Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Spanish Point

"Situated in the scenic village of Bunratty in Ireland’s County Clare, lies the beautiful Bunratty Castle, which is an enormous tower house, that was originally constructed during the 15th century. The castle that exists today was built in approximately the year 1425 by the MacNamara family, who were a powerful family in the county; throughout the Middle Ages, the castle was expanded, rebuilt, and renovated on a number of different occasions, each time bringing with it new architectural additions and features, as well as differing interiors. However, in the 19th century, the castle fell into disrepair after it was abandoned by the Studdert family, and it was not restored until the year 1956 after it was purchased by the 7th Viscount Gort."

"Just over 15-minutes' drive from Limerick city on the N18 and E20 is one of Ireland's most renowned and fun attractions, the much-loved Bunratty Castle. No visit to the Shannon region would be complete without coming here. Dating from 1425, the castle is the most complete and best-preserved medieval fortress in Ireland and was restored in 1954 to its former glory."

"Just 15 Minutes from Hotel Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is a must on your itinerary. This is your chance to experience a window on Ireland’s past explore the 15th century Castle & Folk Park"

"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."

"This sprawling forest park lies 20km away from Limerick centre, but it’s a world away from bustling city life. Dense woodland, spanning 313 hectares, with trails for hikers and cyclists, as well as camping sites, Curraghchase is the perfect place to escape from modern life for a day or two. The entrance fee of 5 euros per car is beyond reasonable, considering the well-kept amenities on site."

"Curraghchase Forest Park is a fantastic amenity for all the family to enjoy. The Park covers 313 hectares of mixed woodlands, parkland and lakes which together provide a rich habitat for a diverse range of animals and plants. There are a number of looped waymarked trails in the park to suit all visitors."

"Wildlife parks are a great day out for families and luckily we have one right here in Limerick!. Allow your kids to learn about colourful parrots and fall in love with cheeky alpacas. As well as these the park hosts both wild and domestic animals, including Ostriches, Emus, Rheas, Wallaby’s, Meerkats, Birds of Prey and tortoises."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"North of the Square, Ennis Friary was founded by Donnchadh Cairbreach O'Brien, a king of Thomond, between 1240 and 1249. A mix of structures dating between the 13th and 19th centuries, the friary has a graceful five-section window dating from the late 13th century, a McMahon tomb (1460) with alabaster panels depicting scenes from the Passion, and a particularly fine Ecce Homo panel portraying a stripped and bound Christ."