Discover Cratloe: woods, walking trails and local history

Cratloe between woods and local history

Cratloe lies at the foot of Woodcock Hill. Cratloe Woods, St. John's Church and Cratloe Grotto represent different aspects of the village: woodland scenery, walking trails and history. If you are looking for a hotel in Cratloe or planning a stay there, these interests can help you choose the focus of your trip.

Woodland trails and getting your bearings

Cratloe Woods cover more than 700 hectares and overlook the Shannon Estuary. Originally ancient oak woodland, the traditional oak forest was gradually replaced by conifer plantations. An extensive network of trails is suitable for walking. Cratloe Woods thus brings together walking trails, views of the estuary and the history of changes to the woodland.

For orientation, Cratloe Wood Car Park and Picnic Site is located right by Cratloe, on the western side of the Cratloe Forest area, which covers more than 700 hectares. Signs to Cratloe Wood Car Park begin in Cratloe, and it is about two kilometres from the village. The distance and signposting provide practical guidance and may vary with road conditions.

Lake and playground

At a small lake in Cratloe Woods, there are picnic tables and seating suitable for family outings. The lake therefore offers a dedicated place to take a break in the woodland.

The playground in Cratloe Woods has swings, slides and a large climbing fort. There is a sand area for younger children and a zip line for older children. The age recommendations for the two areas are explicitly different.

Churches, grotto and local history

St. John's Church in Cratloe was built in 1791 and is one of three surviving barn churches in Ireland. Near the church, on the opposite side of the road and beside the local primary school, is Cratloe Grotto. It was modelled on the Grotto of Lourdes; construction began in 1932.

Another place of local historical interest is Gallow's Hill. The execution site for which the hill is named can still be seen at its summit. Around 1650, Cromwell's troops executed rebels there. According to tradition, Daniel O’Connell gave a speech in front of Cratloe Church in 1828.

Cratloe Woods also have a connection to history beyond the village: oak beams from the woods were used in the Palace of Westminster in London. Stoneware is exhibited at Ballymorris Pottery's workshop. The pottery also regularly runs courses for beginners and people with little experience. If you would like to book a course, check availability beforehand.

More nature destinations in County Clare

Those also considering County Clare as a travel destination will find other kinds of scenery there. The Cliffs of Moher stretch for almost 14 kilometres along the Clare coast and rise to more than 700 feet at O’Brien’s Tower. The visitor facility includes 800 metres of paved paths and viewing points, including access to the tower; operational details may change. In Burren National Park, visitors can explore walking trails, whose conditions may change.

Discover more destinations: Tulla, Spanish Point, Mountshannon, Canower, Ennistimon, Doolin, Cappanavarnoge, Boston.

For the wider travel overview: County Clare.