Discover Whitegate

Whitegate lies in the heart of the Lough Derg Blueway and is a popular destination for water sports, walking, fishing and boating. If you are looking for a hotel in Whitegate, you could first consider whether water activities, shorter walks, horse riding or cultural history will shape your stay. This puts a choice between outdoor activity and historic sites at the centre of your plans.

Walking and activities at Lough Derg

Whitegate is a starting point for shorter circular walks and also one of nine starting points on the East Clare Way. This circular route is about 172 kilometres long. The two options differ considerably in scale: shorter loops are an alternative to a long regional circular route. Further along its regional course, the East Clare Way crosses the Slieve Bernagh Mountains. This lets you choose whether to start a shorter loop or follow the course of a much longer route.

Clonrush: monastic complex and cemetery

The Clonrush monastic complex dates from the 12th century and is located in Whitegate. It is a National Monument dedicated to St Colmán. It includes Poll Cholmáin, also known as St Colmán’s Cave: a small, stone-roofed oratory. Clonrush cemetery contains intricately carved grave monuments and ironwork from the 18th and 19th centuries. The contrast between the 12th-century monastic complex and the later funerary art brings the different historical layers of Clonrush to life. An Sibin is a lovingly restored, 300-year-old farmhouse and adds another historic feature to Whitegate.

Horse riding and cultural history at An Sibin

The An Sibin Equestrian Centre in Whitegate offers rides along trails through historic County Galway, as well as County Clare and the unique Burren National Park. An Sibin has many miles of riding trails and heather-covered bogland to explore. One specifically named tour is the “Irish Castle & Monastic ruin ride”: it combines guided horse riding with visits to castles, monastic ruins and ancient Celtic graves. While the general riding options focus on trails and scenery, this ride explicitly combines horse riding with visits to historic sites. As availability may change, ask before travelling whether the offering can be booked for your preferred dates.

County Clare in a wider context

The Cliffs of Moher are a distinct regional highlight in the wider destination of County Clare. At O’Brien’s Tower, they rise to more than 700 feet and stretch for almost 14 kilometres along the Clare coast. The visitor site includes 800 metres of paved paths and viewpoints, including access to O’Brien’s Tower. The Cliffs of Moher Experience includes a fully accessible visitor centre with a self-guided exhibition and a virtual reality experience on a cliff face. Check the latest visitor information before your visit, as operational details may change.

Burren National Park is also in County Clare, where visitors can explore walking trails. Inis Cealtra, also known as Holy Island, lies in Lough Derg on the Shannon. Its history as a monastic settlement dates back to the 7th century. County Clare is accessible by road, as well as by bus and rail; Ennis is connected to the national railway network. Check connections for your travel dates if you are planning a trip to County Clare.

Discover more destinations: Broadford, Liscannor, Kilmurry, Dromoland, Kilfenora, Fanore, Canower, Bishopsquarter

For the wider travel guide: County Clare.