What to do
Golfing:
Clonmore Lodge is close to 5 golf courses making it the perfect location for the golf enthusiast.
Doonbeg Golf Club : www.doonbeglodge.com/golf-ireland.html
Kilkee Golf Club: www.kilkeegolfclub.ie
Kilrush Golf Club: www.kilrushgolfclub.com
Lahinch Golf Club: www.lahinchgolf.com
Woodstock Golf and Country Club (Ennis): www.woodstockgolfclub.com
Surfing:
This is a great activity for old and young. You don’t need to stand up to enjoy yourself, body surfing is great fun. There are a number of beaches around the area which offer surf hire and lessons. The best known and busiest is Lahinch just 20 mins drive away. There are numerous operators on the promenade only too happy to help whatever your requirements or skill level.
Kayaking:
If you want to try sea kayaking or river kayaking, there are a number of companies along the coast which will help with hire, tours and lessons.
The closest operates from the Whitestrand beach just 10 mins away. For more information, check out www.clarekayakhire.com. If you want to go further north to Doolin, then this company will help: www.northclareseakayaking.com
Explore the history:
John Daly will be glad to tell you the many historical stories concerning the surrounding area. Here are a couple which may be of interest as you survey the land in front of Clonmore Lodge.
Walking & cycling:
The quiet roads are ideal for exploring the area on foot or with the bicycle. For an introduction you might try The Clonmore Lodge 5km looped walk/run or cycle.
Where to Go
There are many places to visit up and down the West Clare coast, here is a selection:
Local Beaches:
Seafield Beach: a 2 mile walk or drive. Take a left at Daly’s pub (100 meters down the hill) and follow the road down to the sea wall (there is access to the rocky shore here), turn left again and follow the road for around 0.5 mile. Take the right hand turn to Quilty pier where parking is available. There are two beaches here, both generally quiet.
Spanish Point Beach: It’s about a 5 min drive away. Turn Left onto the N67 and follow the road north until you see The Bellbridge Hotel. Take the left turn at the Bellbridge and follow the coast road until you see the car park on your left hand side. This is a popular spot during the summer.
White Strand Beach: Another popular beach which is well sheltered and great for swimming. It’s about a 10 min drive away. Turn Left onto the N67 and follow the road north until you see The Bellbridge Hotel. Take the left turn at the Bellbridge and follow the coast road past Spanish Point. Take a left turn at the T-junction towards Lahinch. About 25 meters after the turn, there is a minor road on your left sign-posted White Strand.
Playgrounds:
Cooraclare: Turn right onto the N67 and follow the road south for 15/20 mins until you reach the small village of Cooraclare. The playground is situated near the beginning of the village on the left hand side (up a small hill partially hidden from view). Look out for a florist shop on the right and you know you’ve reached the correct spot.
Lahinch: It’s about a 20 min drive away. Turn Left onto the N67 and follow the road north until you see The Bellbridge Hotel. Take the left turn at the Bellbridge and follow the coast road past Spanish Point. Take a left turn at the T-junction towards Lahinch. As you are driving through the village, take the left hand turn near the end of the main street sign-posted for the car park and sea-front promenade. The playground is on the right just past Sea World pool and aquarium complex.
Kilrush (Cappa): Turn right onto the N67 and follow the road south for 30 mins. At the roundabout in the town square head towards the Marina. Take the left turn towards Cappa, the playground is next to the Coast Guard station.
Where to Eat
You will find a variety of great eating places in most of the towns and villages around West Clare. Here is a selection of places close by.