Walks in Clare – the Best Trails with Stunning Views

When it comes to walks in County Clare, you are really spoilt for choice. No matter what corner of the county you are in, you’re sure to find a walk to suit. There’s something for all ages and all abilities and no end of stunning scenery to enjoy along the way too. So take a look through this list of our favourites and have fun on the trails!

1. Cahermurphy Loop Walk

When it comes to walks in Clare, Cahermurphy Loop Walk must be one of the best kept secrets in the county! Trust me when I say this hidden gem is well worth adding to your list of walks in Clare. Escape the hustle and bustle of life for a few hours and soak in the tranquility and beauty of the Irish countryside.

The trail officially begins at White Sands, close to the village of Flagmount, where there is a designated parking area. From here the trail winds through Cahermurphy forest, skirting the Bleach River before circling back to the main road. After following the road for a while, the trail takes you uphill via narrow boreens which gradually get steeper but aren’t too strenuous.

As you make the descent towards Flagmount village, your efforts are well rewarded with amazing views overlooking Lough Graney.  Once you reach the main road again, take a right and follow the road back your start point at White Sands.

2. Flaggy Shore Heritage Trail Loop

Located on the north coast of Clare, the Flaggy Shore is famous for its limestone payments, biodiversity and glacial markings evident in the landscape. This coastal walking route offers stunning views of Galway Bay and the surrounding landscape and is an easy 8km walk on minor roads. You can also shorten the walk by choosing an alternative route, making this a great option for all ages and abilities.

Allow 2.5 – 3hrs for the full walk as there are plenty of interesting sites to check out along the way. These include a well preserved Martello Tower and Lough Murree, one of the best examples of a karst lagoon in Ireland. You can find a handy map with details of all the heritage points on the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark website.

The area is also a popular spot for birdwatching, as the shoreline and lough are home to various species of birds which are of national and international importance.

3. Kilkee Cliff Walk

The Kilkee Cliffs might not be as well known as their Cliffs of Moher cousins but they are no less spectacular. This scenic trail is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Clare coastline and appreciate the power of the Atlantic Ocean.

Start your walk from the Diamond Rocks Cafe, located just a short walk from Kilkee beach. From here you have a few trail options ranging from just under 2 kms to almost 12 kms. As you follow the well-marked trail along the cliffs you’ll find several lookout points and viewing platforms along the way.

Depending on the time of year, you might be lucky enough to spot seals or even dolphins in the waters below. Take care near the cliff edges and stick to the designated trails while enjoying views along the coast and across the Shannon estuary to county Kerry.

As always, take extra care when walking along cliff paths and stick to the designated trails. Sections may be steep or uneven, so suitable footwear is recommended.

4. O’Briensbridge Parteen Weir Loop

This easy loop walk starts in O’Briensbridge, a cute village on the banks of the River Shannon, Ireland’s longest river. The village is named for the 12-arch stone bridge, which links to its sister village Montpelier in Limerick.

There is parking available by the riverside in O’Briensbridge and the walk starts from there. It continues along the banks of the Shannon towards the historical Parteen Weir Hydro Dam and then returns via the Head Race Canal. The dam was built in the 1920s as part of the Shannon hydroelectric scheme.

Enjoy scenic views along the River Shannon, and keep an eye out for birds and other wildlife that inhabit the riverbank and surrounds. The walk is about 5km in total and takes about 1hr 15 mins to complete. Afterwards, pick up some delicious post-walk treats at Bridge14 and enjoy them at one of the picnic benches beside the river.

5. Lough Avalla Farm Loop

This trail is definitely up there as one of my favourite walks in Clare. The Lough Avalla Farm loop walk is the perfect way to soak in the beauty of the Burren, with incredible views of Mullaghmore and the surrounding countryside. The trail is also really varied, including sections of limestone pavement, woodland trails and open mountainside.

The walk offers a great introduction to the unique landscape of the Burren. Along the way you will find plenty of examples of the rich biodiversity and natural beauty that make this region so special.

Note that this trail is on private farmland, so dogs are not allowed. Having said that, you might bump into the owner’s dog. She kept us company for almost the entire walk, at times waiting around for us to catch up. So cute!

Near the start of the hike there is a holy well, which you can drink from. It’s said to have curative properties, in this case for helping with diabetes. The landowner also provide hazel walking sticks for those who wish to use them on the trail.

This is a moderate hike and comfortable walking boots are a must due to the varied and rough terrain. The trail is 6 km and takes around 2.5 hours to complete. Towards the end of the walk the trail skirts the shores of Lough Avalla but it’s on completion of the trail that you get the real reward.

Walkers are welcome to visit the tea rooms,  run by the landowner Harry and his family. Not only will you get a warm welcome but delicious treats and a warm cuppa await. We had delicious apple tart and chocolate brownies. If only every trail ended in this way. Bring cash for the donation jar!

