Map

West Clare Cycleway

The West Clare Cycleway is a 70 kilometre sign-posted cycle route that stretches from Killimer, on the Shannon Estuary, to the coastal resort of Lahinch in County Clare. The route may be taken in either direction depending on how you access it. Cyclists arriving in Shannon International Airport will find signposting through Newmarket on Fergus, Ennis and the villages of Killadysert, Labasheeda and Killimer.

Also, there are hourly ferries crossing from Tarbert, co. Kerry to Killimer (more frequent in summertime). Seven kilometers beyond Killimer is the town of Kilrush. Take the coastal route via Cappa, which commands breathtaking views of the Shannon Estuary and Scattery Island, a 179 acre walker’s paradise, including an uninhabited village, monastic settlement and round tower. There are daily boat trips to the island.

Kilrush is a historic market town with lively pubs, restaurants and plenty of entertainment. The town hall has a permanent audio-visual exhibition, which depicts the history of Kilrush over a two hundred year period.

Seven miles beyond Kilrush, on the N67, is the seaside resort of Kilkee. It is beautifully situated on the edge of a horseshoe-shaped, sheltered bay that sweeps past spectacular cliff scenery and the wild beauty of the Atlantic coastline. While in Kilkee, one can choose to venture along the Loop Head Peninsula, where there are two cycle routes clearly signposted, the Loop Head and Dolphin Cycleways.

On leaving Kilkee, the cycleway turns north and follows the N67 to Bealaha and Doonbeg, now famous for its world-class golf course, designed by Greg Norman. After leaving Doonbeg, the cycleway briefly leaves the N67 and heads left towards the coast and Seafield, from where there is an uninterrupted view of this majestic coastline. A short boat trip from the local harbour lies Mutton Island, close to the spot where ships of the Spanish Armada foundered.

Continue north along the N67 from Quilty and turn left on to the R482 for Spanish Point. The route now skirts along the coastline until it again joins the N67, a mile outside Miltown Malbay. This town is famed for its traditional Irish music and song and home of the renowned piper Willie Clancy.

From Miltown Malbay, Lahinch a beautiful seaside town overlooking Liscannor Bay, is only five miles away along the N67, and is at the end of the West Clare Cycleway. At this stage one must be contemplating what the Burren Cycleway has to offer.

Downloads

West Clare Cycleway Downloadable Map

Shannon Region Cycleways Downloadable Map