The towns and villages of the area are easily accessible by bus or car. The main town of Ennis has all several large super markets including Aldi and Lidl as well as offering Boutique shops and a large Dunnes Department store. The local towns of Lisdoonvarna and Ennistymon offer many places to eat and drink
Towns & Places
Ennis (Inis – an islet or river meadow)
Ennis, on the banks of the River Fergus, is the county town of Clare, with quaint narrow streets and broad visitor appeal. It is also the cathedral town of the Catholic diocese of Killaloe.
The town developed round a 13th century castle built by a chief of the powerful O’Brien family, which established its headquarters at nearby Clonroad. It became a borough in 1612.
Visitors particularly enjoy the range of shopping – including craft shopping and superb dining options – to suit all tastes.
Ennis is a the Traditional music Capital of Ireland and music resounds from many centres, particularly from within its famous character pubs and the newly opened Glor, International Folk Music Centre.
Lahinch (Leacht Ui Chonchuir – O’Connor’s Grave)
Lies on the Alantic coast and is a popular holiday resort, noted for its 18-hole championship golf course, fine beach and great surfing.
There is an Entertainment Centre beside the promenade, which is open all summer and provides all types of entertainment from bingo to traditional music. Dough Castle, built by Donnchadh O’Connor in 1422, later the property of the O’Briens, lies to the north of Lahinch.
Lisdoonvarna
Lisdoonvarna is Irelands only Spa town. It lies on the southern edge of the Burren and became a popular health resort in the early nineteenth century thanks largely to its famous spa wells.
The Spa’s therapeutic mineral waters contain magnesia, iodine and iron. It is famous also for its September festival – one of Europe’s largest singles matchmaking festivals. It is an excellent base for exploring the Burren and sampling the famous music and craic of North Clare. It is also home to the Burren Smokehouse as well as numerous hotels and pubs.
Ennistymon (Inis Díomáin – river meadow)
Ennistymon lies in the southern extremity of the Burren, and has a long history as a market town for the surrounding Burren community. It is a lively and bustling town, with the majority of the businesses still family-owned and run.
Many of the shops retain their traditional shopfronts and doors. The narrow street near the bridge over the Cullenagh River is the oldest part of the town. A little below the bridge, the river rushes over an extensive ridge of rocks resulting in the beautiful cascades.
Corofin (Coradh Finne – Finne’s weir)
This angler’s paradise lies to the southeast of Lake Inchiquin, right at the heart of a lake complex, which forms part of the Fergus headwaters and offers excellent coarse and game fishing.
The Clare Heritage Centre offers an insightive portrayal of Irish life in the traumatic period between 1800 and 1860.
The two castles on Lake Inchiquin were O’Brien strongholds, both are unfortunately now in ruin.
Corofin House was the birthplace of Sir Frederick Burton (1816-1900), painter and director of the National Gallery, London.
Carran (An Carn the cairn or mound)
The village of Carran lies to the east of Slieve Carran, the highest point in this part of the Burren. A climb to the top will be rewarded with marvellous views of this unique landscape.
Carran church: a sort distance away, are the remains of a fairly large medieval parish church. Nearby is Temple Cronan church, (12th century), with some grotesque Romanesque heads on the exterior wall.
The village was the birthplace of Michael Cusack, inspirer and co-founder in 1884 of the Gaelic Athletic Association (G.A.A,).
Ballyvaughan (Baile Ui Bheachain Behan’s or Vaughan’s town)
A picturesque sea-side village nestled between the Burren Mountains and Galway Bay. The village offers excellent sea fishing, entertainments and craft workshops. Bishop’s Quarter beach, 1.5 km away, is an excellent bathing spot and is noted for the wide variety of shells.
Aran Islands
The beautiful Aran Islands, the “Islands of Saints and Scholars” is located just off Galway. A true Irish experience where locals speak Irish as well as english. An outdoor museum scattered with celtic churches of historical importance , The spectacular Dun Aonghasa and Cliffs of Aran, A venue for the Redbull Cliff Diving, Setting of the film ‘Man of Aran’ , Home of the Aran Sweater, and total release from the hussle and bustle of the mainland.
Catch a ferry only 100m from the Campsite!