Ready to escape to the charming County Clare for a weekend? This guide on how to spend 2 days in County Clare is packed with the top things to do in Co. Clare, Ireland. My parents really wanted to see Cliffs of Moher during their first Irish trip, and while the cliffs are a major draw, there are many more beautiful attractions to discover, most of which are free! From dramatic cliffs and serene beaches in the south to the cosy vibes of Doolin and the picturesque island of Inis Oirr, I’ve got your itinerary covered. Are you ready for an adventure? Let’s explore all the fantastic sights and experiences that make County Clare a must-visit destination!

And remember to check out the prices at the end of the blog post to plan your budget.

Top attractions to visit in Co. Clare, Ireland

On the following Wanderlog map, you can see the main tourist attractions, best outdoor spots and natural beauties, beaches, coffee places, restaurants and our 2-day itinerary for County Clare. On the map, you can see the actual points, and it’s also possible to turn off and on layers.

Watch this YouTube Short for the top things to do in County Clare!

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How to get to County Clare?

To get to County Clare, we chose to rent a car at Dublin airport for flexibility. In Ireland, the most beautiful places are only reachable by car, motorcycle, or bicycle, so we always rent a car for these trips. There are tolls on the motorway, but you can simply tap your card, so you don’t need cash.

How to spend 2 days in Co. Clare, Ireland?

Day 1 – South County Clare

We started our journey in the south part of County Clare and then drove to the north. We were supposed to reach our first stop in 3-4 hours, but an accident and traffic jam held us up for an additional hour on the highway. As a result, we had to skip a few spots along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Loop Head and Éire Sign 45

Loop Head offered a beautiful view of the ocean and cliffs. The cliffs stood tall, and the crashing waves were stunning. It was the perfect spot to enjoy our sandwiches.

The Éire Sign 45 wasn’t very visible from eye level, and we couldn’t get a good look from a higher vantage point. If you don’t know what to look for, you might miss it and focus only on the natural beauty and the fluffy, puffy grass.

You can walk all around, although we didn’t go all the way around the lighthouse.

There was a spacious parking area right next to the lighthouse.

Bridges of Ross

Bridges of Ross is another natural wonder along the Wild Atlantic Way. The parking is close to the coast, and it’s only a few minutes to reach the bridge on foot. There’s a path along the seaside with amazing panorama. 

Originally, Bridges of Ross consisted of three natural sea arches. Over time, due to erosion, only one arch remains today. The layers of the cliffs were fascinating. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, offering a more peaceful experience. It’s less crowded, making it a perfect spot to escape the tourist trail.

Kilkee Cliffs and Pollock Holes

We then travelled north towards Kilkee Cliffs, following the coastline. The view was stunning, but there weren’t many places to stop along the way. 

If you have extra time for a short hike, check out the Kilkee Cliff Walk. This 8 km walk along the cliffs provides beautiful views of the ocean and interesting geological formations, including natural rock arches and sea stacks. 

Near Kilkee, there are parking areas overlooking Pollock Holes.

Kilkee Beach

For a quick stop, we pulled into the public car park at Kilkee to admire the beach and watch the courageous Irish swimmers.

Spanish Point

We prioritised visiting the Cliffs of Moher due to the favourable dry weather, so unfortunately, we didn’t have time to stop at Spanish Point and enjoy the panorama.

Cliffs of Moher

I’m sure Cliffs of Moher is one of Ireland’s most visited and famous places. I’ve been there 3 times, and it was always stunning. It’s completely worth the hype. While it may not be the most beautiful place in Ireland, it’s truly breathtaking. The highest cliff stands at 241 meters above sea level, offering fascinating views of the Atlantic Ocean that photos just can’t capture. You have to see it for yourself.

We got super lucky with the weather and the extended summer hours, so we started exploring the cliffs at 6 pm. It was partly sunny and not too busy, making late afternoon during summer an ideal time to visit. The main panoramic terrace is at O’Brien’s Tower, where the view is already impressive, but it gets even better. You can walk both south and north along the 8 km long path.

We first explored the northern path, which I prefer. We walked almost to the end, encountering cute cows, endless green fields, wildflowers, and stunning beaches and cliffs. There were no tall barriers during our previous visits, so we took photos close to the edge. Now, although it’s forbidden, some people still climb for those cliffside shots…

Next, we walked to the left side along the southern path. No matter where you walk, the views are spectacular.

Pro Tip! Always bring extra layers because the West Coast can be extremely windy.

