The Clare Woof Guide: Dog-Friendly Adventures: Trails, Forests, and Beaches

Clare is bursting with dog-friendly adventures, from the shady serenity of forests to scenic lakeside paths, open woodland trails, and beautiful beaches. These carefully chosen routes below will keep tails wagging. So grab the leash, pack some essentials, and start exploring the best dog-friendly spots Clare has to offer!

Fetch, Stretch, and Beach Adventures

Blue-Flag Beach Locations: Lahinch, Kilkee, Fanore, Spanish Point, White Stand Miltown Malbay, and White Strand Doonbeg.

Clare’s blue-flag beaches are a dream come true for you and your dog, offering long stretches of sand, fresh sea air, and plenty of space. During the summer season, dogs are welcome on the beaches before 11am and after 6pm, providing the perfect opportunity to enjoy the cooler parts of the day when the sands are quieter and the light is at its most beautiful. Outside of these hours, dogs are not permitted, so plan your visit to make the most of the stunning coastal scenery with your four-legged friend.

Doughmore Beach, however, is an exception, allowing dogs at all times of the day as long as they are kept on a lead and their owners follow the usual etiquette (see below).

Remember to keep your dog on a lead, avoid disturbing people or wildlife, and clean up after them to help ensure Clare’s coast stays as pristine as it is welcoming.

For Details of Clare’s Blue Flag Beaches, see here

A Paws in the Woods Adventure at Dromore

Location: Dromore Woodland Nature Reserve, near Ruan, North Clare

Dromore Woodland Nature Reserve, tucked away in North Clare near the Burren, is a pawfect spot for a family day out with your furry friend. Spanning 400 hectares of natural beauty, this enchanting reserve is brimming with woodlands, shimmering lakes, and fascinating limestone landscapes. It’s a paradise for curious noses and wagging tails, but remember to keep dogs on a lead to protect the abundant wildlife.

The loop walk begins at the main car park, making it easy to kick off your adventure. As you meander along the scenic trails, you’ll discover treasures like the majestic 17th-century O’Brien Castle perched by the lakeside and historic gems such as Cahermacrea Castle, ring forts, and even an old lime kiln. It’s a tail-wagging mix of nature and history!

Dromore is just 2km from the village of Ruan and 10km from Ennis. There is good parking at the reserve. The link below provides more details and a map.

View more details about Dromore Woodland Nature Reserve here

Trails for Tails at John O’Sullivan Park, Ennis

Location: John O’Sullivan Park, Lees Road, Ennis

Nestled just 1km from Ennis, this woodland gem spans 134 acres and offers a delightful mix of looped walks and forest trails, perfect for dogs and their humans. The marked routes wind through serene woodlands, providing plenty of scents and sights for curious noses and wagging tails. Information boards at the car park offer fascinating insights into the flora and fauna, making it a learning experience as well as an adventure.

Dogs must remain on a lead to ensure the park stays safe and enjoyable for everyone. With its tranquil atmosphere and well-maintained trails, this woodland escape is ideal for a daytime outing. Don’t forget to check the park’s closing times before setting off, and always clean up after your dog to keep the space pristine.

Note: The park is also a vibrant sports hub for Ennis and Clare, catering to everyone from serious athletes to families. Facilities include playing pitches, an all-weather pitch, a skateboard park, an athletics track, cross-country trails, an active trail, and a playground for children.

Paws for Treasures at Mooghaun Hillfort

Location: Mooghaun Hillfort, Newmarket-on-Fergus

Mooghaun Hillfort, located approximately 2.4km East of Newmarket-on-Fergus in County Clare, offers a magical blend of history, nature, and family fun. Nestled within lush woodlands, this Late Bronze Age site is the largest hillfort in Ireland and a haven for curious noses and wagging tails. The forest trails here are ideal for a family dog walk, with fairy doors adding a touch of enchantment for little ones.

The self-guided trail leads you through a landscape steeped in history, with the fort’s towering limestone ramparts hinting at its ancient past. Once a site of immense power and prestige, Mooghaun also holds the distinction of being associated with the largest hoard of prehistoric gold found in Western Europe, some of which is displayed in the National Museum of Ireland.

Keep your dog on a lead, and enjoy this enchanting walk where history meets nature. Expect at least a 20-30 walk with your dog on this site.