Clare is spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor places to take the kids. From lakes and rivers to beaches, playgrounds and parks, there’s always somewhere new to explore. Pack a picnic, bring your wellies, and head outdoors with the kids to enjoy some of the county’s finest scenery.
Here are some of our favourite outdoor spots in Clare for families, to help with your planning.
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Best Outdoor Places in Clare for Families
Lisdoonvarna Playground
Lisdoonvarna Playground is one of our favourite spots for a picnic, thanks to the variety of activities on offer for kids of all ages. It’s one of the largest playgrounds in the area, with springer see-saws, a nest swing, several roundabouts, slides and climbing structures, a log playhouse, a large rope pyramid, balance beams and bars. There are pitches and short walking paths nearby too, so there’s plenty to keep everyone busy.
Lees Road Sports and Amenity Park
Lees Road Sports & Amenity Park has pitches, wooded walks, a skateboard park, a running track and a playground. There’s a dedicated area for toddlers as well as play equipment for older kids, including junior and senior swings, a ladder slide, and pony and elephant springers. The playground design also takes into account the needs of children with disabilities.
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Ballyalla and Lissycasey
For smaller children, Ballyalla and Lissycasey offer short, well-maintained walks with ducks to feed along the way. The paths are suitable for pushchairs, and you’ll find picnic tables or benches to sit on. Don’t forget to bring some bread for the ducks!
Dromore, Cratloe and Kilrush
Some of our favourite woodland walks in Clare are at Dromore, Cratloe and Kilrush. The kids can run free along the paths through the trees. Dromore has a castle ruin to explore, Cratloe is particularly scenic, and Kilrush Woods is home to the Vandeleur Walled Garden, where you can stop for tea and scones.
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Fanore Beach
Fanore Beach, set in the heart of the Burren near Ballyvaughan, is one of the best beaches in Clare. The wide stretch of sand is ideal for races, running and building sandcastles.
The gentle sea is great for little ones paddling, as well as for children who’ve recently learned to swim. There are sand dunes to explore and a little stream to paddle in, where you might even spot a fish or two. It’s a beach that’s magical in any weather.
Other beaches worth a visit:
- Lahinch Beach: A pretty seaside town with a golden sandy beach stretching for a mile. Popular with surfers, it’s a great spot if you have a learner surfer in the family, while the rest of the family can enjoy paddling or a dip in the sea.
- Kilkee Beach: A stretch of golden sand gently sloping toward the sea, with interesting pools and good cliff walks. This beach is lifeguard patrolled during the bathing season.
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Shannon Dolphin Trail
Kilrush town has a Shannon Dolphin Trail, starting at the Shannon Dolphin Information Board in the town’s Market Square. Follow the trail markers to the Shannon Dolphin & Wildlife Centre, where you can listen to bottlenose dolphin sounds, see real whale and dolphin skeletons, and enjoy other educational activities with the kids.
Moher Hill Open Farm
Moher Hill Open Farm is home to lots of fun animals, both exotic and traditional, that kids can see, feed and pet. The farm runs daily bottle-feeding and animal-holding experiences, along with other activities such as a bouncing castle, ball pool, all-weather outdoor play area and a miniature golf course.
Kilkee Habitat Trail
The Kilkee Habitat Trail follows the beach and cliffs and makes for a scenic family walk. Along the way, six panels illustrate the diverse wildlife habitats found in Kilkee. While you’re there, bring along a net to try catching fish in the rock pools, or try your hand at Racquets, a unique local form of outdoor squash played against the West End wall on the beach.
Mount Shannon Playground
This playground caters well for both small and big kids. Little ones can enjoy their own slide, see-saw and rockers, while older kids have a spider climbing frame, a spinning wheel and swings. There are benches and tables nearby for picnics too.
The real bonus here is its location right beside Aistear Iniscealtra, with its amazing labyrinth and outdoor “Wee Library.” You can also take a walk to the harbour for stunning views across Lough Derg.
Visit the Burren and the Flaggy Shore
One of the most unique things to do in Clare — and definitely not to be missed — is a visit to the extraordinary landscape of The Burren. Kids will love spotting the unusual flora and fauna found here.
The Flaggy Shore is a fabulous coastal family walk. Head to New Quay, just off the N67 Kinvara/Ballyvaughan road, where you’ll walk with the wild Atlantic Ocean on one side and the limestone rocks of the Burren on the other.
This looped walk runs from New Quay to Finavarra Point and suits all members of the family. You can walk along the beach or stroll along the quiet road. Be sure to visit the well-preserved Martello tower at Finavarra Point, and keep an eye out for fossils in the rocks.
Lahinch Playground
A modern playground with clearly defined junior and senior areas and a variety of play surfaces. Best of all, it has a Net-Scape and cableway, which are a huge hit with kids.
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Have your say! Do you have a favourite outdoor spot in Clare to visit with the kids? Tell us in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best beaches in Clare for families?
Fanore, Lahinch and Kilkee are all excellent choices. Fanore offers a huge stretch of sand and gentle waves that suit paddlers and beginner swimmers, Lahinch is popular with surfing families, and Kilkee has a lifeguard-patrolled beach with rock pools and cliff walks to explore.
Are there playgrounds in Clare suitable for toddlers and older kids?
Yes. Playgrounds such as Lisdoonvarna, Lees Road, Mount Shannon and Lahinch all have separate areas or equipment designed for younger and older children, so there’s something for every age.
Is the Burren suitable for a family walk with young kids?
Yes, many of the walking routes around the Burren and the Flaggy Shore are suitable for families, with options to walk along quiet roads or beaches depending on your children’s ages and energy levels.
Are these outdoor spots free to visit?
Most of the beaches, playgrounds and walking trails listed here are free to enjoy. Moher Hill Open Farm is a paid attraction, so check current details directly with them before you go.
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