Cliffs of Moher visitor information

• Summer opening time: 8 am – 9 pm
• Parking: Vast parking area included in ticket price
• Ticket price depends on visiting time. Aim for off-peak for a friendlier price.
• Ticket with online booking (off-peak): 8,00 EUR/person
• Ticket on-site: 12,00 EUR/person
• Visitor centre with exhibition, café, shop and toilets. 
• Duration: 1-2 hours (depending on your walking)
• For more information on Cliffs of Moher website

Dinner at Russell’s Fish Bar in Doolin

After exploring the cliffs, we headed to Russell’s Fish Bar in Doolin for dinner. The restaurant had an elegant modern interior with a stylish, bright covered terrace. We got a table on the terrace, which was charming with its lights and natural design elements like rustic tables, chairs, and benches.

The Guinness tasted fantastic after our long walks. We started with the seafood chowder, which was a bit disappointing because it had a soup-like texture instead of being creamy. It was tasty but didn’t meet our expectations. However, the almost black, brown bread was super tasty. Next, we tried the delicious steamed mussels with lemongrass and lemon sauce. 

My mom and I opted for a smaller dish, the smoked salmon plate with bread, a super delicious sauce, and cucumber. Highly recommend it!

The boys ordered seabass with veggies and potatoes. It was tasty, though they expected a bigger portion. We finished with a chocolate fondant, the perfect way to end the dinner.

Checking into Glenmore House – Where to stay in Doolin? 

We used the self-check-in option at the accommodation, so we arrived only after dinner. The instructions for check-in were sent to us through Booking, and it was straightforward to find the keys and our en suite bedroom.

Glenmore House is located on the outskirts of Doolin. We reserved a Deluxe Family Room for the four of us. The spacious room had two double beds. The beds were soft but comfortable. The duvet was warm, which caused me to wake up several times at night. Our private bathroom had all the essentials.

The house also offered free private parking.

Day 2 – Doolin and Inis Oirr (Inisheer)

Breakfast at Doolin Café

After we checked out, we went for breakfast at Doolin Café, a charming place near the centre of Doolin. The coffee was just okay, but the food was delicious. I tried scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and sourdough toast. We didn’t leave hungry, especially my dad, who ordered a Full Irish breakfast. It was a huge portion, and he was thrilled with his choice. 

Doolin Ferry to Inis Oirr (Inisheer)

We then went to Doolin Pier to catch a ferry to Inisheer Island, the smallest of the 3 Aran Islands. Although the island is part of County Galway, Doolin is a convenient access point, so be sure to include it in your County Clare itinerary.

The Doolin Ferry offers trips to the Aran Islands and also conducts boat tours to the Cliffs of Moher. You can purchase your tickets online, but we bought ours at their cabin. It’s essential to check their timetable online as there are limited departure and return options. We departed at 10 am and returned to Doolin on the 1:45 pm boat. If you have plenty of time, you can also stay overnight, with various B & Bs to choose from.

There’s a parking area right next to the pier and ticket office. 

The 15-minute ferry ride to Inisheer Island offers a scenic view of the Cliffs of Moher as well.

Discovering Inis Oirr (Inisheer) by bicycle

After taking off the boat, it was time to rent a bike. Instead of stopping at the first rental place, we just turned left and walked for 3 minutes until Joyce Bike Hire. The bikes were comfortable, although getting used to setting the gear took us some time.

Other popular ways to get around are guided horse rides, mini-bus guided tours, and walking.

Inish OÍrr is the smallest of the 3 Aran Islands, so 3-4 hours were enough to discover the island. First, we cycled along the seaside a bit, passing by the tiny airport and the graveyard called Teampall Caomhán. 

O’Brien’s Castle

Our first stop was O’Brien’s Castle, almost the highest point on the island. The road up there was a bit challenging, but after that, everything was manageable without pushing the bicycle.

Inis Oirr (Inisheer) Lighthouse

We left the castle and made our way to the lighthouse, but first, we had to take a narrow and shaky shortcut. After that, the journey was smooth, and we rode past stone fences, rolling green hills, and relaxed cows. We reached the lighthouse by bike in 20 minutes, including a few photo breaks. We couldn’t enter the lighthouse due to a gate, but we were happy to admire the view. Many people were walking, but getting around by bicycle was easier and faster.

Plassey Shipwreck

The road to the lighthouse was a “dead end”, so we turned back toward the pier. On the way, we took a right turn to check the Plassey Shipwreck on the coast. At the first junction, we turned right because it seemed easier to go that way. The narrow road was only for one-way traffic, but I’m not sure if the arrow on the ground was relevant to us. Anyway, this way, our ride was more manageable! 

The shipwreck washed ashore in the 1960s. The corrosion has made it look beautiful, and you can even see some plants growing inside it.

