Self Catering Accommodation Guide To Lahinch, Co. Clare, Ireland
About Lahinch
Lahinch in Co Clare is one of Ireland's best known seaside resorts. The town of Lahinch has grown around the beautiful two kilometer long sandy blue flag beach, which has long been recognised as the cleanest seaside resort in the country. Lahinch welcomes thousands of holiday makers and surfers each year to enjoy the sand, sea and surf that the town has become famous for. Lahinch is considered to be a mecca in Ireland for surfers and windsurfs due to the frequent high surf.
The Promenade at Lahinch is fully developed providing visitors with an excellent short walk along the beach and seashore. For a longer stroll visitors can continue from the end of the prom along the 2km long beach.
The seaside town is the ideal base to explore the beautiful Clare Coastline, with numerous scenic and historical places of interest within an hours drive of Lahinch including:
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
Clare is also steeped in magical history, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park are among the places that are evidence of this. Bunratty heritage village is probably best known for its Castle and Folk Park. Built in 1425, Bunratty Castle was restored to its former splendour in 1954 and it is now recognised as the most authentic medieval castle in Ireland. Evenings of entertainment, song, dance and medieval feasts are held almost every night at the castle and folk park.
The peaceful village of Bunratty has developed around the Castle and is modelled on the old style of the adjacent Folk Park.
Aran Islands
From Lahinch visitors can explore the Aran Islands with regular ferries from Doolin (30 minutes drive from Lahinch) to the Irish speaking Island of Inishere (the smallest of the quaint Islands). While on the Islands why not purchase an Aran Sweater which was traditionally made by the wives of local fishermen. Each complex stitch of the Aran Sweater has a mythical meaning attributed to it, claiming to symbolise wishes of wealth, happiness and the in case of fishermen, a good catch.
Cliffs of Moher
The spectacular world renowned Cliffs of Moher are just less than a half hours drive from Lahinch. Here you can stand on the edge of Ireland and watch the furious Atlantic waves crash against the world famous cliffs.
The Burren
The Burren (Gaelic: Aill Bhuì meaning yellow cave) is a totally unique landscape of limestone which spans 250 sq kilometers through the North Western corner of Co. Clare. For the chance to view all the Burren has to offer why not take the Burren Way Walking Route which is a 28 mile (45 km) signposted walking trail from Liscannor, along by the Cliffs of Moher, onto Doolin and into Ballyvaughan.
The Aillwee Caves
The Aillwee Caves just 30 minutes drive from the seaside town of Lahinch is probably the most famous of the many ancient caves that are hidden beneath the limestone landscape of the Burren. The cave itself features an underground river, waterfall, some very impressive stalactites & stalagmites along with animal remains including bears and many ancient relics.
Activities in Lahinch
- Surfing - Lahinch Surf School is based in a beach hut on the promenade along Lahinch beach with spans over 2 miles and is the ideal place for beginners to learn the art of surfing.
- Lahinch Sea World - is an ideal one stop shop for an enjoyable family day of fun.
- Moher Hill Open Farm - is a great family day out where visitors get an insight into a working farm.
- Burren Walks - is the ideal way to view all the Burren has to offer while taking in the breathtaking scenery of County Clare
- Golf - Lahinch Golf Course is world famous as a challenging course with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Festivals and Fairs in Lahinch and the surrounding area:
- Doonbeg International Jazz Festival
- Willie Clancy Festival
- Matchmaking Festival
- St. Patrick's Day Festival Ennis
- Spancil Hill Annual Fair
- Feile Brian Boru Killaloe
Places of Interest Near Lahinch
Places to Eat and Restaurants in Lahinch
- Barrtra Seafood Restaurant - highly recommended family run restaurant
- Atlantic Hotel Lahinch
- Byrne's Resaurant Ennistymon
- Ballinlacken Castle, Doolin
- Randaddys
- VL Restaurant
- O'Looneys Restaurant
