The Burren National Park is located in the southeastern corner of the Burren and is approximately 1500 hectares in size. The word 'Burren' comes from an Irish word 'Boireann' meaning a rocky place. This is an extremely appropriate name when you consider the lack of soil cover and the extent of exposed limestone pavement. However, it has been referred to in the past as 'Fertile Rock' due to the mixture of nutrient-rich herb and floral species. It contains examples of all the major habitats within the Burren: Limestone Pavement, Calcareous grassland, Hazel scrub, Ash/hazel woodland, Turloughs, Lakes, Petrifying springs, cliffs and Fen.
Sail to the Aran Islands with Doolin Ferries! There are daily sailings to the Aran Islands from Doolin. Visit the spectacular Dún Aengus fort on Inis Mor, get away from it all on Inis Meain or take a quick trip to the smallest one – the beautiful island of Inis Oirr. Hopping from our island of Ireland to our local islands is an experience loved by many, there is so much beauty to be experienced here. Click here to book
Loop Head is a slender finger of land pointing out to sea from the most westerly point of County Clare, on Ireland’s Atlantic coast. Cinched between the ocean on one side and the Shannon Estuary on the other, this tiny peninsula would be an island but for a meagre mile of land connecting it to the rest of Clare. But despite its isolation, its people are far from insular, having spent hundreds of years welcoming strangers by water. In 2010, Loop Head became a European Destination of Excellence in aquatic tourism and was voted Best Tourism Destination by the Irish Times in 2013 so it is well worth a visit!.
Spanish Point Golf Club presents a challenge to all categories of handicap golfers and is a fantastic place for the game. Spanish Point Golf Club is situated just 3 km south of Miltown Malbay on the N67 and a stone’s throw away from the Armada. This is a mature and beautiful 9 hole Classic Links course which covers an area of over 5,000 yards for 18 holes (par 68). Overlooking the beach at Spanish Point it offers fine views with typical West Coast of Ireland Atlantic conditions, which adds to the challenge for the golfers.
Tailor made walks are available all year round. They range from gentle one-hour strolls to day-long strenuous hill walks. The half-day long walk is the most popular one, lasting about two and a half hours. The walks can take place in the rugged interior of the National Park or along the Burren’s spectacular coastline. All the outings feature the limestone pavement, wild plants and monuments of the region. All Burren walks are looped and off-road.
Doolin Cave is home to the Great Stalactite. At 7.3 metres (23 feet) it is the longest free-hanging stalactite in the Northern Hemisphere. The Great Stalactite, suspended from the ceiling like a chandelier, is truly astounding. Visitors can hardly believe that it was formed from a single drop of water over thousands of years. Extend the adventure from underground to overground following a Farmland Nature Trail that takes a looped waslk around the cave setting. The nature trail is home to indigeous species of flora along with rare and miniature breeds of animals. Book here
CRUISE UNDER THE CLIFFS OF MOHER
You could also take a cruise under the Cliffs of Moher and check out the scale and magnificence of the Cliffs of Moher on a 1 hour voyage of discovery from the waterline. There is nothing quite like experiencing the cliffs from above and below, and if you're especially lucky you might be surprised by a visit from one of our local dolphins along the way. As an Armada hotel guest, we are delighted to offer you a 10% discount, please use the promo code Armada 2024 when booking online, click here to book
KILKEE CLIFF WALK
This circular walk begins at the Diamond Rocks Café at the West End of the town of Kilkee and follows a cliff path along the outstanding coastline. Passing the Pollock Holes, the quartz-filled Diamond Rocks and a natural stone amphitheatre formed by the waves, you arrive at Intrinsic Bay, named after a ship, the Intrinsic. At this point there is a steep climb for about 200 metres; this part of the walk is not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies. Arriving at the top, the coastal path turns inwards to Dunlicky Road. For a short, five-kilometre walk, turn left here and head back towards the town. For a longer, eight-kilometre walk, turn right along the coast until you come to a left turn. This road, with beautiful views over the town coming down Moveen Hill, takes you back into Kilkee.
Learn all about the founder of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and our national sport, hurling ! Experience a unique cultural, historical and educational tour in our contemporary Expo Centre combined with an interactive holographic tour in the restored thatched cottage. You'll be able to avail of a Burren walking trail, café facilities, gift shop, toilet facilities, picnic area & ample free bus and car parking.
Call into the Burren Smokehouse Visitor Centre and get a tasting of our Burren smoked salmon. You can discover mosaics inside and outside the shop, and look at the first kiln used when the Burren Smokehouse was first set up. Free parking available, as well as access and facilities for people with disabilities. It has become a popular tourist attraction in the North County Clare area and welcomes over 30,000 visitors from all over the world each year.
SHEEPDOG TRIALS AT CAHERCONNELL FORT
Meet their three loyal and friendly border collies Lee, Lynn, Rose and Jess at Caherconnell, where you can watch the dogs working with both cattle and sheep. A great day out for all the family!
VISIT THE DESIGN BANK, MILTOWN MALBAY
A 'Meet the Makers' Experience in Miltown Malbay. A place to meet artists, potters, weavers, blacksmiths, jewellers, wood turners and many more. Open Daily from June 1st, 11am to 7pm every day.
