Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Clare

"In Newtown Pery, the People’s Park was imagined in the first decades of the 19th century as a grand Georgian place in the vein of Mountjoy Square in Dublin. But the development was curtailed by the Great Famine, and only one terrace of flat-fronted mansions was completed. The park was opened in 1877 and is the main parcel of greenery in the centre of the city."

"An area of the city that I didn’t visit but wish I had as I read about it later on is Peoples Park. This is a green oasis in an already very green city, filled with a range of trees. There is also a Georgian House and Gardens next to it which is a restored museum house open to the public holding lots of furniture and artefacts."

"Go southwest of Limerick on the N69 and after a brief drive you’ll come to an idyllic former noble estate, now a 313-hectare public park. On a smooth ridge beside a man-made lake is the shell of Curraghchase House, going back to the mid-17th century and gutted by fire in 1941. The highly-regarded poet and critic Aubrey Thomas de Vere was born here, while his close friend Alfred, Lord Tennyson would often visit and wrote his work Lady Clara de Vere in homage."

"Curraghchase Forest Park is a fantastic amenity for all the family to enjoy. The Park covers 313 hectares of mixed woodlands, park land and lakes which together provide a rich habitat"

"The longest stalactite in the northern hemisphere, measuring 7.3m, is the draw of the Doolin Cave, 3.5km north of Roadford. Tour times vary seasonally, but are usually on the hour. Glacial clay from deep within the cave is used by on-site potter Caireann Browne, who sells her works here. The property also has a 1km-long farmland trail featuring rare animal breeds, and a cafe."

"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 landowners who engaged in harsh evictions and forced emigration of local people in the 19th century. There's a simple cafe and a garden centre. Woodland trails wind around the surrounding forest, which has a colourful array of plants including magnolias, acacias, acers, oaks, monkey puzzle trees, bamboo, ferns, banana trees, hydrangeas and a beech maze."

"Cratloe Wood is a State owned forest on the slopes of Woodcock Hill beside the small village of Cratloe in County Clare."

"Cratloe Wood is a State owned forest on the slopes of Woodcock Hill beside the small village of Cratloe in County Clare."

"If you’re interested in history, be sure to visit King John's Castle on Kings Island, at the medieval heart of Limerick. The 800 year old fortress is one of the best preserved castles from the Middle Ages. A Viking fortification was already here in 922, but the massive structure that stands today dates from the 13th century."

"Take a fresh look at King John’s Castle and experience Limerick’s history as you have never done before… A brand new visitor experience that brings together the Castle’s remarkable archaeology and 21st century technology to help you discover the history of Limerick and King John’s Castle"

"Food & Wine Hall on the city’s main street, O’Connell Street, located on the ground floor of The George Hotel, part of the Savoy Group collection, in the heart of Limerick city’s shopping and restaurant quarter, an original and inspirational new resource for food and wine lovers. Takeaway Coffee and Treats are available along with delicious lunches to go."

"Here you’ll discover the very best of fresh, natural produce. From great farmhouse cheeses and chutneys, just-caught fish and artisan meats, organic fruit and vegetables, to delicious healthy breads and fresh-pressed juices. You will also be able to snack on gourmet sandwiches, wraps, pastries, chocolates, delicious crepes, soups and freshly brewed teas and coffees or buy fresh flowers and vibrant plants."

"The Milk Market has been a part of Limerick life since 1852. Your little ones will be fascinated by the collection of stalls, selling everything from homemade jam and knitted clothes to colourful flowers. You can easily spend a few hours here browsing the stalls and aisles, examining what the market has to offer and if the kids get tired you can stop for a bite at one of the many creative food stalls."

"The Burren's wildflowers are the inspiration for the subtle scents at this wonderful perfumery and floral centre, which creates scented items such as perfumes, candles and soaps that are beautifully packaged in handmade paper. A 10-minute audiovisual presentation details the area's diverse flora, including many fragrant orchids that grow between the rocks. You're free to wander its flower and herb gardens, which provide ingredients for dishes and herbal teas served at its tearoom."

"I present to you Carlton Coffee, a centrally located shop splashed in a bright orange color that practically dares you to not come in and take a look around. A smaller place, there’s lots of bar seating up against the tall windows to do some prime people watching, especially on busy Saturdays when the streets are filled with families all going to the milk market. What I especially liked about the place was how friendly the baristas were, and that there was some really good patio seating that Anna and I took advantage of after picking up our drinks."

"A new addition to Limerick’s Italian food scene, Gusto offers gelato, cakes and waffles in their contemporary premises at the top of William Street. It works well as a birthday treat destination with customised cakes, or to satisfy a spoonful of sweet cravings. The breakfast waffles are attracting a growing clientele, too..."