Loop Head Peninsula

Loop Head is Clare's secret - a peninsula of dramatic cliffs, dolphin-filled waters, and wild beauty that rivals the famous Cliffs of Moher without the crowds. The lighthouse at the tip marks where the Shannon meets the Atlantic.

Why This Route?

Loop Head offers unspoilt Atlantic drama:

• Loop Head Lighthouse - Shannon meets Atlantic
• Bridges of Ross - Natural sea arches
• Dolphin watching - Resident pod in Shannon Estuary
• Dramatic cliffs - Empty and spectacular
• Wild Atlantic Way - Discovery Point

The Route

Starting from Kilrush

The peninsula's gateway town:

Kilrush

Historic market town:

• Vandeleur Walled Garden (restored)
• Heritage centre
• Good facilities
• Shannon Dolphin Centre

Shannon Dolphins

Europe's largest resident dolphin pod:

• 140+ bottlenose dolphins
• Boat trips from Kilrush and Carrigaholt
• Year-round residents
• High sighting success rate

Kilkee

The Victorian resort:

The Town

Classic seaside resort:

• Horseshoe bay
• Victorian terraces
• Pollock holes (natural swimming pools)
• Cliff walks

Swimming

• Main beach (sheltered)
• Pollock holes (tidal pools)
• Diamond Rocks
• Lifeguards in summer

Bridges of Ross

Natural rock formations:

• Sea arches and platforms
• Powerful waves
• Free access
• Care near edges

Loop Head Lighthouse

The peninsula's tip:

The Lighthouse

Working lighthouse with visitor access:

• Guided tours (seasonal)
• Lightkeeper's house exhibition
• Shannon and Atlantic meeting
• Views to Kerry

The Cliffs

Dramatic coastline on both sides:

• Empty and wild
• Seabird colonies
• Whale sightings possible
• Walking trails

Kilbaha

Remote village near Loop Head:

• Traditional pub (Keating's)
• Little Ark church
• End of the road atmosphere

Carrigaholt

Fishing village with castle:

• 15th-century tower house
• Dolphin watching boats
• Traditional pubs
• Pier fishing

Return via north coast

Through Cross and Doonbeg:

• Doonbeg beach and golf course
• Spanish Point beach
• Quieter villages

Wildlife

Dolphins

The Shannon dolphins are special:

• Largest resident group in Ireland/UK
• Year-round presence
• Best: April-October
• Boat trips from Kilrush or Carrigaholt

Seabirds

Loop Head cliffs host:

• Puffins (seasonal)
• Guillemots
• Razorbills
• Fulmars
• Kittiwakes

Whales

Seasonal sightings possible:

• Minke whales
• Humpbacks (rare)
• Best: August-October

Walking

Loop Head Cliff Walk

Dramatic coastal path:

• Lighthouse to Bridges of Ross possible
• Wild Atlantic Way walking route
• No formal trail; coast access

Kilkee Cliff Walk

Established path:

• 8km loop
• Pollock holes
• Diamond Rocks
• Town to George's Head

Practical Tips

1. Dolphin trips - Book in advance; weather dependent
2. Lighthouse - Check tour times (seasonal)
3. Cliffs - Unfenced; keep back from edges
4. Kilkee - Busy summer weekends
5. Loop Head - Few facilities; bring supplies