About County Clare

County Clare is wild and poetic, with a coastline battered by Atlantic waves and inland hills that roll into ancient limestone landscapes. Among the best places to stay in County Clare, you'll find everything from romantic castle hideaways and country inns with knockout food to peaceful B&Bs wrapped in roses. Whether you’re here to hike the Burren, chase surf breaks or simply eat and exhale, there’s a stay to suit every pace.

Start in the Burren, where ancient stone walls crisscross a surreal karst landscape dotted with orchids and neolithic tombs. Walkers and cyclists will love the trails here, while surfers head for the waves at nearby Lahinch and Spanish Point. For golfers, there are championship courses along the coast. Food-lovers are spoilt too—County Clare’s dining scene is quietly brilliant, with seasonal menus, foraged touches and stellar Irish seafood served in tucked-away inns and fine dining hotels alike. Culture-wise, you’re close to the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren Centre and several craft shops and galleries. In the evenings, traditional music spills from pubs in towns like Doolin, and there’s always a fire to sit beside with a glass of something warming. Whether you're after rural charm, coastal adventure or a grand, storybook escape, the right base makes all the difference.

Best Places to Stay in County Clare

For foodies

  • Gregans Castle Hotel is the perfect place to stay if you're trying to finish a book - remote, peaceful, beautiful and historic. CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien and Seamus Heaney have all stayed here and enjoyed the serenity. Though it might not have had the same 3 AA Rosettes then, it would still have been a great country escape for birdwatching and long walks.

Country Retreat

  • Ballinsheen House & Gardens is a tranquil B&B tucked just outside Lisdoonvarna, surrounded by lawns, roses and quiet country charm. The interiors are bright and elegant, and breakfast is a highlight, with home baking and produce from the garden. It’s a peaceful base for walking in the Burren or exploring the nearby coast at your own pace.
  • If you're here for the great outdoors, then the Wild Honey Inn in the Burren is one of the best places to stay in County Clare. This great little country inn is close to two great surf beaches, a golf course and plenty of walking and biking trails. The food is excellent, and the garden charming.
  • Sheedy's is a top coastal getaway, set in an 18th century country house offering traditional accommodation and a library. Enjoy splendid cuisine, with an emphasis on local seafood, and spend your days cycling, hiking, playing golf or surfing.

For a Touch of Grandeur

  • For full-on fairytale vibes, Dromoland Castle delivers turrets, formal gardens, lakes and lavish interiors steeped in aristocratic history. Guests can try archery, golf or falconry, or simply soak up the splendour of this 16th-century pile near Shannon. It’s a unique luxury stay that feels part stately home, part dreamscape.

For An Apartment Or Holiday Home

  • If you think a self-catering option would best suit your needs then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • County Clare is never exactly balmy, the highest the temperature goes is an average of 15°C in July and August. This is the best time to visit if you want to make the most of the wonderful countryside.
  • Fly into Shannon Airport, served daily by direct flights from a number of international destinations (including London Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted and Edinburgh).
  • From the airport, you can either hop on the bus or take a cab to your final stop.
  • If you want to hire a car, which we strongly advise if you want to really get to see County Clare, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

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The best hotels in County Clare

Wild Honey Inn

County Clare (Lisdoonvarna)

Traditional country inn serving fabulous food in The Burren. Fourteen simple but stylish rooms with plenty of options for families. Charming garden for relaxation and loads of activities close by: walking, cycling, surfing...A great value base for exploring Ireland's rugged West Coast.

  • Sights nearby - The Cliffs of Moher are just down the road or you can get a ferry to the Aran Islands from Doolin.
  • Great walks - Situated in The Burren where there is fantastic walking
  • Views - All rooms have views of the surrounding countryside
  • Surfing - Lahinch and Fanore beaches are within easy reach
from $84 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Ballinsheen House & Gardens

County Clare

A charming family-run B&B in a spectacularly beautiful part of Ireland. Elegant rooms are decorated with soft hues, modern furniture and feature indulgent bathrooms. Enjoy the views from the sunny terrace or spend evenings in the fire lit lounge after a day exploring the region.

  • Active Holiday - The surrounding countryside offers a host of outdoor pursuits.
  • Sights nearby - Visit local attractions; The Cliffs of Moher, The Aran Islands, Aillwee Cave in Ballyvaughan and Doolin Cave.
  • Great walks - Find miles of scenic trails starting straight from the property.
  • Boutique
from $105 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on My Luxury Hotel

Sheedy's

County Clare (Lisdoonvarna)

Welcoming 18th century country house. Traditional bedroom interiors feature writing desks, sofas and modern bathrooms. Library and lounge to relax in. Excellent menu with focus on Irish seafood. A great spot to explore the coast.

  • Active Holiday - With the cliffs of Moher just a ten minute drive, with coastal walks and surfing, return to cosy hotel for gourmet dinner
  • Great walks - The Burren Way stretches from Doolin to Ballyvaughan
  • Sights nearby - Aran Islands is a fantastic day trip
  • Surfing - Lahinch Surf School
from $116 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Gregans Castle Hotel

County Clare (County Clare)

18th-century manor house hotel with literary connections within a scenic national park in Western Ireland. Rooms have stylish contemporary decor and views are sublime. Very family friendly, some rooms even have a small private garden area, and dogs are welcome too.

  • Child friendly - There are a selection of family rooms some with direct access to their own garden area.
  • Foodies - 3 AA Rosette standard fine dining.
  • Sights nearby
  • Outstanding location
from $247 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on My Luxury Hotel

Dromoland Castle

County Clare

An imposing castle set in 450 acres of parkland and boasting its own 18-hole championship golf course. Rooms are suitably grand with a heady blend of traditional style with contemporary luxuries. The restaurant is highly acclaimed and there's a wide range of rural activities on offer.

  • Active Holiday - Boasting its own golf course and numerous other rural pursuits this is perfect destination for those who like to get outdoors
  • Golf - Play a round on the impressive 18-hole championship course on the property grounds
  • Country Escape - An imposing castle set in acres of manicured grounds; a luxurious rural escape
  • Swimming Pool - Indoor pool
from $326 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees