthy Spots
- The Cliffs of Moher at golden hour.
- Poulnabrone Dolmen silhouetted against the sky.
- A fiddle player in full flow in a Doolin pub.
- A steaming cup of tea on a guesthouse patio.
🧠Getting There and Getting Around
Clare is easily accessible from Shannon Airport, just 30 minutes from Ennis. A car is recommended for exploring the coast and countryside, but buses connect major towns and tourist spots.
đź’š Final Thoughts: Why Clare is the Soul of the West
County Clare is a place of wild beauty, deep roots, and warm hearts. Whether you’re standing on the edge of the world, dancing to a fiddle tune, or waking up in a cosy bed and breakfast in Clare, this county offers a true taste of Ireland’s soul.
So pack your walking boots, bring your appetite, and prepare to fall in love with Clare—one cliff, one cĂ©ilĂ, and one pint at a time.
