County Clare
Follow the red tartan carpet to 20 contemporary rooms in an old cherry-coloured building in Kilkee's heart. Local producers, including the butcher run by the same family, supply its excellent restaurant (mains €8 to €26), which is warmed by an open fire.
A few rooms have sea views; request one when you book.
24.89 MILES
A favourite weekend getaway for Tralee residents, Banna is one of the biggest and best Blue Flag beaches in Ireland, a 6km stretch of fine golden sand…
24.96 MILES
Creamy St Tola goat's cheese is served at some of Ireland's finest restaurants, with award-winning lines including ash log, Greek-style feta and gouda…
29.09 MILES
A 15-minute nature-safari boat ride is the highlight of a visit to Tralee's wetlands centre. You can also get a good overview of the reserve's 3000…
29.13 MILES
The centrepiece of this fascinating historic site where St Tola founded a monastery in the 8th century is the four-storey, 15th-century O'Dea Castle…
7.91 MILES
Within a 170-hectare forest 800m south of the centre, this stunning 'lost' garden was the private domain of the wealthy Vandeleur family – merchants and…
28.01 MILES
The Great Stalactite, the longest in Europe at 7.3m, is the big draw of Doolin Cave. Tour times vary seasonally, but are usually on the hour. Glacial clay…
29.4 MILES
Many locals pick this ruined ancient fort, dating from the Iron Age or early medieval period, as their favourite Inishmore historic sight. It's…
28.68 MILES
An absolute treat, Kerry's county museum has excellent interpretive displays on Irish historical events and trends, with an emphasis on County Kerry. The…
6.15 MILES
Secluded White Strand (Trá Ban) offers relatively safe swimming sheltered from the Atlantic swells. With a Blue Flag rating, the 250m beach is patrolled…
6.25 MILES
The ruined 16th-century tower next to the graceful stone bridge over the River Doonbeg is all that remains of Doonbeg Castle – its entire garrison was…
7.04 MILES
The 170-plus bottlenose dolphins swimming out in the Shannon are monitored by this dedicated research facility. In addition to learning about its latest…
7.18 MILES
This uninhabited, windswept and treeless island in the estuary 3km southwest of Kilrush was the site of a Christian settlement founded by St Senan in the…
7.27 MILES
St Senan’s Catholic church has a lovely rose window as well as four stained-glass windows by well-known early-20th-century artist Harry Clarke.
7.51 MILES
A long, sweeping 2km stretch of golden sand, Doughmore Bay is 4km north of the village. There's often good surf here; rent equipment in Lahinch.
7.91 MILES
Within a 170-hectare forest 800m south of the centre, this stunning 'lost' garden was the private domain of the wealthy Vandeleur family – merchants and…
8. Tarbert Bridewell Courthouse & Jail
13.54 MILES
If you're catching the ferry between Tarbert and County Clare, take time to visit the renovated Tarbert Bridewell Courthouse, which has exhibits …