At this diverting little museum, the 'Riches of Clare' exhibition tells the story of Clare from 8000 years ago to the present day using authentic artefacts grouped into five themes: earth (geology, seasons and agriculture), power (such as hill forts and tower houses), faith (Christianity's influence), water (the county's relationship with the River Shannon and the Atlantic) and energy (particularly Clare's musical and sporting prowess).
Clare Museum
County Clare
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
19.23 MILES
An obdurate and brooding Norman mass looming over the River Shannon, Limerick's showpiece castle, with its vast curtain walls and towers, was built on the…
29.56 MILES
Exhibits at this modern, three-floor museum engagingly convey the city's archaeological, political, cultural and social history. Look out for an iconic…
19.41 MILES
Although named for its benefactors, this museum, opened in 1997, is also a treasure hunt. Visitors are encouraged to open drawers and poke around the…
15.59 MILES
Also known as the Portal Tomb, Poulnabrone Dolmen is one of Ireland's most photographed ancient monuments. Built more than 5000 years ago, the other…
19.67 MILES
Book ahead to watch chocolate being made in small batches using rare Trinitario cacao beans and raw sugar on a 45-minute tour of this heavenly smelling…
Burren Perfumery & Floral Centre
14.04 MILES
The Burren's wildflowers are the inspiration for the subtle scents at this wonderful perfumery and floral centre, which creates scented items such as…
16.79 MILES
One of Ireland's most famous prehistoric grave sites, Gleninsheen lies beside the R480 7km south of Ballyvaughan. It's thought to date from 4000 to 5000…
9.19 MILES
Creamy St Tola goat's cheese is served at some of Ireland's finest restaurants, with award-winning lines including ash log, Greek-style feta and gouda…
Nearby County Clare attractions
0.04 MILES
Set on a soaring column, a statue of Daniel O'Connell (aka the 'Great Liberator') presides over the Square.
0.13 MILES
North of the Square, Ennis Friary was founded by Donnchadh Cairbreach O'Brien, a king of Thomond, between 1240 and 1249. A mix of structures dating…
0.19 MILES
Consecrated in 1843, this impressive structure had its tower and spire added in 1874, and was elevated to the status of a cathedral in 1990. A highlight…
5.28 MILES
Impressively intact, this Franciscan friary was founded in 1433 using part of the walls of an older Clare castle built in 1280. Despite many periods of…
5.82 MILES
The centrepiece of this fascinating historic site where St Tola founded a monastery in the 8th century is the four-storey, 15th-century O'Dea Castle…
6.59 MILES
Extending along a lovely river, Dromore Wood encompasses some 400 hectares of picturesque Irish woodland as well as the ruins of the lakeside 17th-century…
7. Clare Heritage & Genealogy Centre
7.73 MILES
Friendly, efficient services for people researching their Clare ancestry.
8. Clare Heritage Centre Interpretative Museum
7.75 MILES
Many of the displays inside early-1700s St Catherine's Church cover the horrors of the Great Famine, which led to mass emigration. More than 200,000…