The west coast of Ireland is a must see, especially County Clare. One could say it is magical, from the awe-inspiring beauty of the Cliffs of Moher to the ancient history of the Poulanbrone Dolmen. Lahinch is a lovely little seaside town.
Visitors come from far and wide to go for a stroll on the beach or take to the waves.
We at Ireland Before You Die have compiled a list of the best places to see and where the to eat if you only have one day in in Lahinch.
Morning
Joe’s Café
Located in the heart of the town, Joe’s Café has a beautiful view of Lahinch beach, and it even allows dogs inside so you can bring your furry friend with you!
The restaurant is well known for fast service and a menu that suits all diets and tastes.
The veggie fry treats you any type of egg, flat mushrooms, beans, tomatoes and toast. The health kick is healthy but delicious sounding: porridge or granola with natural Greek yoghurt and chopped banana!
Address: Marine Parade, Dough, Lahinch, Co. Clare, Ireland
Kenny’s Woollen Mills and Lahinch Art Gallery
Both a clothing store and an art gallery, the store features Irish woollen knitwear and beautiful authentic gifts made from Irish oak. Another aspect of the store is the gallery.
Curated by Carmel Kenny, the gallery features work by up and coming Irish artists.
The gallery reopened on March 29th after a five-month renovation. There are monthly exhibitions and the artwork features always change so you’ll never be bored!
Address: Main St, Dough, Lahinch, Co. Clare, Ireland
Lahinch Adventures
If you consider yourself a bit of an adventurer, then Lahinch Adventures is for you.
The adventure centre is based right on the promenade facing out on to Lahinch beach and offers a wide range of activities. Visitors can try rock climbing in the Burren itself, climbing up beautiful limestone cliffs.
Or embark on a two-hour kayak tour of the river in Ennistymon or the beach itself weather permitting. Dare you try archery and give Robin Hood a run for his money?
There are activities for individuals, families and groups of all abilities.
Address: Promenade, Dough, Lahinch, Co. Clare, Ireland
Afternoon
Lunch at Randaddy’s
After all that adventuring in the west of Ireland, you’ll need a good meal to get those energy levels back up.
Bringing you tastes all the way from Canada thanks to its owner Randy, Randaddy’s menu is full of variety.
The lunch menu includes starters such as Cuban Garlic Prawns and Mussels, Moroccan spiced meatballs and Kenyan samosa.
Talk about bringing international tastes to Lahinch. Other dishes include Hong Kong vegetarian Burger, Seafood Tagliatelle and more. So, you won’t be stuck for choice!
Address: Lahinch Seaworld, Lahinch Beach Front, Dough, Lahinch, Co. Clare, Ireland
Walk The Cliffs of Moher
Less than twenty minutes from the centre of Lahinch are the Cliffs of Moher, of the most beautiful places in the country you could say.
The views from this location are absolutely stunning. You could walk the cliff walk from Doolin to Liscannor.
At the cliffs themselves, you have the option of three primary viewings from.
From the main viewpoint you can see Hag’s head, and the highest point of the cliffs at 214m above sea level can be seen from the North platform.
Whether viewing the cliffs on a day with good weather or bad weather, the sights are spectacular. Inside the visitor’s centre, you can view an exhibition on the history of the cliffs and aerial tour of the cliffs.
Doolin Cave
Discovered in 1952, Doolin Cave is another exciting stop on our itinerary list.
The cave is home to the longest free-hanging stalactite in the Northern Hemisphere.
Supposedly the stalactite took over 70,000 years to form. Take the time to explore underground, the tour lasts about fifty minutes, browse through the pottery in the visitor’s centre and walk the nature trail.
The nature trail leads visitors along until the original cave entrance. You’ll be treated to sights of farm animals and beautiful flora.
Address: Craggycorradan, Doolin, Co. Clare, Ireland
Evening
Kenny’s Bar
We conclude the tour of the lovely seaside town of Lahinch and surrounding area with dinner and drink in Kenny’s. Beloved of locals and tourists, it is known for its relaxing atmosphere.
By day, Kenny’s serves delicious food, by night it hosts many musical guests.
Tuck into some Nachos topped with melted cheese or Garlic Ciabatta bread as a starter.
There are burgers plenty on the menu, including the homemade vegetarian burger for non-meat eaters.
There’s a children’s menu available too for the little ones.
After that you could have a drink at the bar and stay late to listen to the music, thus concluding your exploration of Lahinch.
Address: Main St, Dough, Lahinch, Co. Clare, Ireland
