THINGS TO DO IN COUNTY CLARE
From windswept cliffs to quiet country pubs, Bayfield House is perfectly placed for adventure, exploration, and those slow Irish moments that make every day memorable.
Nestled on the Wild Atlantic Way, between the villages of Kinvara and Ballyvaughan, Bayfield House is surrounded by some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery. Whether you’re here to walk, swim, explore, or simply sit back and soak it all in, there’s plenty to fill your days — and your heart.
COASTAL WALKS
FOR FAMILIES
HISTORICAL SITES
FOOD & PUBS
GREAT OUTDOORS
Coastal Walks & Local Nature
Nothing beats stepping straight out the door and into nature.
The Flaggy Shore Walk (5 mins away): Start right from the house and stroll along this stunning coastal route. You’ll pass limestone beaches, wildflowers, and the shimmering Atlantic. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Connemara.
Flaggy Beach: A short walk from Bayfield, perfect for a morning dip or an evening paddle. Locals swim here year-round — join them if you’re brave enough!
Abbey Hill & The Burren: A short drive brings you to Abbey Hill — a rewarding hike with panoramic views across Galway Bay. The Burren National Park itself is a treasure trove of limestone landscapes, rare flora, and ancient ruins.
Black Head Loop: A more challenging route for keen walkers, with views that will stop you in your tracks.
Tip: Always bring a raincoat and wear something bright if walking along roads at night — the locals will thank you!
There’s plenty to keep both grown-ups and little ones entertained.
The Burren Nature Sanctuary (Kinvara): Great for children — pet the animals, explore the fairy woodland trail, and enjoy the café.
Aillwee Caves & Birds of Prey Centre (Ballyvaughan): Fascinating limestone caverns and daily bird displays — fun for all ages.
Hazel Mountain Chocolate Factory (between Kinvara and New Quay): Follow the signs off the main road for homemade chocolate, coffee, and cake.
Linnalla Ice Cream Parlour: Midway along the Flaggy Shore walk — homemade ice cream and jam, a local favourite.
BBQ in the Orchard (Bayfield House): When the weather’s kind, nothing beats staying home, lighting the barbecue, and watching the sunset over the Burren.
The Burren Perfumery: One of the Burren’s real gems. Beautiful gardens, handmade soaps and perfumes, and a peaceful tea room that’s perfect after a morning walk. Even people who think they’re “not really into perfume” tend to love it.
Historic Sights & Culture
This corner of Ireland is steeped in history and character — every hill and harbour tells a story.
Dunguaire Castle (Kinvara): A picture-perfect 16th-century tower house overlooking the sea. Walk around the base at low tide or visit for one of the medieval banquets in summer.
Corcomroe Abbey (Bellharbour): A hauntingly beautiful 12th-century abbey — also the resting place of Bayfield’s ancestors.
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park: About 45 minutes away, this is one of Ireland’s best-preserved castles, complete with recreated village cottages and traditional pubs.
Galway City: Less than an hour’s drive — spend a day wandering Quay Street, visiting local markets, and listening to live music spilling out from every pub door.
Poulnabrone Dolmen – One of the Burren’s most famous sights and over 5,000 years old. Set right out on the limestone plateau, it’s a simple, striking place and well worth a quiet visit.
Coole Park – A beautiful woodland park near Gort with lakes and gentle walks. A lovely change of pace from the coast and a nice spot to stretch your legs.
Adventure & the Great Outdoors
For guests who like to get moving (or muddy), the Burren is an adventurer’s playground.
Surfing & Sea Kayaking (Fanore Beach): Wide sands and rolling waves — lessons available from Aloha Surf School.
E-Bike Adventures (Kinvara): Cycle the Burren the easy way with guided or self-guided routes.
Pier Jumping & Water Sports: For the bold — ask Ger at Burren Outdoor Activities Centre, just around the corner, for bodyboarding, caving, or climbing sessions.
Fishing and crabbing: Try your luck off Linnane’s pier — mackerel on a good day.
Horse Riding: Several local stables offer scenic treks through the Burren or along the beach.
Trips worth the drive..
If you fancy a day further afield, there’s no shortage of unforgettable places to explore.
The Cliffs of Moher: Ireland’s most famous cliffs — and for good reason. Walk from Doolin if you prefer a more peaceful, scenic route.
The Aran Islands: Take the ferry from Doolin for a day trip to Inis Oírr or stay longer and visit all three. The views, stone walls, and quiet lanes are pure magic.
Lahinch & Doonbeg: Beautiful beaches, world-class golf, and surf schools for all levels.
The Dingle Peninsula & Ring of Kerry: A few hours south, but well worth an overnight stay. Take the Shannon Ferry across for a beautiful coastal journey.
Connemara: Across Galway Bay — a land of mountains, lakes, and winding roads. Stop in Roundstone, one of our favourite towns.
Food and drink nearby
Because no Irish adventure is complete without good food and a cosy pub.
Linnane’s Lobster Bar (New Quay), a few minutes from Bayfield House:
This is our local — and, in our opinion, one of the loveliest pub locations in Ireland. Right on the water, with excellent seafood, good Guinness, and sunsets that can make you forget the time entirely. The lobster is famous for a reason, but honestly, almost everything is good here.
