2 Best Sights in County Clare, Galway, and the Aran Islands, Ireland

Cliffs of Moher Walking Trail

Fodor's choice
Avoid the tourist buses and take the lesser-seen view of the Cliffs of Moher by following the trail from Doolin to Liscannor. From Fisher Street in Doolin, climb up the steep, narrow road by the village's low stone wall and follow the trail through a meadow, which leads to a cliff-hugging pathway with Ireland’s most dramatic seascape as its constant companion. Between Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher the terrain is hilly, with views over a giant slab of rock that creates a surf swell called Aill na Searrach. Stop and enjoy the staggering panorama of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands from the highest point of the Cliffs of Moher. The final leg of the trail brings Hag’s Head into view before descending into Liscannor Village, the home of submarine inventor John P. Holland. The trail is 14 km (8½ miles) and it takes on average 3½ hours to complete. The trail is challenging, with features that include road walking on uneven surface, exposed, rail-free clifftop paths, and steep flagstone steps. Organized walks from Doolin leave from O'Connor's pub at 10 am daily.

The Burren Way

Fodor's choice

You can explore the Burren area by car, from a bike, or from the back of a bus, but the very best way to soak in the raw beauty of this craggy landscape is on foot. The Burren Way is a 123-km (82-mile) way-marked hiking trail, its highlight being the stretch from Lahinch to Ballyvaughan on the shores of Galway Bay, a distance of 35 km (22 miles). If you're short on time/breath, you may want to focus on the most spectacular and popular section, which runs along the top of the Cliffs of Moher from Doolin to the coast near Lisdoonvarna, a distance of about 5 km (3 miles). The trail continues through the heart of the Burren's gray, rocky limestone landscape, with ever-changing views offshore of the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. Buy a map locally.