Beaches
There are a number of bathing spots in the area, such as Rhinevella and Carrigaholt, the most popular being the beautiful horseshoe shaped beach in Kilkee. This cove is protected from strong tides and currents by a reef that crosses the entrance to the bay, so this gently sloping beach has earned the reputation of being Ireland's safest beach. It has retained its status as a 'Blue-Flag' beach this year and has lifeguard cover during the holiday months.
 

Loophead Lighthouse
For over two hundred years, the lighthouse at Loophead has guided many ships safely along the West Coast of Ireland and up the Shannon Estuary. The lighthouse is still functional, at the point "Where the River Shannon meets the sea", Loophead. The name Loophead comes from the Irish 'Ceann Leime', or Leap Head. The name is derived from an Irish legend which tells that lovers Diarmaid and Grainne made their way to lands end in West Clare, when trying to escape the army of Diarmaids bitter suitor, Queen Meave. Seemingly trapped when surrounded by water on three
sides and the army on the other, they escaped when Diarmaid lifted Grainne into his arms and leapt to an outcrop of rock, now known as Diarmaid and Grainne's Rock.

For the not so active
If your idea of a holiday doesn't involve trekking or leaving terra-firma, there's still lots to see in West Clare which will ensure that your visit will be both as interesting and relaxing as you would wish.
 

History & Folklore
West Clare is steeped in history and folklore. One of the the most interesting local attractions is the Little Ark, a Mass-Alter on wheels which was used during penal times to sustain the religious struggle against landlord oppression. The original Ark, which has survived from the 1850's, is on display at the local church in Moneen, Kilbaha.
Early dwelling sites known as ring forts are still to be found in the area. A boat trip to Scattery Island will take you to one of Ireland's most preserved historical sites, with an original round tower and the ruins of seven churches.