Broadford: Glenomra Valley and East Clare Way

Broadford lies in the Glenomra Valley and on the East Clare Way. If you’re looking for a hotel in Broadford, the local scenery and activities, as well as destinations elsewhere in County Clare, may influence your choice of destination. The points of interest can be grouped into Broadford itself, its surrounding area, and the wider region. This can help you decide whether your trip will focus mainly on hiking and nature, Gaelic Games, or also take in other landscapes and historic sites in County Clare.

Broadford and the East Clare Way

Broadford lies in the Glenomra Valley in the Slieve Bearnagh mountain range. The town is also on the East Clare Way, a circular walking route through the Slieve Aughty and Slieve Bearnagh mountain ranges and the hills and valleys of East Clare. The route also runs along the River Shannon and Lough Derg. This means two different scales can inform your plans: the circular route through several landscapes and the walking trails just outside Broadford at Doon Lough.

Doon Lough lies just outside Broadford. It has walking trails and a picnic area. The lake is surrounded by an extensive woodland that dates back to prehistoric times. The trails and picnic area cater to different interests: you can explore the surroundings on foot or plan a break by the lake. The woodland adds another dimension to the landscape around Doon Lough.

Another point of interest nearby is Doon Lough Bog NHA, about three kilometres northeast of Broadford in County Clare.

Sport and activities nearby

Broadford also has a sporting connection: the local GAA club is particularly active during the summer months and gives visitors the opportunity to watch traditional Irish Gaelic Games. This adds a seasonal sporting and cultural dimension to the area’s landscape and walking attractions.

O’Briensbridge is ten minutes from Broadford and offers water sports and other activities on the River Shannon. This complements the walking trails at Doon Lough with a different focus. If you’re planning your trip around your interests, you can compare the scenery and trails around Broadford with the water-based activities in O’Briensbridge.

County Clare as a wider region

County Clare is home to other landscapes and places to visit. The Cliffs of Moher rise to more than 700 feet at O’Brien’s Tower and stretch for almost 14 kilometres along the Clare coast. The visitor centre includes 800 metres of paved paths and viewpoints, including access to O’Brien’s Tower. Visitors can explore walking trails in Burren National Park. If you’re planning a visit, it’s worth checking the latest information about the visitor centre and trails.

Inis Cealtra, known as Holy Island, is also located in Lough Derg on the Shannon. The island’s history as a monastic settlement dates back to the 7th century. It offers a historic point of interest in County Clare alongside the region’s landscapes and walking options.

At the regional level, County Clare is accessible via a road network and bus and rail connections; Ennis is connected to the national rail network. Check timetables and connections for your travel dates when planning your journey.

Discover more destinations: Kilrush, Kilmurry, Labasheeda, Cratloe, Liscannor, Quin, Ballyvaghan, Newmarket On Fergus

For the broader travel overview: County Clare.