The "Wild Atlantic Way" in Co.Clare from the Burren in the North to the Shannon in the South
A click on the large picture opens the relevant page in a new browser window! View a virtual tour on the Wild Atlantic Way in Clare
- from the South (Killimer) to the Burren (North) here
Entering co Clare you'll pass Abbey Hill. A short climb up the hill and you can enjoy a great view back on Galway bay and on the amazing karst terrain of the Burren ahead of you!
The drive continues along Galway Bay to Bellharbour
Corcomroe Abbey is an early 13th-century Cistercian monastery nestled in a green valley amidst the rocky hills
The Burren is renowned for its remarkable assemblage of plants which you wouldn't expect here. The grykes (crevices) provide moist shelter allowing for many rare Irish species, some of which are only found in this area 
The harbour in Ballyvaughan, another popular stopover with good restaurants and accommodation
The most famous of all dolmens can be reached on a short detour from Ballyvaughan
The coastal drive will bring you to the amazing karst landscape of the Burren. 
Donkeys are common, but the Burren also hosts wild goats which are more difficult to find. 
While on the coast road you'll pass Fanore with another beautiful bathing and surfing beach - and the hills of Connemara in the distance 
Pubs have traditional sessions here every evening all year round; a favourite night out for tourists
The small boat takes you from Doolin pier to the Aran Islands on a day trip which you won't forget - especially on the windy days ;)
Driving of Doolin enjoy the view on the Aran Islands and the Connemara hills on the horizon
One of ireland's premier tourist destinations, so be prepared for crowds. You can avoid these and the high entry fees if you come after 7 pm in the evening - or by foot on the Cliff walk
You'll pass this village coming from the Cliffs of Moher. 
a favourite spot for surfers, surfing schools provide lessons and the equipment. Lahinch also has two popular golf courses
take a look back on the Cliffs of Moher 
Another little beach with safe bathing spots
You might take the little detour to Miltown Malbay with its colorful shop fronts. The Willy Clancy Summer School takes place here in July each year attracting thousands of fans of Irish traditional music & dance
A favourite spot for surfers and swimmers alike, with big waves rolling in from the Atlantic
You're getting back to the Atlantic coast at Quilty - usually you get to see the Cliffs of Moher from here in the distance
Take the little detour to the pier in Seafield, enclosed by two sandy beaches. This is also a great place for bird watching.
The main beach in Seafield, always quiet
The road passes Doughmore beach and Trump International Golf Links; don't miss the small turn off to the beach just before passing a narrow bridge - it is the only official access to one of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland
Watersports and golfing are the major activities here, but this little village is also known for its various festivals
River walk and castle; pedalled boats can be hired here
a three day Jazz festival is taking place early June each year
a small road out of Doonbeg brings you to White Strand, a beautiful safe beach
Coming from White Strand you'll pass this little gem which is not signposted but offers beautiful cliff scenery.
Next stop is Kilkee with its beautiful sheltered beach
This cliff scenery can be reached on a short walk from the north end of Kilkee
The walk from the parking at Kilkee's West end is one of Ireland's most beautiful Cliff walks and shouldn't be missed
Taking the scenic route (Loop Head Drive) out of Kilkee brings you to this amazing Cliff scenery
The scenery along the Loop Head Drive
Only one of the bridges is still intact. The storm scenes of "Ryan's Daughter" where filmed here.
In the 19th century, the landlords of Loop Head refused to give over a site for the building of a church for Roman Catholic worship in Kilbaha. The local priest at the time came up with the idea of celebrating mass on the foreshore, which is no man’s land. In 1852, he oversaw the building of a Little Ark – a wooden box on wheels, containing an altar – which could be rolled onto the beach at low tide.
at the tip of the peninsula, can be visited in summer. The walk along the coast around the lighthouse is a must. This is also a favourite spot for bird, dolphin and whale watching
Coming back to the Shannon Estuary you'll pass Kilbaha. Time for a pint in one of the two inns there!
The narrow coast road brings you along the estuary to Carrigaholt
with a ruined castle and a little fishing port. Needless to say that the restaurants & pubs here are great for seafood. Dolphin watching tours take place here in summer.
The market square in Kilrush, your next stop on the route
This museum tells you about live in west Clare during the Landlord times
The marina in Kilrush where boats to Scattery Island and Dolphin watching tours depart
The island is home to a lighthouse, a ruined monastery, an Irish round tower and the remains of an artillery battery.
The Wild Atlantic way takes you to Cappa pier and the Shannon estuary
the Shannon Ferry carries you in 20 minutes over the Shannon to Co Kerry. With a bit of luck you might encounter dolphins on your short trip
