Accessibility in Co Clare:

It official, summer is here. The kids are off from school, the leaving cert has come to an end and it’s time to get out of the house for fresh air.

After the mind-numbing months of lockdown with thanks to COVID-19, I am sure everyone is thinking about cramming in some holiday fun in the next few weeks.

Here at Uccello, we have put our heads together to offer up some great accessible places for your staycation here in Ireland. This week we will be focusing on a day or long weekend in county Clare. Our main focus is on options that are open for business without the accessibility headaches.

Local Attractions

Loop Head Drive:

This would be one of Ireland’s lesser known scenic drives. That is of course until it was used to film Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Loop head is bound on one side by the Atlantic Ocean and the Shannon Estuary on the other.

As you drive you are surrounded by ocean views, dramatic sea cliffs, a vast mix of wildlife, and story-filled historic sites. The lighthouse itself is not wheelchair accessible but there is free parking available with nearby paths to take in the panoramic views.

Nearby, you might see the E-I-R-E marked on a grassy cliff top in large white letters. This is a relic from World War II when the writing was used to alert pilots that they were entering neutral air space.

For an extra twist, why not take out the ferry for the Dolphin watch. If you are lucky, you will see seals and dolphins chasing the ferry as you cross the estuary. Feel free to click here for more on Loop Head.

The Cliffs of Moher:

No visit to county Clare would be complete without visiting the majestic Cliffs of Moher. For everyone’s safety, the Cliffs are open from 8 am to 9 pm.
Access to the Cliffs and the visitor center are fully wheelchair accessible. They have:

• Best times to come to avoid noisy crowds and better parking – before 11 am and after 4 pm
• Ramps for all access points
• Staggered counters at reception
• Sizable toilets/baby changing facilities on both floors of the visitor center
• Loaning Wheelchairs for your visit should you need them.

Click Here Now for further information on the Cliffs of Mohar.

Aillwee Caves & Birds of Prey Centre:

The Aillwee Caves are located at the heart of the Burren here in county Clare. The caves themselves are not wheelchair accessible, however, for some the more interesting part of the experience is the Birds of Prey Center nearby.

Going to the Birds of Prey Center includes a chance to see a variety of raptors in their aviary and a dynamic flying show.

You will need to book your outing before you arrive so don’t forget.

Accessibility: The grounds include concrete footpaths with a small area of gravel.

Local Eats

Linnane’s Lobster:

Linnane’s bar and restaurant situated just outside Kinvara is one of the finest seafood restaurants on the west coast of Ireland. Linnane’s bar is over 300 years old and will have you marvel at their traditional thatched cottage roofing.

While enjoying locally sources seafood and a number of Irish craft beers you will get to see some stunning views of the bay.

Hazel Mountain Chocolate:

Don’t have time between visiting the attractions for Linnane’s? Why not stop by for a sweet teat at Hazel Mountain Chocolate Factory.
The chocolate factory is close by Linnanes (near Bell Harbor) and this is truly where the magic happens.

Their café has outdoor seating and their dessert menu is possibly the most chocolatey range of choice anywhere in the country.

Stay tuned for next week’s edition of holiday fun where we explore another county’s amazingly accessible attractions.

 

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Written by Richard Lennon