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A place famous enough for a song, Lisdoonvarna is a picturesque town in the heart of Clare, and a great base for exploring the Banner County. Indeed, music and Lisdoonvarna go hand in hand, as the area plays host to several festivals across the year, while both Lisdoonvarna and nearby Doolin are famed for their traditional music sessions. If you’re looking a short break with a great variety of pubs and fantastic local music, Lisdoonvarna could be just what you’re after. Located in the famous Burren area of Clare, here you will find the Lisdoonvarna Spa Wells, a significantly important geological site located in the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. The waters that flow from springs in the Clare Shale in Lisdoonvarna have attracted visitors for their curative properties for over 300 years, and today, the exhibition at these Victorian Wells have become one of the most visited tourist attractions in Clare.
Located in the heart of the Burren region, a holiday to Lisdoonvarna has you well placed to explore one of Ireland’s most stunning national parks, the Burren National Park. This limestone dominated landscape is home to several key geosites and discovery points including Fanore Beach, Doolin Cave, Poulnabrone and Slieve Carran. The most famous of Clare’s geosites, and arguably its most iconic tourist attraction is the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. A 15-minute drive from Lisdoonvarna, these famous cliffs are simply a must see when visiting Clare, with a selection of scenic cliff walks just waiting to take your breath away. From the Cliffs of Moher be sure to make your way to the village of Doolin where you can get a ferry across to the Aran Islands.
County Clare has a great reputation for its food and drink producers, and nowhere is this most visible than Lisdoonvarna. The town is home to the world-famous Burren Smokehouse, while the Wild Honey Inn in Lisdoonvarna was the first pub in Ireland to be awarded a Michelin Star. Lisdoonvarna also plays host to the annual Burren Slow Food Festival (May) and Burren Food Fayre (October), so for foodie fans looking a culinary escape, Lisdoonvarna could be just what you are after. Join the troops on the popular Burren Food Trail and meet the local producers that continue to put this part of Clare on Ireland’s foodie map.
While the Cliffs of Moher and Burren Geopark provide plenty of attractions to visit, and so much natural beauty to marvel at, Lisdoonvarna has you well placed to enjoy some of Clare’s many visitor highlights. Located in the Burren region, you’re well placed to enjoy the sites made famous in the hit TV show ‘Father Ted’, by joining Teds Tours, while Doolin Cave and Aillwee Cave provide a memorable underground experience. The coastal village of Lahinch is popular with fans of the water, and home to Clare’s best-known surf school, while golfing enthusiasts regularly visit the area in pursuit of a rewarding golf break at Lahinch Golf Club. Should you want to venture further afield, Loop Head Peninsula, Clare County Museum and Killaloe (birthplace of Brian Boru) are all worth exploring.