Find hotels in Cross on the Loop Head Peninsula

Cross is on the Loop Head Peninsula. From here, there are sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Shannon Estuary. If you are looking for hotels for a stay in Cross, local history, landscapes and activities on the peninsula can shape the character of your trip. The differences between these topics give your search a concrete starting point.

Church history and stained-glass windows

Our Lady of Lourdes’ Catholic Church in Cross was built in August 1959. The original church in Cross was established in 1806 by Fr O’Gorman. It was renovated in 1870 and 1894 and demolished in 1958. This timeline runs from the early church through two renovations to its demolition and the construction of the present church the following year.

The stained-glass windows also tell several stories: they depict the Stations of the Cross, as well as scenes from the lives of Jesus and Mary. The windows are by Willie Earley and Abbey Stained Glass Studios. The Stations of the Cross windows are on the west wall and face Loop Head. The windows showing the Mysteries of the Rosary are on the east wall and face Carrigaholt. Religious imagery and two different orientations thus sit side by side within the church.

Landscapes and attractions around Cross

The sweeping views from Cross take in both the Atlantic and the Shannon Estuary. The Bridges of Ross, natural sea arches, are near Cross. Loop Head Lighthouse and Dolphinwatch Carrigaholt are also a short distance away; both are visitor attractions. Those interested in church history can find the ruins of Kilballyowen Church in Kilballyowen Cemetery, between Cross and Kilbaha. The Church of the Little Ark in Kilbaha, also an attraction, is another short distance from Cross. The named places of interest therefore range from coastal formations and views to historic churches.

Walking and getting around the Loop Head Peninsula

A guided Loop Head Walking Tour runs from Cross to Kilkee. Experienced local guides are listed for bookings. If this tour is important to your plans, check dates and availability in advance. Walking and cycling are also listed as leisure activities on the Loop Head Peninsula, along with snorkelling in natural rock pools, windsurfing and sailing. The guided tour follows a specific route from Cross to Kilkee; the other activities describe the broader range of options on the peninsula.

A DigiClare centre in Cross

Cross is home to one of the eleven DigiClare centres. The centre offers individual hot desks and high-speed broadband. For travellers who also plan to set aside time for work during their stay, it is a useful point of reference in the village. If you need a hot desk, check availability in advance.

County Clare as a wider travel region

County Clare is accessible via a road network as well as bus and rail connections; Ennis is connected to the national rail network. County Clare is also home to the Cliffs of Moher: at O’Brien’s Tower, they rise to over 700 feet and extend for almost 14 kilometres along the Clare coast. The visitor facility has 800 metres of paved paths and viewpoints, including access to O’Brien’s Tower. Visitors can explore walking trails in Burren National Park. Inis Cealtra, also called Holy Island, is in Lough Derg on the Shannon; its history as a monastic settlement dates back to the 7th century.

Discover more destinations: Kilbaha, Coillte, Dromoland, Kilshanny, Ennistimon, Whitegate, O'Briensbridge, Carron.

For the broader travel overview: County Clare.