Funfilled Outdoor Family Activities in County Clare, Ireland

County Clare, situated in the mid-west of Ireland, is one of those places where you'll always feel right at home. The locals are warm, welcoming people, and the area is simply brimming with interesting and unusual landscapes, great shops, and historical landmarks. On top of this, it also boasts of a selection of outdoor activities suited to the whole family.

West Coast Angling will gladly teach you whatever it is you want to learn about fly fishing and bait casting. Everyone is welcome at their competitively-priced lessons, and all the necessary equipment is available free of charge.

You'll find them on the West Clare coastline, and they primarily operate from Lahinch, in the same county. They promise that you'll leave their tutorials armed with all the knowledge needed to operate fishing equipment, and Clare provides plenty of opportunities for you to test out your newly found hobby. It's shoreline and inland rivers and lakes boast of numerous fish species.

No prior experience is needed, and the entire practice is fuss-free. West Coast Angling say that while you'll love practising casting and angling, you'll also adore the picturesque surroundings.

Many people also partake in their services as they see it as a great way to spend some quality time with family and friends.

Whether you are a novice or an expert when it comes to horse riding, you're always welcome at the family-run Banner Equestrian Centre. Both group and private lessons are offered, and lessons are given in both English and German.

Their world-famous facilities include an indoor riding school, outdoor showjumping arenas, cross-country courses, and challenging obstacles to suit all levels of experience. There are also practice arenas where you can either brush up on your horse-riding skills, or build up your experience.

If you had a more laid-back day in mind, don't worry - peaceful, soothing treks are available. These journeys will take you across farmland, down country roads, and through beautiful woodland areas. These treks provide a wonderful opportunity to relax and take in Ireland's wildlife.

Great accommodation is available on-site, if you are planning to spend an extended length of time at the Banner Equestrian Centre.

Both children and adults will love reconnecting with nature at The Farmyard, which is located at the heart of the stunning Burren.

Explore the many farm trails, meet and learn about a whole host of animals, see a fully functional farm at work, and experience the link between the food on our kitchen tables and the land from which it originates. There are a number of workshops which everyone is welcome to join in, and visitors are encouraged to help out with fun farm activities.

Visitors are welcome at The Farmyard on seasonal weekends, and they also cater for school tours, educational programmes, hen parties, weddings, team-building events, etc.

Clare Cycling Tours help tourists experience the best of the county's scenery, by offering a huge selection of cycling trails which are already pre-planned. The most beautiful of these tracks follow the coastline, castles, mountainous areas, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Loop Head Peninsula.

The trail guide will establish a pace to suit everyone, as the tours are meant to be laid back and relaxing. No-one will ever be hurried along as the group moves at a completely leisurely pace.

Hybrid bikes from a number of top brands are available, as well as child seats, bags, helmets, and high-visibility raincoats. It's recommended that you book your spot on the tour in advance.

The Burren Birds of Prey Educational Centre is home to the country's largest collection of birds of prey. Pay them a visit and marvel at their majestic owls, hawks, falcons, and eagles.

The birds are grouped into special breeding pairs and visitors can get right up close to them in specially designed pens. Each enclosure is accompanied by interactive learning boards for those who wish to know more about certain types of birds.

Their special breeding programme aims to help preserve endangered species, and there are plenty of resources at the centre that help guests learn about such species. Adults and children alike will leave the centre full of interesting information regarding the protection and conservation of birds such as the barn owl, the bald eagle, and the American peregrine falcon.

You are given the chance to see these beautiful birds in flight and to take part in a hawk walk, meaning you get to feed, handle and fly your own assigned hawk.

Situated right beside the Burren Birds of Prey Educational Centre, the Aillwee Cave is a must-visit location for anyone holidaying in county Clare. Inside the cave itself, you'll be stunned by the unusual limestone rock formations, chasms, and underground waterfall. Behold the almost perfectly-preserved bones of the now-extinct brown bear and the amazing frozen waterfall. Tour guides will accompany you through the caves, explaining how each shelf, feature and formation was created.

Your guide will then bring you back above ground, where you can either browse the selection of goods in the Aillwee craft shops or sit down and have a bite to eat in the cosy cafe.

Potential visitors should note that the Aillwee Cave is perhaps not a suitable attraction for those suffering from claustrophobia, as parts of the cave system are quite narrow and cramped.

This fully equipped educational centre can be found in the middle of the Burren - perhaps county Clare's most unusual yet most famous landmark.

The Burren Outdoor Education Centre wishes to include everyone in its outdoor education courses which offer useful skills that will last a lifetime. It offers a number of adventurous and fun activities such as snorkelling, hill walking, caving, rock climbing, Kayaking, body boarding, orienteering, and team challenges.

Hostel-style accommodation is available along with home-cooked meals, as well as a dining area, showers, meeting rooms, games room, and a pitch and volleyball area.

The map below displays all the locations mentioned in this hub together in one place. This will make it easier for you to figure out the distance between each place.