Posts Tagged ‘county clare’

Evidence Of A Glorious Past Everywhere In Clare

In the past, practice had it that for one full moon after a pair got married, they might drink mead, as superstition connected it with increased fertility. Here’s where the custom that’s nowadays called a honeymoon started. Bunratty Winery is found beside the iconic Bunratty Castle, which goes back to the 1400s. The Winery makes Bunratty Mead, a wine which goes back to the time of the old Irish Celts. It is formed using a very old native process. Bunratty is simply a 15 minute drive from Shannon International Airport, making it a perfect trip for tourists.

Ballyvaughan Farmers Market was established in 2004, when local inhabitants expressed a desire for regionally sourced whole foods. Since that time it has expanded and developed. Recently folks come from all over each Saturday to explore what’s for sale at the stalls between 10am and 2pm. On top of the quality, fresh ingredients and dishes served here, one gets to experience something that they never would in a standard corner store or supermarket – an effervescent atmosphere where people stand around speaking to each other and luxuriate in the vibe of a genuine market.

Ballyvoe Garden may, on first sight, appear quite straightforward to explore. However , as you explore within the grounds, you’ll find secret trails. On further investigation, these are found to point you to other areas where you’d be excused for thinking you have got the garden to yourself. Most of the plants on view here can be bought in the on site nursery. This is quite a shrewd concept, as it permits possible purchasers to see what the potted plants they’re purchasing now could end up being in a few years’ time, given some tender cherishing and care. It also gives one a pretty certain indicator of what can stand the challenging Doolin climate – if it grows here, it’s pretty reasonable to say it’ll grow in your own garden!

The Brian Boru Heritage Centre, at Killaloe, teaches visitors about the life and times of this 11th century High King of Ireland. He was from the town and this centre tells his story. It also tells the history of Killaloe itself through interactive video displays. Centuries back, Killaloe was a notable trading post on the way from Dublin to Limerick, which the canal boats followed when transporting goods. The Centre also provides a lot of info on other visitor attractions in the area.

Aran View House, in Doolin, County Clare, is sited in a Georgian period house which was built in the early eighteenth century. Set on 100 acres of rural land, it’s been owned by the Linnane family for a few centuries. This lends it a unique country atmosphere and charm. The hotel offers a choice of guestrooms ( adjoining rooms for families are also on offer ) or uncatered apartments. All look out over the rugged Clare shore, Atlantic Sea and Aran Islands. Doolin village is just a ten minute amble down the street, while Doolin Cave is also nearby.

Get your hotel accommodation in Clare at Hotels in Clare or your Bed and Breakfast accommodation at Clare Bed and Breakfast

Clare is Renowned for Wild Scenery, Brilliant Traditional Irish Music and Tasty Dining

The Burren in County Clare, Ireland is famous throughout the world as an area of rugged limestone which is home to a number of of unusual plants. Botanists, hill walkers, cavers and potholers are regular visitors.

There is lots of good accommodation all around the county with numerous bed and breakfasts and some very fine hotels available. The quality of accommodation has improved greatly in the past few years.

Nowadays all accommodation is of very high standard and hotels and bed and breakfasts serve the best of fresh local food in their full Irish Breakfast or Continental Breakfast.

One of the world renowned sights here is The Cliffs of Moher on the west coast. These stunning cliffs which reach a height of 214 meters (702 feet) rise above the Atlantic Ocean and attract up to one million visitors per year. The village of Doolin is nearby and this area has become very popular with young people, students, new age travellers and people seeking a haven from the rat-race of urban life.

County Clare is probably Ireland’s top location for Traditional Music. Many pubs throughout the county have music sessions almost all nights and there are many festivals celebrating the various aspects of music during the year. The town of Milltown Malbay hosts the annual Willie Clancy Festival which celebrates the music of this legendary local piper who lived from 1918 to 1973.

Clare has had a long record of producing really good traditional musicians. Apart from the great Willie Clancy other famous names are ; Miko Russell (Tin Whistle), Tony McMahon (Accordion), Tommy Peoples (Fiddle) and Martin Hayes (Fiddle). The two most famous Ceili Bands also come from the county: The Tulla Ceili Band and The Kilfenora Ceili Band.

Another famous festival is held each year in the town of Lisdoonvarna. This is mainly a matchmaking gathering and it attracts thousands of single men and women seeking a partner. The traditional matchmaker is often employed to bring together people who may not have the know-how to find a partner themselves. This is a tradition which has lasted for centuries and has survived the coming of the internet and the mobile phone.

In all parts of the county there is a top class restaurant to be found. Some top chefs have set up business there, attracted by the availability of fresh produce. Fresh Atlantic salmon, lobster, crab, plaice and bass are among the fish available on many menus especially in the west of the county. Fresh meat and vegetables are always available.

So if you are coming to Ireland, don’t miss out on County Clare!

Get your hotel accommodation in Clare at Hotels in Clare or your Bed and Breakfast accommodation at Clare B&B

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