Lahinch, Clare – An Essential Travel Guide for 2025

Lahinch is a seaside resort town overlooking Liscannor Bay on the northwest coast of County Clare. It’s frequently visited for its golf course or as a day trip from nearby Doolin. It is ideally located along the Wild Atlantic Way and surfing dominates social media posts about the area. Is there more to this area than the gigantic Atlantic waves?

Read on to find out!

Public Transport: Unfortunately the local train station closed in 1961, so Ennis Railway Station is now the nearest.

Lahinch is well-connected by bus to several locations. The Bus Eireann Route 350 bus links it to places of interest including Ennistymon, the Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, Lisdoonvarna and Galway. It stops directly outside Ennis Railway Station should you wish to catch the train.

Book Tickets for Bus Eireann Route 350

Vagabond sits right on the beach and is the king of the restaurants here. They serve a varied menu including salads, burgers and seafood, for incredibly reasonable prices. They have plenty of gluten free options, and a 12 inch pizza costs as little as €14. The casual atmosphere at Vagabond is ideal for those not in the mood to get glammed up.

The centrally located Lahinch Coast Hotel offers gastro grub daily in the stylish (and recently renovated) Aberdeen Bar and Restaurant. They have a breakfast menu and a kid’s menu, with the casual atmosphere making it superb for all of the family.

Hot Beverages: This town has no shortage of cafés for a tasty brew. Dodi’s Café is a fantastic option for breakfast, as well as incredible roasted brown coffee and opens from 9 to 4 each day. Alternatively pop into Joe’s Café for fast service, delicious coffee and lovely breakfast. Previously only open in the mornings, this gem has grown in popularity and now opens till at least 7pm each evening.

Alcohol: This lively area boasts an abundance of charming pubs that cater to a diverse range of preferences. Among the must-visit establishments is Kenny’s Bar, a busy spot that comes alive at night with its exceptional musical sessions. For an unforgettable Tuesday night experience during the summer, make your way to Kenny’s Bar to witness the renowned Whitehorse Sessions featuring 3 or 4 original bands showcasing their extraordinary talents.

If you prefer a more relaxed setting for a pint, Frawley’s Bar is the ideal choice. This pub is known for simplicity, providing a no-frills environment where patrons can unwind and savor their drinks. Frawley’s Bar has a great beer garden, creating an oasis for those seeking an escape from the town’s lively energy.

If you are willing to venture further afield, the market town of Ennistymon is just a 5 minute drive away. The River Inagh cascades through this little gem, creating picturesque rapids known locally as The Falls. The short walking loop around Ennistymon doesn’t take long to complete and is well worth it.

This town is most famous for its sandy beach, popular with all kinds of water-sports enthusiast. Lahinch Beach stretches for almost 2km around Liscannor Bay and its promenade is a fantastic place to take a leisurely stroll. There are also a variety of water-based activities on offer here, making it popular with surfers, swimmers and paddleboarders alike.

There is plenty of parking beside the promenade and the folks at Sauna Suaimhneas regularly set up their sauna here. Keep an eye on their website below for times.

Book a Sauna slot with Sauna Suaimhneas

In summer the town explodes to life due to the large concentration of pubs and restaurants. The sound of trad music emanating from the bars contributes to the old-Irish feel that is so popular with tourists here. This is very much a tourist town, with a jovial atmosphere and plenty of touristy shops to check out. Weekends are especially lively as the Claremont Nightclub opens every Friday and Saturday.

During the winter the town is quieter but still abundantly beautiful. The roaring waves of the Atlantic Ocean make a stroll along the promenade ideal for clearing your head after a busy week. The locals are extremely friendly and, although it is a relaxing town, it is much more upbeat than nearby towns such as Doolin.

Check out our Travel Guide to Doolin

The Irish weather is perfect for generating incredible waves which is why the beach here attracts people from across the globe to its many surf schools. It is so popular that in 2006 over 40 surfers set a world record here by riding a single wave!

Schools like Lahinch Surf School offer lessons for beginners or board rentals for more advanced surfers. Prices are very reasonable also, at €20 for boards and €10 for the rest of the kit. The surf school website offers a live webcam feed, allowing you to assess the waves before you travel. Access this handy surf cam at the link below.

Rent Surf Boards at Lahinch Surf School

Live Webcam

These 8km long and 700 feet high cliffs have been immortalized in movies like Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. Situated a handy 13 minute drive away, allow yourself time to appreciate the scenic route while you explore the narrow clifftop roads on the way.

Sadly, the Cliffs of Moher are not free to access from the main entrance. Adult tickets will set you back €15 at the gate, but you get a huge discount if you book online in advance. The fee also gives access to the visitor centre and O’Brien’s Tower, which sits at the highest point of the cliffs and gives further views out over the sea. O’Brien’s Tower bares no real historical significance, being built as an observation tower for tourists!

The cliffs get very busy during the peak season so arrive early to avoid the crowds. There is ample parking but we found our views were somewhat obstructed. Patrons are encouraged to bring their dogs, but keep them on a leash for obvious reasons!

Book Cliffs of Moher Tickets

The unique landscapes of the 1500 acre Burren National Park are a 20-minute drive away. The Burren offers hikes and walks of all difficulties in a landscape that must be seen to be believed. Its limestone pavements are home to all manner of rare plants and animals making it one of the best free things to do in County Clare.

If walking isn’t your thing, the Burren Scenic Drive might well be! This 160km driving route offers plenty of chances to stop and admire the landscape without the need to traverse any tough trails.

Burren Scenic Drive Map

The Ailwee Caves sit in the heart of the Burren, some 40 minutes away. For €27 each (Adult) you will get a guided tour and admission to the Birds of Prey Centre afterwards. We think most visitors will deem this a fair price for what you get in return.

The caverns are home to an underground waterfall, stalactites and stalagmites and, although slow-paced, the tours are extremely interesting. The real star of the show is the Birds of Prey Centre, where you will see all sorts of large birds in their enclosures before witnessing their 45-minute displays.

Book Ailwee Caves Guided Tour Tickets