Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Post Info TOPIC: Traveling in December to Clare


Host

Status: Offline
Posts: 10695
Date:
Traveling in December to Clare


I have a Totes rain jacket lined with fleece that is perfect for the Irish weather. I bought a size larger so I can put it over layers of other clothes like a T-neck, sweater, etc. It has a hood since if it is very windy (guaranteed in Lahinch!) an umbrella is useless. Also, have a look at my Packing page.

This is what I wrote about Loop Head:

Loop Head Co. Clare: This is the end of the earth. The edge of the world. Man’s only intrusion is the old lighthouse guarding the cliffs. Flower-studded sea stacks seem close enough to touch. Seabirds wheel overhead and the ocean crashes below your feet. Walk around the headland breathing the heady salt-scented air. Picnic on the springy grass. Gaze through the distant sea haze toward the place where the sky and ocean meet. Or do they meet? Is it all just an illusion and a great void? Loop Head is peaceful and dramatic and overwhelming all at the same time.

  • Aillwee Cave
  • Poulnabrone Dolmen
  • Rock Shop (near Lahinch)
  • Corkscrew Hill
  • Coastline
  • Bridges of Ross (on road to Loop)
  • Little Ark in Kilbaha
  • Kilmacduagh
  • Father Ted's House (rent the DVDs)

Be sure to take a look at Ireland Travel Kit.



__________________

"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

Click links for Michele's Book or Custom Ireland Itinerary

Visit Michele's Irish Shop for unique Irish gifts and beautiful photos of Ireland.



Newbie

Status: Offline
Posts: 2
Date:

I'm heading to county Clare next month and have 2 questions:

 

What should I be prepared for as far as weather goes(I'm from Minnesota so cold is not a problem but I don't want to overpack either)?

 

Any hidden gems in county Clare that I shouldn't miss?  I'm staying near Lahinch for a week to celebrate my 40th Birthday.

 

Any suggestions would help out thanks. -TK



__________________


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1764
Date:

You might want to remember that there is an East side to Clare over here by Lough Derg although best in summer for the water and getting out to Holy Island Killaloe, Feakle, Scarriff and Mountshannon are places few visitors take time for.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRY4jNKFoCk

Kilmacduagh and Corocomroe Abbeys

http://www.irelandtravelkit.com/kilmacduagh-abbey-co-galway/

http://www.burrenbeo.com/visitor-info/attractions/monuments/corcomroe-abbey

Lots of lesser known ring forts and wedge tombes

With a week you should have time to explore a little

 



-- Edited by tony2phones on Friday 2nd of November 2012 01:50:06 PM

__________________

Two rules for Ireland, Take your time & bring a sense of humour 



Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 642
Date:

I would say you will get much less snow in Clare than in Minnesota for the winter. That being said, anything is possible in Ireland. Prepare for wind, though, and wet as well as the cold. Also, very short days and long nights. They are farther north than Minnesota, though the climate is more moderate.

As for hidden gems - it is one huge hidden gem! The Burren will be a delightful place to explore. Shops and other tourist places may be closed, but the Burren itself is open for all to see. I know the landscape is surreal and bizarre in the spring and summer - I can only imagine how much more it is during the winter!

If you want to spend some time on the Aran Islands, I would recommend going up to Rossveal to take the ferry. I don't know if the Doolin ferry will go over in winter, as it is weather dependent, and may close down off-season.







__________________

May the light be your guide and the darkness be your comfort!

www.greendragonartist.com



Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 32
Date:

My favorite hidden gem in County Clare is the Loop Head Peninsula. The lighthouse won't be open for tours, but I assume you could still park there and walk out along the cliffs. I also enjoy walking the cliffs in Kilkee (The Dunlickey walk), and Kilkee is where you'd start the scenic drive out to Loop Head. Kilkee is just a bit south of Lahinch, about 40 minutes or so, and would be a nice excursion to do during the day.

http://www.loophead.ie/



__________________

~*~Carla~*~



Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1382
Date:

How are ya, Tony, mo chara...out there in the back of beyond...

I think the lough derg drive is beautiful any time of the year...so many wonderful small villages, old cemeteries,

ruins to poke about in...famine graves, holy wells...Do they run the boats out to Inis Cealtra in December, mo chara?

That in itself is fabulous!



__________________

www.rinconcreekstudios.zenfolio.com



Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1764
Date:

As to Holly Island I think out of season it's best to contact Gerard himself, Ger Madden email through the east Clare Heritage centre on ... eastclareheritage@eircom.net I know he has had his holidays so should be back now.

Just had the sister in law (ish) over for half term so bit of running around and Samhain (Halloween) Jen didn't believe the neighbours kids coming round for cake and playing music rather than just knocking on doors and demanding sweets and money.

Caught a Gypsy Wedding when I drove Chris and Jen up to Knock.. there's me sat in the car with the dog thinking they'd seen the second coming or been abducted by aliens and their over the road watching the show. No turf for the fires this year the top bog was too wet to cut, even the timber we are buying in is less than dry. Europe has also forced legislation on the cutting of turf, bans on the blanket bog outside Portumna had made the headlines.

Hopefully promised a fair winter and we are due a dry(er) summer next year.



__________________

Two rules for Ireland, Take your time & bring a sense of humour 

Page 1 of 1  sorted by
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.

Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us


Create your own FREE Forum
Report Abuse
Powered by ActiveBoard