While visiting Mount Clare, take time to explore the area’s many attractions. Scattery Island, Killaloe, Mountshannon, Bunratty Castle, and much more are sure to impress. We’ve listed some of the best spots below to make your vacation a memorable one.
Scattery Island
If you’re looking for a quiet, uncrowded place to visit in Mount Clare, look no further than Scattery Island. It’s a beautiful island, with a working lighthouse and an artillery battery from the eighteenth century. You can also take a self-guided walking tour through the island’s historic sites. The Scattery visitor center offers free audio tours of the lighthouse and its surrounding site, as well as Irish crisps.
The island was originally a monastic settlement. It was named after a mythical monster known as the “Cathach” that was banished to the island. In the sixth century, St. Senan founded a monastery on the island. Though the island was attacked by Vikings, the monastery survived and was restored in the ninth century. It is said that the island’s Holy Well contains healing properties.
Scattery Island is located in the Shannon Estuary and is one of the best places to visit in the county. The island’s rich history includes five churches, a cathedral, a Napoleonic War artillery battery, and a working lighthouse. While Scattery Island is uninhabited today, the island is a must-visit for a day trip with your family.
While you’re on Mount Clare, don’t forget to see the ancient monuments in the area. Poulnabrone Dolmen, also known as the Portal Tomb, is one of the most photographed sites in Ireland. This limestone structure consists of a massive slab perched on uprights. The capstone alone weighs over five tonnes. The dolmen is located 9km south of Ballyvaughan and is visible from the R480. The park has good displays about the ancient monuments.
Mountshannon
There are several places to visit in Mount Clare, including the Deep River suspension bridge, karri and tingle forests, and the summit of Mount Clare. The Burren area of the town has many underground cave systems. Of these, Aillwee Cave and Doolin Cave are open to the public. Both are known for their rock formations and waterfalls. Visitors to Aillwee can also visit the Birds of Prey Centre. Doolin Cave is also famous for the Great Stalactite and a family nature trail.
The B&O Railroad Museum is another great place to visit in Mount Clare. The B&O Railroad Museum includes the historic Mount Clare Station and Print Shop. The museum has numerous exhibits and tours of this railroad town. Besides its exhibitions, the B&O Railroad Museum also has a miniature railway system.
Mount Clare Mansion is another place to visit in Mount Clare. This beautiful and historic mansion was built in 1754 by John Henry Carroll, the brother of Charles Carroll. His family inherited the property after John’s death. It was originally known as the Georgia Plantation and had a scenic location overlooking the Patapsco River and Middle Branch. The mansion was built between 1757 and 1760 and is currently managed by the National Society of Colonial Dames of America Maryland. It is decorated with some of America’s most beautiful and historic furniture and decorative arts. The story behind Mount Clare’s construction can be read in the furnishings and architecture.
If you’re looking for a place to eat, Mount Clare has plenty of restaurants and cafes to suit every taste. The neighborhood is home to Café Fili, News and Necessities, and Ceremony Coffee Roasters, as well as a number of coffee shops and bakeries. Local residents love to dine at Blue Agave, Vida Taco Bar, and Boardwalk Fries and Burgers.
Bunratty Castle
Bunratty Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland. It is a historic castle that has been host to medieval banquets since 1963. It also has an open-air museum with around 30 different buildings, including the church of Ardcroney. The castle is also home to many resident animals. There is even a map available that will help you find all of the animals.
Visitors should allow at least three hours for a visit to Bunratty Castle. There are several cafes and picnic areas throughout the grounds. There are also pubs and restaurants nearby. If you want to eat, there are two excellent places to go: JP Clarke’s and Creamery Bar.
If you have the time, you can also go on a tour of the castle. It’s important to book ahead of time, and you can do this as part of a Clare tour. It’s well worth the time. There’s live traditional music playing in the pubs as well, so you can listen to traditional Irish music while you’re there.
Bunratty Castle is an ancient castle that dates back to 1425. The castle has several major tourist attractions, including a living history re-creation of a 19th century village. The castle also boasts a fine collection of medieval furniture, a reconstructed walled garden, and a medieval banquet.
Lough Derg
If you’re looking for a scenic boat ride, Lough Derg is the place to be. You’ll find plenty of places to rent a boat, as well as several places where you can rent a fishing boat or rowing boat. Shannon Sailing offers boat rental and sailing lessons, as well as a marine workshop and associated activities. You can even take lessons if you don’t have a boat, which means you’ll be able to enjoy the lake to its fullest.
There’s also a hiking trail in the area that can provide amazing views of the lake. Starting from Ballycruggan Forest Park, the Moylussa trail takes about two hours. It passes several scenic viewpoints and offers views of Lough Derg, Tipperary, and East Clare. There’s even a picnic area along the way.
Lough Derg is also an ideal place for swimming. It’s an idyllic spot no matter the time of day. However, the best time to swim is early in the morning, at Two Mile Gate. It’s also a great place for birdwatching and mountain biking.
The shoreline of Lough Derg has a rich history. It was inhabited as far back as the Prehistoric Era and served as a waterway during early medieval times. Lough Derg also has many historic sites associated with the legendary Brian Boru, a King who ruled Ireland between 1002 and 1014. Some of these sites include the Brian Boru Heritage Centre, East Clare Heritage Centre, and Portumna Castle.
Cliffs of Moher
If you’re looking for a unique and beautiful spot in Mount Clare, you should visit the Cliffs of Moher. The cliffs are a designated nature reserve, and you can even find whales and dolphins here. If you want to get close to nature, you can hike or take a bike ride along the paths. The best time to go is early in the morning. The fog creates a mystical feel to the cliffs, making it ideal for photographing. The crowds are also much smaller on foggy days.
There is a hiking trail that stretches for miles along the cliff’s edge, but take care as the cliffs can be dangerous, especially during high winds. While it might be tempting to pose for selfies on the cliffs, remember that you should not do it without proper safety equipment.
A day trip to the Cliffs of Moher will cost you EUR 4-6. It takes about two to three hours to reach the top. However, you should be aware of the unpredictable weather conditions in Ireland, and it is best to check the local weather forecast before setting out for the trip.
If you’re looking for a view from the highest point of the Cliffs of Moher, you should consider going up to O’Brien’s Tower. This observation tower was built in the nineteenth century and is situated at the highest point of the cliffs. It is the perfect spot for a sunset or sunrise.