6. Moylussa

At 532 metres, Moylussa is the highest point in County Clare. Located in the Slieve Bernagh range, it is in the east of the county and offers stunning view of Lough Derg, Killaloe and the River Shannon and the surrounding countryside.

The route typically starts from the car park at Ballycuggaran woods and can be done as an out-and-back route. However, I prefer to start down at the waterfront, parking at Twomilegate and making it a loop walk. From there you can head up the L8202 signposted across the road. The road leads you up to the woods with gorgeous views all along the way. Once you reach the tree line take a left and then a right turn towards the summit. After completing the summit, return via the Ballycuggaran car park and back down to the main road.

The Moylussa hike is challenging in some sections, particularly if you get wet or windy conditions. Proper gear, including sturdy footwear and waterproof clothing is recommended. The final climb to the summit is a bit of a slog but definitely worth the effort for the views.

The best views are on the way up, rather than at the summit itself. This is due to the fact that the summit is on a large flat expanse. It’s also very boggy but thankfully a boardwalk now makes the final leg a lot easier. This hike is definitely one of the best walks in Clare. The added bonus is being able to tick off a county high point!

At just under 10 km, allow 3.5 to 4 hrs to complete the hike. If the summit climb to Moylussa feels too challenging, the lower trail through Ballycuggaran is a great option. You can still complete it as a loop by starting the same way. Just don’t take the right turn for the summit and continue towards the carpark instead. You won’t miss out on amazing views of Lough Derg either.

7. Mullaghmore, the Burren

Mullaghmore is one of the most popular walks in Clare and for good reason. While the rough and uneven terrain can be tough going, it is more than worth it for the stunning and unique views you’ll get on this hike.

As you ascend the rugged terrain, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding Burren landscape, including limestone pavement, patchwork fields and distant views of the Atlantic Ocean. On clear days, you can see as far as the Aran Islands and Connemara.

The summit of Mullaghmore is marked by a cairn and from there you can really appreciate the unique formation of neighbouring Sliabh Rua. These are definitely some of the most unusual mountains you’ll come across in Ireland!

The trailhead is at Gortlecka crossroads where there is lay-by parking available. There are a number of route options & distances you can choose from. For more details see our post on the Mullaghmore Loop Walk.

If you have more time to to explore the Burren, check out our list of things to see and do in this unique region of Ireland.

8. Dromore Wood

Dromore Wood is a beautiful forest located about a 20 min drive from Ennis in Co. Clare. It’s known for its diverse woodland, picturesque lakes and peaceful walking trails. Explore the the well-maintained walking trails which wind through the forest, alongside streams and around scenic Dromore Lake.

With a variety of walking trails, there’s something suitable for all ages and abilities. There are 6 trails which range from 20 mins to 1hr 20 mins. You can just do a few of them if you want something a bit longer.

One of the highlights of Dromore Wood is its rich biodiversity, with a wide range of plant and animal species inhabiting the reserve. In addition, Dromore Wood is also home to historic archaeological sites, including the ruins of O’Briens Castle.

9. 12 O’Clock Hills

The 12 O’Clock Hills are located near the village of Kilkishen in East Clare.  Their name is said to come from the tradition of telling when it’s noon time based on the position of the sun in relation to the peaks.

There is a spacious car park and public toilets at Belvoir Trailhead. Choose from a number of different trails which vary in length and difficulty. Some of the trails are relatively easy and suitable for families. Others are more challenging with steep ascents and rough terrain.

The trails take walkers through a mix of woodland, open moorland and rocky outcrops, providing a diverse range of scenery to enjoy along the way. Kids will enjoy the Fairyland trail which is a 4km linear walk with a trail of painted Kindness Rocks along the way. The Blue Route is an 8km loop trail which takes in the 12 O’Clock peaks with panoramic views across Clare and beyond. It takes about 2.5 to 3 hrs and is strenuous in parts.

10. Cliffs of Moher – one of the most iconic walks in Clare

UPDATE FEBRUARY 2025: The Cliffs of Moher trail will be closed, at least partially for the 2025 season. Please check for local updates before visiting.

This is one of the best ways to enjoy the Cliffs of Moher. Start your hike from the village of Doolin and enjoy incredible views as you make your way along the Cliffs of Moher. Alternatively you can park in Liscannor and start from the southern end of the cliffs near the Hag’s Head.

Walk as far as you like before returning the way you came! Walking from either dirction eventually leads you to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre. From the Cliffs of Moher visitor centre you can get a bus back to Doolin (check timetables as some are seasonal). Offering incredible views of the iconic cliffs, this is definitely one of the most memorable walks in Clare. The trail is particularly stunning when the sea pinks are in bloom during late spring and early summer.

There are guided walking tours available in the area which provide insight into the geology, history and wildlife of the Cliffs of Moher region while ensuring your safety along the way. Contact Ollie’s Tours or Pat Sweeney.