Lisdoonvarna accommodations

In north County Clare, the Irish spa town of Lisdoonvarna is known for its therapeutic mineral waters and breathtaking landscapes. The community is home to the Lisdoonvarna Spa Wells Heritage Center and Pump Room, the only remaining natural spa in Ireland, which features an exhibition on the history of the town and its restorative spa wells. Local pubs, trendy cafes, and a popular smokehouse add life to the town center — seafood is a staple here, due to Lisdoonvarna’s proximity to the Atlantic, with smoked salmon being a local favorite. And the town’s location on the rugged west coast in County Clare makes it a convenient base for exploring some of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks, including the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, Poulnabrone Dolmen, and Galway Bay.

The area experiences a temperate climate, with lots of rain throughout the year, so be sure to pack windbreakers and rainproof layers regardless of when you choose to book your Lisdoonvarna accommodation. The spring and summer months offer warmer temperatures and longer days perfect for sightseeing. On Wednesdays, Lisdoonvarna hosts its weekly NeighbourFood Market, where you’ll find an assortment of products from local farms and producers. In early October, the town hosts a well-known matchmaking festival, which draws thousands of singles from around Ireland to enjoy a week of music, dancing, and speed dating. At the end of the month, the Doolin Cave hosts Halloween at the Cave, where revelers explore the cave’s spooky passages on a guided walk. In the spring, typically between the end of April and early May, a slow food festival takes place, celebrating local food, chefs, and music.

Poulnabrone Dolmen

Around 20 minutes from Lisdoonvarna, Pulnabrone Dolmen is a burial ground and portal tomb that predates the Egyptian pyramids. The stone structure, built over 5,500 years ago, is one of Ireland’s oldest and most well-known archaeological monuments. Located in Burren National Park, the towering stones sit solemnly in a barren landscape, casting shadows over a field strewn with limestone boulders and wildflowers.

The Burren Scenic Drive

The Burren Scenic Drive spans more than 100 miles as it winds through Burren’s spectacular limestone landscape and passes Lisdoonvarna. Follow signs for Black Head, where there is space to pull off so you can admire the view of the North Atlantic and its rocky shores from atop a cliff. The coastal village of Ballyvaughan is a great place to stop for lunch and to explore Aillwee Cave, one of the oldest caves in Ireland and home to a frozen waterfall. South of Aillwee you’ll come across a number of ancient ruins and monuments, including Caherconnell Stone Fort and Leamaneh Castle.

Cliffs of Moher

Less than 20 minutes southwest of Lisdoonvarna is one of Ireland’s most famous sights: the Cliffs of Moher. The seaside cliffs tower 700 feet over the Clare coast, dropping vertically into the ocean below. Lush greenery blankets the rugged coastal cliffs, offering a striking contrast against the deep blue waters of the Atlantic. To reach the main observation area, make your way to the paved walking path to the viewing tower. There’s an additional, unpaved path that trails along the cliff. Both approaches offer spectacular vistas of the staggering rockface and sea.