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Take a Day Trip - Sandhills House is ideally located for exploring County Clare and beyond and visiting some of Ireland's top visitor attractions. Cliffs of Moher, Aillwee Cave & the Burren, Aran Islands (via Doolin), Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Limerick City & King John's Castle, Ring of Kerry (via Killimer Car Ferry), and Galway City

Places of Interest 

West Clare Peninsula - This is a long finger of rugged land which points out into the Atlantic Ocean and terminates at the famous Loop Head with its solitary but inspiring lighthouse. The peninsula is cliff bound for almost its entire length. Tiny rocky islands, cut off from the majestic cliffs by the Atlantic, dot the coastline, which is totally unspoilt and in many places almost undiscovered.

The Loop Drive - Well sign-posted from Kilkee, this unique Way can be taken by car or bicycle. It takes the visitor around the Loop Head peninsula, through areas of exceptional beauty and through villages of historic and folkloric interest. It leads along the Shannon shore by way of the villages of Doonaha, Carrigaholt and Kilbaha to the lighthouse at Loop Head "where the Shannon meets the sea". The return journey is along the wild and rugged Atlantic Coast with panoramic views as far as the Cliffs of Moher.

Vandeleur Gardens, Kilrush www.vandeleurwalledgarden.ie - Behind beautiful old stone walls lay the forgotten garden of Kilrush House, home to the Vandeleur landlords in Kilrush. Now redesigned and restored to its former glory, it is an oasis of tender and tropical plants that thrive in the area's uniquely western latitude climate. Facilities in the Vandeleur Centre include a coffee shop, gift shop, plant sales area and conference suite. The Vandeleur Picture Exhibition and part of the heritage display "Kilrush in Landlord Times" are also on display in the Vandeleur centre.  

Scattery Island - Scattery Island was the location of the 6th century monastic settlement founded by St. Senan. Now uninhabited, there are many ruins on the island including those of seven churches, a unique 10th century round tower and a holy well. Boat trips to Scattery Island depart from Kilrush Marina during the summer season. There is a small visitor centre on the island and guided tours are available free of charge. For information on boat trips see www.discoverdolphins.ie

Cliffs of Moher -Just north of Liscannor are the world renowned Cliffs of Moher, stretching for 8km and rising up to 214 m (700ft) above the Atlantic Ocean. The "Atlantic Edge" is the interpretive centre at the Cliffs of Moher new visitor experience. www.cliffsofmoher.ie

Aillwee Cave, Ballyvaughan - Ireland's premier show cave. The thirty minute tour takes you through caverns, over bridged chasms, under weird formations and alongside the thunderous waterfall. www.aillweecave.ie

Burren Birds of Prey & Educational Centre, Ballyvaughan - This new development at Aillwee Cave offers the largest and most varied collection of Birds of Prey in the country - home to Eagles, Falcons, Hawks and Owls from all over the world. www.birdofpreycentre.com  

Doolin Cave - Doolin Cave is home to "The Great Stalactite" measuring almost 7m in length. This will be your only opportunity to see such a large free hanging stalactite anywhere in the world.   www.doolincave.ie  

The Burren Centre - The Burren Centre in Kilfenora gives the visitor an introduction to the visual delights and ancient mysteries which await to be discovered in the Burren. The story of the Burren is excitingly captured in A Walk through Time multi-dimensional exhibition at the completely refurbished Burren Centre. Visitors get a comprehensive introduction to the geology, flora and fauna of the region and an understanding of the history and effects of man on the unique landscape.   www.theburrencentre.ie

The Burren is a remarkable limestone area that is unique in Europe. Its geology, flora, caves, archaeology and history set it apart as a place of great mystery and beauty. In a small 100 square mile area, there are majestic rivers, brooding castles, tranquil lakes, towering cliffs, lush green valleys, barren rock mountains, rare plants, green road walks - and everywhere relics of ancient civilization. It defies nature's conventional rules. The Burren Centre at Kilfenora is an attraction worth visiting and interprets the area. For more information on the Burren, please visit the Burren Connect Project website.

The Michael Cusack Centre - The original homestead of Michael Cusack, the founding member of the Gaelic Athletic Association, (GAA) has been fully restored and a contemporary visitor centre developed nearby. For anyone interested in the changing face of Irish life, the Michael Cusack Centre is a treasure chest of living history. Open all year round, it's set to become a top tourist attraction and popular destination for school groups and sport enthusiasts. www.michaelcusack.ie

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park - This is one of Ireland's top visitor attractions. A visit to the castle, the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland and the absorbing folk park is a wonderful experience for all the family.     www.shannonheritage.com  

Craggaunowen, Quin - The Living Past Experience - a recreation of Celtic Ireland. The park interprets Ireland's pre-historic and early Christian eras. It features a stunning recreation of some of the homesteads, animals and artefacts which existed in Ireland over 1,000 years ago. www.shannonheritage.com   

Clare Museum, Ennis - The Riches of Clare exhibition at the museum captures the story of County Clare and its people which stretches back over 8,000 years. www.clarelibrary.ie  

Aran Islands - The Aran Islands, one of the last outposts of Gaelic civilization, are stunningly beautiful with cliffs, rugged landscapes and ancient forts. A ferry to Aran operates from Doolin in Co. Clare, the shortest crossing point, and takes less than 30 minutes. www.doolin2aranferries.ie