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Loop head, Co Clare

Doonbeg to Loop head Peninsula Private Day Tour

Duration
7 hours
Tour Type
Day Tour
Group Size
Min 1 Max 6

Tour Information

Tour Duration
Up to 7 hours per day.
Tour Type
Private Driver-Guided Tour
Entry Fees
Not included - typically between 10 and 20 euro per person at the national sites
Start Point
Doonbeg
End Point
Doonbeg
Price
Contact us for a personalised quotation

Description

Discover the dramatic beauty, rich heritage and authentic coastal character of the Loop Head Peninsula on a private day tour from Doonbeg.

Your day begins with a 9:00 am hotel pickup, followed by a 30-minute scenic cliff walk in the Victorian seaside town of Kilkee. Continue along the famous Wild Atlantic Way, with spectacular coastal drives, photo stops and local stories bringing the landscape, heritage and culture of west Clare to life.

Take a break for lunch in Carrigaholt, a charming traditional fishing village on the Shannon Estuary. Enjoy a relaxed meal at The Long Dock, a local restaurant with a strong connection to the village's fishing heritage, and experience genuine local food and hospitality before continuing your journey around the Loop Head Peninsula.

Visit the historic Church of the Little Ark, one of the last remaining churches of its kind in Ireland, before continuing to Loop Head Lighthouse. Enjoy the Lighthouse Experience, climb to the top for breathtaking Atlantic views and explore the exhibition centre to discover the lighthouse's fascinating history.

5:00 pm — Arrive back at your hotel.

Your Day at a Glance

9:00 am — Pickup from your hotel in Doonbeg

Morning — 30-minute scenic cliff walk in Kilkee . Scenic drive along the Wild Atlantic Way with photo stops

Lunch — Enjoy a pub lunch in the traditional fishing village of Carrigaholt

Afternoon — Visit the historic Church of the Little Ark

— Loop Head Lighthouse Experience, including the exhibition centre and lighthouse climb

5:00 pm — Return to your hotel in Doonbeg

Custom Tours

All tours can be customised around your interests. pace and travel needs.

Tour Itinerary

Scenic Drive Through the Loop Head Peninsula

Leave Doonbeg behind and travel west towards the Loop Head Peninsula, one of County Clare's most spectacular coastal areas.

The journey takes you along quiet country roads, through small villages and past rugged Atlantic landscapes. With the flexibility of a private tour, there is time to stop at scenic viewpoints, take photographs and enjoy the landscape without having to rush from one attraction to the next.

The Loop Head Peninsula is known for its dramatic cliffs, remote beaches, traditional villages and sweeping views across the Atlantic. On a clear day, you can see across to the coast of Kerry and the Blasket Islands.

Kilkee Cliff Walk

Your first major stop is Kilkee, one of Clare's best-loved seaside towns.

Enjoy the Kilkee Cliff Walk, a spectacular coastal walk overlooking the Atlantic. The cliffs, rocky coastline and crashing waves provide some of the most impressive scenery along the west coast of Clare.

There is also time to explore Kilkee town itself, with its traditional streets, cafés, shops and seaside atmosphere.

The walk can be adapted to suit your interests and fitness level, making it easy to enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

Enjoy a Traditional Irish Pub Lunch in Carrigaholt

After exploring the Kilkee Cliffs and enjoying the spectacular coastal scenery, continue to Carrigaholt, a traditional fishing village on the Shannon Estuary.

Take a break for lunch at The Long Dock, a much-loved local restaurant in the heart of the village. Enjoy a relaxed meal and experience the character and hospitality of this historic fishing community.

With its harbour, traditional buildings and strong connection to the sea, Carrigaholt provides a wonderful opportunity to slow down and experience a more authentic side of west Clare before continuing your Loop Head journey.

The Long Dock Restaurant, Carrigaholt,

Discover the Church of the Little Ark

Continue through the peninsula to the Church of the Little Ark, a fascinating and unusual piece of local history.

The church is known as the last remaining Church of the Little Ark in Ireland. Its history reflects a period when Catholic worship was restricted in Ireland and provides an insight into the religious and social history of the local community.

This small historic site offers a very different experience from the peninsula's famous coastal attractions and provides a chance to discover an important part of Clare's heritage that many visitors miss.

