When the weather turned on us and prevented us from seeing the Cliffs of Moher, there was still plenty to see and do at County Clare. In fact, it is a truly surprising place!

County Clare has not one, but three famous natural features: The Coastline (where you’ll find the Cliffs of Moher), The Burren and Loagh Derg.

Quin Abbey is a ruined Franciscan friary in Quin, which is about 9 miles (14.5km) from County Clare. Founded in 1402 by Sioda Cam MacNamare, the friary became and observant reformed house in 1433. It occupies the site of an Anglo-Norman de Clare fortress.

The Burren is nearby and is an area that forms part of the territory of Corco Modruadh. It’s rich with historical and archaeological sits, including more than 90 megalithic tombs, portal dolmens, several high crosses in the village of Kilfenora and a number of ringofrts.

We travelled the Wild Atlantic Way, a tourism trail along the coast. The journey highlighted just how magnificent the west coast of Ireland is, with soaring cliffs leading you to buzzing towns and cities while hidden beaches and epic bays are also there to be found.

It’s an easy-to-navigate route with more than 155 ‘discovery points’ for you to explore, especially the lesser-known diversions of the area.

Other interesting facts about County Clare include:

• The country colours are saffron and blue
• The television program Father Ted was mostly filmed in North Clare
• Clare is known as ‘the banner county’ because of its deep history of symbolic banners being led at important political events.

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