Tip from Maxx: Book ahead online before you arrive — it gets busy and you really don’t want to miss dinner here.
Morans on the Weir, near Clarinbridge:A brilliant long-lunch spot on the water, especially if you’re coming from Shannon or Galway. Oysters, seafood, pints, and a proper old Irish atmosphere without trying too hard. One of those places where lunch can accidentally become the whole afternoon.
Kinvara village: Kinvara has a nice mix of relaxed cafés, traditional pubs, pizza spots, and seafood restaurants. It’s ideal for a casual evening out without having to drive too far. You’ll often find live music at weekends — particularly around Tully’s.
Ballyvaughan, small village, good food. Ballyvaughan has several lovely places to stop for lunch or dinner, Monk’s being the main destination, especially if you’ve spent the day exploring the Burren or walking nearby. A nice place to wander around slowly before heading home along the coast road.
Gregans Castle Hotel: Tucked away in the Burren hills near Ballyvaughan, Gregans Castle is one of those quietly special places that people tend to remember long after their trip. The setting is beautiful, the service relaxed but excellent, and the food is some of the best in the area — thoughtful without ever feeling overly formal. It’s particularly lovely for a long lunch or a slightly more special evening out after a day exploring the Burren. Even just driving there through the limestone roads is part of the experience.
Note from Maxx & Beatrice: If the weather is kind, arrive a little early and enjoy the views with a drink before dinner, or even a game of croquet on the lawn. A very good spot for slowing down properly.
Hazel Mountain Chocolate: Tucked away near Kinvara, this little café and chocolate shop is well worth finding. Excellent coffee, homemade cakes, and dangerously good chocolate.
Linnalla Ice Cream Parlour: Midway along the Flaggy Shore walk — homemade ice cream and jam, a local favourite. A great stop on your coastal walk.
Galway City: A foodie’s paradise, with everything from traditional pubs to modern bistros. Galway is about an hour from Bayfield and makes a great day or evening out — especially if the weather turns or you fancy a bit more bustle after the quiet of the Burren. Below are a few places we genuinely enjoy and often recommend to guests.
Ard Bia at Nimmos: Right beside the Spanish Arch and the river, Ard Bia is one of those places that manages to feel both relaxed and special at the same time. Great for brunch, lunch, or dinner, with locally sourced food and a lovely atmosphere inside.Tip from Maxx: Try to get a table by the window if you can.
Kai Restaurant: One of Galway’s best-known restaurants and deservedly popular. Seasonal cooking, excellent local ingredients, and a simple unfussy style that suits Galway perfectly. Wonderful lunches. Book ahead — it fills quickly.
McDonagh's: A Galway institution. Proper fish and chips, no fuss, and always busy. Perfect after a walk around town or before heading back to Bayfield. Not fancy — just very good at what it does.
The Quay Street Kitchen: Small, friendly, and tucked right into the heart of the Latin Quarter. A nice spot if you want something relaxed after wandering Quay Street and the nearby pubs.
The King's Head Not just for food — though the food is good. One of the best spots in Galway for atmosphere, music, and people-watching. Ideal if you want the classic lively Galway pub experience.
RuibínA more modern Galway restaurant overlooking the docks. Excellent seafood, creative cooking, and lovely views across the harbour. Particularly nice in the evening.
Tigh Neachtain: Technically more pub than restaurant, but too good not to include. One of Galway’s great old pubs — cosy corners, excellent Guinness, and a lovely place to end the day before the drive back along the bay.
A few thoughts from Maxx: Galway is best enjoyed without too much planning. Wander around, dip into pubs, follow the music, and don’t worry too much about schedules. Some of the nicest moments are the unplanned ones — especially once the streets start filling with music in the evening.
Local Farmers Markets
If you happen to be staying at Bayfield over a market day, they’re well worth a wander. They’re not huge commercial affairs — more the sort of proper local markets where you can pick up fresh bread, vegetables, local cheeses, homemade cakes, and usually end up staying longer than intended, chatting to people over coffee.
Kinvara Farmers Market Every Friday | 10am – 2pm (Spring to Autumn) - 15 min. drive from Bayfield House. Kinvara’s Friday market is one of our favourites and has a lovely atmosphere. Held right in the centre of the village, it’s full of local produce, baked goods, seafood, crafts, plants, coffee, and often live music as well. A very nice way to spend a slow Friday morning before lunch by the water.
Ballyvaughan Farmers Market - Every Saturday | 10am – 2pm (May to October) - 20 min. drive from Basyfield House. A smaller but very lovely market held in the Village Hall car park in Ballyvaughan. Expect local vegetables, homemade food, artisan bits and pieces, and a relaxed Burren atmosphere. Worth combining with a coffee, a coastal drive, or a walk nearby.
Honestly, even if you don’t need anything, they’re still worth going to — the sort of places where you arrive for a loaf of bread and leave two hours later having somehow acquired jam, cheese, cake, and lunch plans.