Little Ark of Kilbaha

Loop Head Lighthouse Experience

Continue to the western tip of the peninsula and Loop Head Lighthouse, standing dramatically above the Atlantic Ocean.

Enjoy the Loop Head Lighthouse Experience, where you can learn about the lighthouse, its keepers and the maritime history of this remote stretch of the Irish coast.

The location itself is one of the highlights of the day. From the lighthouse and surrounding cliffs, there are spectacular views across the Atlantic and along the rugged Clare coastline.

Take time to explore the area, enjoy the fresh Atlantic air and capture photographs of one of Ireland's most dramatic coastal settings.

Loophead Lighthouse, Kilbaha, Co Clare

Return to Doonbeg

After a full day exploring the coast and heritage of the Loop Head Peninsula, we'll make our way back to Doonbeg along the scenic coastal roads.

Arrival back at your hotel is approximately 5:00 pm.

Doughmore beach, Doonbeg, Co Clare

Why Choose a Private Loop Head Tour?

A private tour gives you the freedom to explore the Loop Head Peninsula at a relaxed pace, with the flexibility to stop for photographs, enjoy the scenery and spend time at the places that interest you most.

Travel the scenic coastal roads, hear local stories of Clare's heritage and culture, and experience the peninsula from a more personal, local perspective. From the dramatic cliffs of Kilkee and the historic Church of the Little Ark to the Loop Head Lighthouse and the traditional fishing village of Carrigaholt, the day combines some of west Clare's most memorable sights with authentic local experiences.

This private tour from Doonbeg is ideal for visitors who want to experience the Wild Atlantic Way beyond the usual tourist routes, while enjoying the comfort, flexibility and personal attention of a private tour.

Highlights

  • Private pickup and return to your hotel in Doonbeg
  • Kilkee Cliff Walk — Enjoy a scenic 30-minute walk along the dramatic Atlantic cliffs.
  • Wild Atlantic Way — Travel along spectacular coastal roads with plenty of photo stops.
  • Church of the Little Ark — Discover one of Ireland's last remaining historic “Little Ark” churches.
  • Loop Head Lighthouse Experience — Climb to the top for breathtaking Atlantic views and explore the lighthouse exhibition.
  • Traditional Irish Pub Lunch — Enjoy local food and genuine Clare hospitality.
  • Carrigaholt Fishing Village — Visit this charming traditional village and enjoy lunch at The Long Dock.
  • Local Stories & Heritage — Discover the history, culture and traditions of west Clare from a local perspective.
how it works

planning your tour is simple

From your first enquiry to your final day in Ireland, we're here to make planning easy and stress-free.

1

Choose your preferred route

Select a route and let us tailor the day to your interests.
2

We plan your perfect day

We'll arrange the route, timings, and sightseeing stops, ensuring you experience the very best sightseeing journey in County Clare.
3

Enjoy your private day Tour

Travel in comfort with your local driver-guide, exploring Ireland's hidden heartlands, historic landmarks, and charming towns.

ready to start planning?

Every itinerary is personalised to your interests, pace and travel style.

Frequently Asked Questions: Doonbeg to Loop Head Peninsula Private Tour

Yes. This is a private driver-guided tour from Doonbeg, meaning you travel exclusively with your own group and experienced local driver-guide. Your guide will take care of the driving while sharing local knowledge, stories and insights about the places you visit.

The tour includes hotel pickup and return in Doonbeg. Pickup is at 9:00 am, with an approximate return time of 5:00 pm, making it an easy full-day experience without the need to arrange your own transport.

Yes. One of the advantages of a private tour with a driver-guide is the flexibility to enjoy the day at a comfortable pace. There is time for photographs, questions and local recommendations along the way, while the itinerary can be adapted where practical to suit your group's interests.

Yes. A private driver-guided tour is a convenient option for couples, families and small groups who prefer travelling together rather than joining a scheduled coach tour. You can enjoy the day with your own group and have a more personal experience of west Clare.

A private driver-guide allows you to enjoy the scenery without having to navigate or drive yourself. Along the way, your local guide can provide information about County Clare's history, heritage, culture and coastline, helping you discover places and stories that you might otherwise miss.

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Book Your Private County Clare Tour from Doonbeg

Discover the history, heritage and local character of County Clare on a private day tour from Doonbeg.

 

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