Doonbeg Castle

County Clare


The ruined 16th-century tower next to the graceful stone bridge over the River Doonbeg is all that remains of Doonbeg Castle – its entire garrison was hanged in 1595 by the O'Briens, who had lost the castle 10 years earlier.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby County Clare attractions

1. Doughmore Bay

1.3 MILES

A long, sweeping 2km stretch of golden sand, Doughmore Bay is 4km north of the village. There's often good surf here; rent equipment in Lahinch.

2. White Strand

1.58 MILES

Secluded White Strand (Trá Ban) offers relatively safe swimming sheltered from the Atlantic swells. With a Blue Flag rating, the 250m beach is patrolled…

3. St Senan's Church

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St Senan’s Catholic church has a lovely rose window as well as four stained-glass windows by well-known early-20th-century artist Harry Clarke.

4. Shannon Dolphin Centre

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The 170-plus bottlenose dolphins swimming out in the Shannon are monitored by this dedicated research facility. In addition to learning about its latest…

5. Vandeleur Walled Garden

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Within a 170-hectare forest 800m south of the centre, this stunning 'lost' garden was the private domain of the wealthy Vandeleur family – merchants and…

6. Scattery Island

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This uninhabited, windswept and treeless island in the estuary 3km southwest of Kilrush was the site of a Christian settlement founded by St Senan in the…

7. Spanish Point

8.63 MILES

With dazzling views of the setting sun, this lovely beach also offers excellent walks north of the point amid the low cliffs, vast ledges of stone, rock…

8. Tarbert Bridewell Courthouse & Jail

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If you're catching the ferry between Tarbert and County Clare, take time to visit the renovated Tarbert Bridewell Courthouse, which has exhibits …