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Hiking & Walking

At Dromoland Castle

Dromoland Castle’s estate offers just a taster of the natural magic that awaits you outside the Castle gates. Clare is a truly remarkable county, blessed with wide open spaces, unspoilt views, incredible coastline and glorious nature. The perfect landscape for walkers and hikers, the terrain can be as challenging or easy-going as you wish. With panoramic views of the Atlantic, pastoral scenes dotted with ancient dolmens, ring forts and castles, astonishing flora and fauna and the tranquillity of the world renowned Burren, Clare’s natural riches beg to be explored and enjoyed.

You’ll find trails for all levels of hill walkers and hikers close by, each one outstanding for its natural beauty and the human stories etched upon the land here.For the more casual walker there are many well signposted local loop walks in the area of varying lengths and we have some wonderful walking guides and historians available to accompany our guests on the trails through Co. Clare. A reasonable level of fitness is required for these recommended hikes as are good, strong walking boots with ankle support. Rain gear, in these parts, is always a good idea too and don’t forget your camera: there’s incredible scenes around every bend.

Dromoland Castle can arrange guided tours for you year round, with all hikes and walks lasting from a half day to a full day. We can also provide you with a delicious packed lunch, and walking sticks are available if required when you book a guide.

Below are listed just some of our favourite walks and hikes in Co. Clare;

 

Burren Experience

Take in some of the more remote and beautiful parts of the Mountain within the Burren National Park. The walks are very much walks of engagement and include insight and interpretation on the historical and spiritual landmarks as well as the botany, geology, and farming of the area.

With your local guide you’ll gain access to areas of beauty which are otherwise inaccessible to visitors.

 

The Mullaghmore Experience

A two-hour nature walk and immersion in the Burren. From a spiritual walk to a farm heritage walk, you can enjoy a relaxed ramble, or something a little more strenuous for the more serious walking enthusiast!

 

Kilkee Cliffs Loop Walk

The cliffs of Kilkee may be far less known than the Cliffs of Moher, but they most certainly aren’t less impressive. And with no entrance fees and fewer people they offer a tranquil alternative to their better known neighbour. Most people only walk the mile from Kilkee's West End up to the first cliff, but a walk all the way along the coast is worth the effort. This is a suggested loop walk, but you can simply walk in both directions along the coast, if you’d prefer, take a short cut halfway or even cycle it. Whatever you chose, you’ll have a rewarding experience.
Length 18.4 km, 4-5 hours

 

The Doolin Cliff Walk Experience

The cliff walk begins in Fisher Street, Doolin outside the famed O'Connors Pub. From there we’ll walk along the road towards Doonagore Castle, before beginning the trail along the Cliffs of Moher.

Along your way you will cross the local farms, learning how the land here has been worked and handed down through the generations. Enjoying the wild contrasts of lush green grass, rocky cliffs and crashing waves your walk passes along the highest point of the Cliffs of Moher, standing 214m (702 feet) above sea level. On a clear day you can spot the Dingle Peninsula and Loop Head to the south, the Aran Islands to the west and Connemara’s Twelve Pins. O'Briens Tower is near the highest point and serves as an excellent viewing platform.

The walk ends at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre where you can visit the craft shops. The walk isn’t difficult, although you’ll need a basic level of fitness and a good head for heights.

 

Mullaghmore Loop Burren National Park

This difficult but very rewarding walk follows the blue marked trail on and around the mountain with the addition of an adventurous alternative. Though it leads you through some rough terrain you may expect to see unusual rock formations and fossils which you won't find anywhere else in the Burren. Use extreme caution on the whole track and watch your step. Finish the experience with tea and scones in Father Ted's House, nearby.
Length: 6.6 kms, 3 hrs.

 

Gleninagh Mountain, the Burren

A wonderful circuit to explore the limestone landscape of the Burren, this elevated walk features fabulous views of Galway Bay and ancient monuments. Starting at Fanore Church it can be walked in both directions. You’ll need to tread carefully to avoid stepping into one of the numerous fissures!

 

The Burren landscape

With its unusual rock formations, fascinating archaeology and renowned flora and fauna, the Burren provides a sometimes challenging, and always spectacular terrain for guided walks and hikes. Vast, peaceful and utterly wild, you may even meet the local wild goat inhabitants who called this rugged limestone terrain home.