A jewel along the Wild Atlantic Way, Clare has plenty of woodland trails and seaside strolls to enjoy with the family. Grab a picnic and head out for the day on one of these fun nature walks in Clare, guaranteed to blow away the cobwebs and give everyone a proper dose of fresh air.
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Family Walks in Clare
Ballyalla and Lissycasey
For smaller children, Ballyalla and Lissycasey have short, easy walks where the kids can feed the ducks. The paths are well maintained and suitable for buggies, and there are picnic tables and benches along the way if you fancy stopping for a snack.
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Dromore, Cratloe and Kilrush
Image © Failte Ireland
Our favourite walks in the woods are at Dromore, Cratloe and Kilrush. The kids can run free along the paths through the trees. Dromore has the ruins of an old castle to spot, while Cratloe is particularly scenic with lovely views along the way.
Kilrush Woods has the Vandeleur Walled Garden right on its doorstep, so you can pop in for a cup of tea and some scones once you’ve worked up an appetite.
Ballybeg Wood and Mooghaun Hillfort
Near Ennis, Ballybeg Woods and Mooghaun Hillfort both have lovely trails winding through the woods, making them great choices for shorter family walks.
Kilkee and Lahinch
Image: Courtesy of Stephen Duffy © Fáilte Ireland/Tourism Ireland
Walks along the beach or the seaside are a brilliant way to experience nature with the kids. Kilkee has the pollock holes to explore, while Lahinch has rock pools to poke around in when the tide is out. See what creatures your kids can spot in the pools, and keep an eye on the tide as it comes back in.
The Burren Way
For slightly older kids, walking a section of the Burren Way makes for an interesting and more challenging outing, with rocky terrain and beautiful views to take in along the way.
The Burren is a truly unique Irish landmark, designated a Special Area of Conservation by the EU for its wild ecosystem. With plenty of interesting attractions and unusual flora and fauna to discover, a day trip to the Burren makes for a great family day out.
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Lead image: Courtesy of Stephen Duffy © Fáilte Ireland/Tourism Ireland
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these nature walks in Clare suitable for buggies?
Some are. Ballyalla and Lissycasey have well-maintained, level paths that work well for pushchairs, while the woodland and coastal walks tend to have more uneven or rocky ground, so they’re better suited to walking children.
What should we bring on a family walk in Clare?
A picnic, comfortable walking shoes, and layers for changing weather are always a good idea. If you’re heading to the rock pools at Kilkee or Lahinch, bring a small net or bucket for the kids to explore with, and keep a close eye on the tide.
Is the Burren Way suitable for young children?
It can be more challenging than the other walks on this list, thanks to its rocky terrain, so it suits older kids better. Choose a short, well-marked section for a family outing.
Are there facilities like toilets or cafés nearby?
Some spots, such as Kilrush Woods with the Vandeleur Walled Garden, have café options close by. Facilities vary by location, so it’s worth checking ahead if this matters for your visit.
Related Articles
- 10 Top Things to Do in Clare with Kids
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- A Day Trip to the Burren
- 20 Fun Things to do with Kids on the Wild Atlantic Way
Save These Ideas for Later
Not heading out today? Bookmark this page or save it to your family activity list so you’ve got these Clare walks ready to go the next time you’re planning a day out.
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