SEE

Five attractions to see

DOLPHIN WATCHING
Carrigaholt Pier, Carrigaholt
Tel: 065 905 8156 Web: dolphinwatch.ie
One of the best wildlife experiences in the country, led by conservationists and dolphin experts Sue and Geoff McGee.They are hugely influential in marine conservation on Loop Head, and beacons of sustainable tourism in Ireland.

LOOP HEAD CYCLING TRAIL
Starts and ends in Kilkee
Web:shannonregiontrails.ie
65kms of waymarked cycling all around Loop Head, with mixture of quiet roads following cliffs on north side,then down to the remote tip, then gentler backroads following Shannon estuary on the south side of the peninsula. Visitors can also be guided along the trail with locally-run bike tour company bogroadbiketours.com
LOOP HEAD LIGHTHOUSE
Kilbaha
Web: loophead.ie Following a strong community effort, Loophead Lighthouse is open to the public from May to August, 10am-5.30pm daily and at weekends from March to April. It has a very informative and moving exhibition and you get amazing views from the top. It is also home to the famous Éire sign.Built during the second World War, the Look Out Post and Éire sign on Loop Head were part of a network of 83 similar posts and signs along the Irish coast.

WEST CLARE RAILWAY
Moyasta
Tel: 065 905 1284 Web: westclarerailway.ie
The West Clare Railway ran for over a century on a narrow gauge line from Ennis to Kilkee. The old steam engines have been lovingly restored and now it is possible to go for a trip along the original track.

KILKEE MARITIME FESTIVAL
July 19th-21st
Web: ireland.com
Loop Head won the EU EDEN Award for marine sustainability and this festival celebrates that. Currach racing and raft racing are the top events. Check out other festivals and events at loophead.ie