Trá Inis Oirr

It was time to ride back to the bay and return the bicycles. We still had time till our ferry, so we grabbed a coffee at Café Úna, a cute place with outdoor seats and a sea view. The coffee wasn’t so tasty, but we drank it anyway. Then we just hung out at the beach, Trá Inis Oirr. 

Man of Aran Fudge 

Man of Aran Fudge is famous for its cream & butter fudge made in Aran Island. It’s located just next to the coffee shop. It offered more than 10 flavours, and all of them looked so mouthwatering and pretty. We decided to sample a few flavours during the ferry ride. The nutty fudge was delicious, although the butterscotch, chocolate, and others were too sweet for my taste. 

Doolin

From the pier, we headed to Doolin centre, which is relatively small. The cute, colourful buildings are home to restaurants, pubs, ice cream and souvenir shops. Wander around the main road and adore the pretty houses and shops.

Close to it, there’s an extended area to park for free, though you’ll need luck finding a place. 

The other parts of the town are spread over a more extensive area, mainly residential houses, accommodations and restaurants. 

Lahinch and Lahinch Beach

On the way to Lahinch, take a look at Dough Castle on your left. When you reach Lahinch Beach, you’ll find a large parking area. We strolled around Lahinch, admiring the charming buildings for a while, but then it started to rain, so we quickly found a restaurant to have lunch. 

Lunch at The Corner Stone Bar and Restaurant in Lahinch

A pint of Guinness was a perfect way to be grateful for the morning sun. The menu of The Corner Stone Bar and Restaurant had an excellent selection from seafood chowder and fish to meats. You already know that we had to sample the seafood chowder, which was 9/10. Creamy, full of different seafood and didn’t contain potatoes. I highly recommend it! For the main dishes, we choose some specialities like grilled salmon and seabass, served with potatoes and veggies. They were tasty and sizable portions. My dad tried out the Traditional Irish Beef Stew, he wasn’t blown away but liked it. 

The place had a nice vibe, and the service was quick and nice. 

Our expenses during 2 days in County Clare 

During our 2-day Co. Clare road trip, we spent money mainly on transportation and dining. We travelled with my parents, and most places offered senior tickets, so they got a discount on Cliffs of Moher and Doolin Ferry. Our trip cost 1078,80 EUR for the four of us, so the average cost for one person was 270 EUR. The prices can change anytime, to plan your budget, make sure to check the websites for up-to-date prices. 

Our main expenses: 

• Accommodation – 200,00 EUR
• Travel costs (rentals, parking, ferry trip) – 504,00EUR
• Tickets – 30,00 EUR
• Food and drinks – 344,80 EUR

Note: 

See our daily expenses below (these were the prices in June 2023):

Day 1 – South County Clare

• Car rental for 2 days – 245 EUR
• Toll fees on N18 and M7 – 4,00 EUR
• Cliffs of Moher entrance fee (2 adults + 2 senior tickets) – 30,00 EUR (price depends on your visiting time!)
• Dinner at Russell’s Fish Bar in Doolin – 162,00 EUR
• Accommodation at Glenmore House in Doolin (1 night in a Deluxe Family Room) – 200,00 EUR

Day 2 – North County Clare

• Breakfast at Doolin Café (4 dishes and coffees) – 54,00 EUR
• Parking fee at Doolin pier (2-30 hours) – 2,00 EUR 
• Return ticket to Inish OÍrr (2 adults + 2 senior return tickets) – 132,00 EUR (34,00 EUR/ adult ticket) 
• Bicycle renting for a day at Joyce Bike Hire (4 bikes) – 60,00 EUR (only cash!) 
• Coffees at Café Úna – 13,50 EUR
• Man of Aran Fudge (small box with 4 tastes) – 12,00 EUR 
• Lunch at The Corner Stone Bar and Restaurant in Lahinch (4 portions) – 103,30 EUR 
• Parking at Lahinch Beach – 2,00 EUR
• Toll fees on N18 and M7 – 4,00 EUR 
• Petrol station – 55 EUR 

And that’s how you can spend an unforgettable 2 days in Co. Clare, Ireland! From the breathtaking views at Loop Head and the Cliffs of Moher to the serene beauty of Inis Oirr and the lively vibe of Doolin, every moment in this charming county is filled with wonder. I told you there’s much more to discover in Co Clare than Cliffs of Moher. The beauty of Ireland always amazed me, and my parents were also mesmerised by Irish nature (and Guinness). 

Would you visit County Clare? Leave a comment below. 

For more travel tips about Ireland, read the following posts:

• Top 5 things to do in Co. Mayo, Ireland – From Downpatrick Head to coastal hikes
• How to spend a day in Kilkenny, Ireland? – Perfect day trip from Dublin
• A nature lover’s guide to the best parks and gardens in Dublin, Ireland

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