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.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in County Clare.
• Widen the net to include our recommendations of all the best places to stay in Galway or Limerick.
• Alternatively, feel free to contact one of our friendly gurus for advice.