Trails and Viewpoints in Co. Clare
6 places
1.Cliff Walk Kilkee
214m-high cliffs with no barriers
A dramatic, crowd-free alternative to the Cliffs of Moher, the Kilkee Cliff Walk offers 8km of sheer limestone cliffs, sea stacks, and Atlantic panoramas — all free and open year-round right from the edge of Kilkee town.
- Highlights
- 214m-high limestone cliffs with no barriers — raw and uncrowded
- The Pollock Holes — natural tidal swimming pools
- Bishop's Island sea stack and nesting seabird colony
- Facilities
- Wheelchair access
2.12 O'Clock Hills
Quirky compass-sundial at summit
A community-run hill-walking haven in East Clare, where three waymarked trails climb through forest, heritage ruins, and bogland to panoramic views across Munster — all anchored by a quirky compass-sundial at the summit.
- Highlights
- 309m summit with 360° views across Munster and the Shannon Estuary
- Unique compass-sundial for identifying distant landmarks
- Fairyland and Kindness Rocks trail for families
- Facilities
- Wheelchair access
3.Doolin Cliff Walks
Guided by a fifth-generation local farmer
A spectacular guided (or self-guided) coastal walk along the Cliffs of Moher from Doolin, led by fifth-generation local farmer Pat Sweeney — one of the most authentic ways to experience Ireland's most famous sea cliffs, far from the crowds.
- Highlights
- Guided by Pat Sweeney, a fifth-generation local farmer who created the trail
- Far fewer crowds than the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre approach
- Crosses working farmland with grazing cattle and sheep beside the sea
4.Ballycuggaran Forest Car Park
Trailhead to Clare's highest peak
A gateway trailhead in the Slieve Bernagh Mountains with waymarked forest walks, access to Clare's highest peak, and sweeping views over Lough Derg.
- Highlights
- Panoramic views over Lough Derg
- Clare's highest point (Moylussa, 532 m)
- Three waymarked forest trails
5.Bothar nA hAillite
a wild, unfenced clifftop road above the Atlantic
A wild, wind-battered pull-in on the R479 clifftop road near Ballyryan, where bare Burren limestone meets the Atlantic with no fences, no queues and no admission gate. Stop on the drive between Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher and you can stand right at the cliff edge.
- Highlights
- Unfenced clifftop viewpoints right at the Atlantic edge
- Bare Burren limestone pavement underfoot
- Aran Islands and Connemara visible on clear days
- Facilities
- Good for kids
6.Cliffs of Moher Walking Trail
See puffins from free clifftop trail
A stunning clifftop trail rising from sea level at Doolin to jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic, the Aran Islands, and Ireland's most famous sea cliffs — all walkable for free.
- Highlights
- Puffins nesting on grassy cliff banks (May–June)
- Doonagore Castle visible from the early section of trail
- Views to the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, and on clear days the Dingle Peninsula