How to Explore Ireland's Loop Head Peninsula

Today we welcome local tour guide Martina, who comes from a traditional Irish rural background. Her upbringing in County Clare was filled with local stories, history and culture, and she delights in sharing her knowledge with visitors.

Hi, my name is Martina and I’ve been a guide in Ireland with ToursByLocals since 2015. I became a guide first because I thought it would be fun to show visitors my country, but now I’ve realized that I also learn so much through the guiding experience. With each tour another unique experience occurs; no two tours are ever the same.

In particular, the place in my heart is the Loop Head Peninsula region, which is the area I was born and raised. A hidden gem that was awarded European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) in 2010 and voted Irish Times Best Place to Holiday in Ireland, this stretch of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is a dream destination. I have travelled many places around the globe (and I have spent significant time on 5 continents) but have found that no place surpasses the stunning coastal beauty of this region. The Loop Head Peninsula is on the Western Tip of County Clare, South of the Cliffs of Moher. Here are my recommendations on how to spend a day or two here.

Top Things to See and Do in Loop Head, County Clare

Visit the Bridges of Ross and the Lighthouse and climb to the top for amazing 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding coastal scenery.Go out on the Dolphin Watch Boat. Being close to dolphins frolicking in the Atlantic is an unmissable experience!

Do the Cliff Walk in Kilkee, followed by the Cliff Drive. You will be humbled by the spectacular scenery! The number one place to take a photo will definitely be a stopping point along this drive, but there are so many it will be hard to choose the favourite.

The local food specialty for the Loop Head region is seafood. Fresh and local, the Seafood Chowder is a force to be reckoned with. Each restaurant has their own chowder menu, with chunks of the local fish in season. Crab claws and mussels are a great choice also, and they are in abundant supply in Keatings Pub in Kilbaha where you will find the closest pub to New York, and the Diamond Rocks Café in Kilkee where the view is totally unbeatable.Kilkee is a lively town on the Loop, and a great place to celebrate a special occasion. Live music abounds in the summer months and the old Victorian sea-side town character is alive and well. The 200 year old porcelain seaweed baths in the Thalasso-therapy Centre are a total hidden-gem, a true tonic for the skin, while having a relaxing soak in nature’s finest.

I am proud to come from this very special place, where people are friendly, visitors are most welcome and where the locals love to chat and find out all about you! Loop Head is a leader in Sustainable Tourism in Ireland, and has won countless awards for Responsible Tourism, Keeping Towns Plastic Free, and overall Eco-Awareness. This is where I call home, and no tour with me is more fun than this Loop Head Special!