The best hotels in County Clare

What are the best hotels in County Clare?

County Clare is all rugged Atlantic coastline, rolling countryside and the extraordinary limestone scenery of the Burren, dotted with ancient tombs and crisscrossed by walking trails. There’s lots to keep you busy, from surfing around Lahinch to exploring the Cliffs of Moher and settling into a traditional pub for live music. For somewhere special to stay, Dromoland Castle is the standout choice, with grand historic interiors, beautiful grounds and plenty to do, from falconry to golf. It’s a proper fairytale escape and a wonderful base for exploring this corner of Ireland.

Scroll down the page for our full selection of recommended hotels in County Clare or, for a look at different areas, read our guide to the best places to stay in Ireland.

Best Places to Stay in County Clare

For foodies

• Gregans Castle Hotel is a real treat for foodies, with an acclaimed restaurant holding three AA Rosettes and a menu that celebrates seasonal produce and the flavours of the west of Ireland. Set in the peaceful Burren countryside, it’s the sort of place where you can spend the day exploring local walking trails before settling in for a memorable dinner. The historic house has plenty of character, too, and has welcomed literary greats including CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien and Seamus Heaney.

For a country retreat

• 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 excellent 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

• Fly into Shannon Airport, served daily by direct flights from a number of international destinations. 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 explore County Clare in full, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• County Clare is never exactly balmy, the average in July and August is around 15°C. This is the best time to visit if you want to make the most of the wonderful countryside.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include our recommendations of all the best places to stay in County Galway
• Or, check out our suggestions in County Limerick,
• Alternatively, contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.