Explore Clare – Great Days Out Itinerary

Morning

Leave Ennis and follow the R352 east towards Tuamgraney and Scarriff — a scenic route of about 45 minutes (40 km) through rolling countryside and traditional villages. These welcoming East Clare communities sit on the shores of Lough Derg, blending heritage, craft, and creativity with a relaxed small-town feel.

In Tuamgraney, you can visit Wilde Irish Chocolates, where hand-made sweets and fudge are created in small batches. The shop is a treat for the senses — perfect for gifts or a takeaway indulgence.

A little further along the village, stop at McKernan Woollen Mills, where contemporary woven scarves and textiles are designed and made on site. Browse and buy at the shop, and see the looms in motion — a fascinating insight into a local family craft business.

Continue a short distance to Scarriff, a friendly market town on the shores of Lough Derg. Just outside the town you’ll find the Irish Seed Savers Association, a beautiful organic site dedicated to conserving Ireland’s native and heritage varieties of fruit, vegetables, and grains. Visitors can wander through the gardens and orchards, learn about seed preservation, and purchase seeds, plants, and seasonal produce to take home.

Optional Spur – Mountshannon & Holy Island

From Scarriff, take the short R352 spur to Mountshannon (about 15 minutes). The village overlooks the broad, tranquil waters of Lough Derg and is one of Clare’s prettiest lakeside spots.

Explore the newly opened Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience, which tells the story of Holy Island and the wider heritage of Lough Derg through engaging displays in the restored rectory building. Nearby, Aistear Park offers a peaceful green space between the main street and the harbour, complete with a maze, playground, and picnic seating overlooking the lake — a lovely place to pause and unwind.

From Mountshannon Harbour, you can also join a boat trip to Holy Island (Inis Cealtra) — a remarkable early Christian monastic site with a round tower, churches, and ancient graves.
Boat trips are weather-dependent and add approximately 1.5–2 hours to your day, so plan accordingly.

Afternoon

Continue south from Scarriff to Killaloe and Ballina, following one of Clare’s most scenic stretches of road. The route hugs the slopes above Lough Derg, revealing wide views across the lake and forested hills as you descend toward the twin towns — a drive that captures the quiet beauty of East Clare. Along the way, you’ll pass Ballycuggeran, a lovely lakeside spot known for its Blue Flag beach, woodland walks, and swimming area, perfect for a short stop or a return visit on another day.

As you approach Killaloe, step into the story of Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, who ruled from this region over a thousand years ago. Just before the town lies Beal Boru, the site where his great fort once stood overlooking the River Shannon. Today, only the grassy earthworks remain, but the site still carries a powerful sense of place — a reminder that this peaceful lakeside area was once the seat of Ireland’s High King.

In Killaloe, the 13th-century St. Flannan’s Cathedral, the stone bridge, and riverside walks make this one of the most popular and atmospheric spots in Clare.

Killaloe is also a great place to stop for lunch or coffee, with plenty of inviting cafés and restaurants lining the riverside streets. Favourites include Flanagan’s on the Lake, known for its views and relaxed dining and Goosers Bar & Restaurant for classic Irish fare. For a lighter stop, The Wooden Spoon is excellent for coffee, cakes, and casual bites.

Extra Options – On the Water and Along the Shore

For those who’d like to extend their day, several experiences let you enjoy the water up close. In Killaloe, kayaking on the Shannon offers a gentle adventure with local guides, while the Spirit of Killaloe provides a relaxing river cruise — both offering new perspectives on the landscape and its history.

Just outside the town, Ballycuggeran Blue Flag Beach offers safe swimming in summer, with lifeguards on duty and shaded picnic areas nearby. The Lough Derg Way walking trails begin here, climbing through woodland and offering superb views over the lake and surrounding hills. These walks can take from one to several hours, and are best treated as a separate outing if you want time to enjoy them fully.

For families or groups seeking more excitement, West Lake Aqua Park (seasonal) is a large inflatable water park on Lough Derg — a fun and energetic way to experience the lake from a different angle.

Return Journey

Retrace your route through Scarriff and Tuamgraney, enjoying the changing views of Lough Derg’s wooded shoreline and East Clare’s gentle hills as you make your way back to Ennis (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes).

TIP: Always check opening hours, booking requirements, and tour times before setting out, as they can vary by season and weather.

Travel Kindly, Don’t Rush Clare

Clare rewards those who travel slowly. Let the landscape set your pace — pause, breathe, and notice what’s around you. Take your time and tread lightly. Walk when you can, support local, and leave every place as beautiful as you found it. If the day feels full, shorten your journey — Clare is best enjoyed unhurried.