Must See Sights and Landmarks in Clare Area

"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"

"If you’re driving then a place I would recommend going to near Limerick is Bunratty Village and Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. I actually visited here on a family holiday when I was about 11 and loved it!. I drove through the village on my way from Shannon to Limerick this time and it brought back so many memories. The buildings in the village are very typical Irish stone built buildings and many of them are home to B&B’s now if you need somewhere to stay nearby."

"Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is a must on your itinerary to Ireland. This is your chance to experience Ireland’s past and explore the famous 15th century Castle and the 19th century Folk Park."

"Not an overly impressive sight in its own right, Limerick’s Treaty Stone symbolises an agreement that ended the Williamite War. The truce didn’t last for long, and the events that led to it still echo on. It’s not an overly impressive relic in its own right, but it has fantastic views, a plaque explaining the history (which dates back to 1691) and offers a real sense of stepping back in time."

"Limerick’s Catholic cathedral was conceived by the English architect Philip Charles Hardwick and completed in 1861. The 94-metre tower, a constant part of the city’s skyline, dates to 1882 and was built with limestone quarried not far away in Rosbrien. More than 130 years later it remains the tallest structure in Limerick."

"A glance at the Ireland of old is on offer at this riverside, long-ruined castle. Adare Desmond is essentially a shell of the old structure, but there’s enough left to justify tours, and the buildings and their surrounds make for a fantastic slightly off-the-beaten-track exploration. There’s a sacred fairy ring just around the corner, and very little development visible from the sight, giving this a real sense of the Ireland of its 13th century construction."

"Just outside the town of Adare (which we recommend in its own right, see below) Adare Desmond Castle is a 13th-century riverside fortress, now in ruins, sat right next to an ancient ring fort. Regular tours during the summer give an insight into the spot’s revolutionary history while an exhibition gives a sense of life at the castle through the Middle Ages."

"Adare Castle, Adare, Co Limerick now a ruined medieval fortress situated on the north bank of the River Maigue in County Limerick, southwest Ireland. The castle, also known as Desmond Castle, is a fine example of Norman architecture"

"One of Ireland's most famous prehistoric grave sites, Gleninsheen lies beside the R480 7km south of Ballyvaughan. It's thought to date from 4000 to 5000 years ago. A magnificent gold gorget (a crescent of beaten gold that hung round the neck) found here and dating from the late Bronze Age is now on display at the National Museum in Dublin. Note: the access gate to the tomb is sometimes locked, and signage is poor."

"Leanmaneh Castle is a fantastic castle that is situated in the town of Leanmaneh North, in County Clare. The origins of the castle date back to the late 15th century, and it is believed to have been constructed by the O’Brien family; the castle was later renovated into a manor house, and it merged its function as a military centre with its residential qualities. The castle fell into ruin during the 18th century, and it has not been renovated since then; it exists on privately owned land, in a farming region of the area, and due to its poor-quality state, it is unfortunately not open to the public."

"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."

"This boutique town house is close to Limerick city centre and opposite Pery Square (Peoples’ Park). It offers free wired internet, luxury rooms and organic spa treatments. No. 1 Pery Square has elegant, modern rooms with big beds, bathrobes, slippers, safety deposit boxes and a CD collection."

"A stunning property occupying a large corner site on the city’s most gracious Georgian square - overlooking a leafy park and only a minute’s stroll away from the City Art Gallery - this is the luxurious boutique hotel that discerning visito ..."

"In Limerick’s Georgian Quarter, this friendly and welcoming boutique hotel has great period charm and the benefit of a soothing spa and good restaurant, as well as a cosy bar for lunches and teas."

"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."

"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"