Loop Head and Vandeleur shine a light on West Clare tourism

Loop Head Lighthouse and Vandeleur Walled Garden & Visitor Centre have undergone significant investment during the past year and are helping to cement West Clare’s status as one of Ireland’s most popular visitor destinations.

Steeped in history and rich in maritime heritage with its origins dating back to the 1670s, Loop Head Lighthouse is one of two Signature Discovery Points in County Clare along the route of the Wild Atlantic Way at the mouth of Shannon Estuary.

It also is a landmark location on the Loop Head Heritage Trail and is one of 16 Great Lighthouses of Ireland.

Minister for Rural & Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD visited the attraction recently to officially mark the completion of upgrade works, including the restoration and conservation of the historic lighthouse keeper's cottages and a new visitor hub with interpretation panels featuring stories from the local area.

Further investment is earmarked for the historic 17th century landmark after An Bord Pleanála this year granted planning approval to Clare County Council for the development of new visitor experience facilities, a Looped Walking Trail network, the construction of a new visitors’ carpark and the installation of wayfinding signage.

Located just east of Kilrush town, Vandeleur Walled Garden & Visitor Centre is set amongst 420 acres of native woodland and is renowned for its beautiful old stonewalls which enclose a 2.2-acre garden.

Formerly part of the Vandeleur Family Demesne, the restored garden specialises in many unusual and tender plants that thrive in the area’s uniquely western latitude microclimate, along with a free-standing Victorian-style working glasshouse and an impressive maze.

The site has undergone significant upgrade works in recent months including the development of a new interpretive centre the renovation of the existing stable block, and the opening later this month of a 140-seater indoor and outdoor café and restaurant featuring a host of Clare produce.

See www.VisitClare.ie for everything that West Clare has to offer.