Golf
1) Lahinch Golf Club
Lahinch Golf Course set on the edge of the great Atlantic Ocean is a jewel in a marvellous selection of Irish seaside courses. The Club was founded on 15th April 1892 by the Merchant Princes of Limerick assisted by officers of the famed Black Watch Regiment. Alexander W. Shaw, from a Limerick bacon factory, deserves most of the credit for getting the Club off the ground. He succeeded in bringing one of Scotland’s most celebrated golfers, Old Tom Morris, to Lahinch to lay out the original links. From its earliest days Lahinch enjoyed a national and international reputation as being a wonderful test of sea side golf.
In 1895, the South of Ireland Championship was first played at Lahinch. Each year the cream of Irish amateur golfers come to the village and compete for the oldest trophy in Irish amateur golf. The most famous winner of the championship was John Burke. John was born a few hundred yards from the course and succeeded in winning the championship a record eleven times. He was the finest golfer of his generation and his name will forever be associated with Lahinch and the “South”. He also holds the record of eight Irish Close Championship titles. That is a phenomenal achievement as the Irish Close was not played during the Second World War years (1939 – 1945) when Burke was at his prime. He won the South six times in a row from 1941 to 1946. He played for Ireland from 1928 to 1949. He was the first golfer from Southern Ireland to play on the British and Irish Walker Cup team in 1932.
Other notable winners of the “South” include the legendary Joe Carr, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley. Three members of the Ballingall family from Glenalmond, Scotland won the title in the early years of play and the original trophy presented by Alexander Shaw is now resting in some old Scottish homestead. The last local to win the championship was John Smyth in 1968.
For over 100 years there has been a wonderful interaction between the Club and the village. Lahinch is often referred to as “the St. Andrew’s of Ireland.”
The “bracing air” is one of Lahinch’s enduring attractions. The strong winds blowing in from the Atlantic make Lahinch a wonderful test. Every round of golf at Lahinch is different – that is its enduring challenge.
From its earliest day’s lady golfers were a key element in the Club. Lahinch first hosted the Irish Ladies Championship in 1904 when the famous May Hezlett from Portrush won the title. It has hosted the championship the Irish Championship on ten occasions. The celebrated Irish lady golfer Philomena Garvey won two of her eleven National titles in Lahinch in 1946 and in 1959.
Alexander McKenzie redesigned the championship course in 1927. Further alterations under the guidance of Fred Hawtree, a noted golf architect, were implemented in 2002. The course measures 6880 yards and is a par 72.
As well as the championship links the Club also provides a fine test of golf on its second course – the Castle Course. This was designed in 1963 by the noted golf architect J D. Harris. It is a fine test of golf and an enjoyable experience. The course measures 5596 yards and is a par 70.
Many famous characters made notable contributions to the Club. Brud Slattery, a local school teacher and South of Ireland winner, was a wonderful ambassador for the Club and served as Honorary Secretary for 30 years. Nancy Connole was Honorary Secretary of the Ladies’ Section from 1948 until her death in 2006. Willie McCavery made the long journey from Newcastle, Co. Down in 1926 and served as Golf professional at the Club from 1926 to 1987. One of his favourite sayings sums up Lahinch “No golf course without the sound of the sea.”
2) Spanish Point Golf Club
A few miles down the road from Lahinch and also on the Atlantic sea board is Spanish Point Golf Links. This is a picturesque and challenging 9 Hole links course Golf has been played there since 1896. It is a Par 3 course measuring 2556 yards and has a par of 72. A wide variety of iron shots are required if one is to master the challenge. The crew of the ill fated Spanish Armada may have failed to conquer the Elizabethan English Navy in the 16th century but that loss at sea was Spanish Points’ gain.
Spanish Point Links is set amid the most refined scenery imaginable. Two of its most favoured sons made Spanish Point famous. The first, Dr. Patrick J. Hillery was an Irish Government Minister, an E.E.C. Commissioner and President of Ireland and a keen single figure golfer. The second was his contemporary and great friend P.J Leyden who won four South of Ireland titles and played International golf for Ireland from 1953 to 1959. During that period Paddy Leyden practised meticulously in Spanish Point and was a master wind player. He lost the 1950 South of Ireland Final by 12/10 to Mick Power of Muskerry. He subsequently beat Mick Power convincingly in three South of Ireland finals to the delight of the people of West Clare.
Gerard McGlennon from the Club won the Munster Boys title at Ennis Golf Club in 1954 and went on to play for Munster and for Ireland.
3) Doonbeg Golf Club
In 2002 Doonbeg Golf Club opened its doors to the world. The coastal landscape around Doughmore Bay is an ideal setting for the construction of a new 18 hole links course. World renowned golfer Greg Norman was the Course Architect. He summed up the project in the following words: “This is a course I wanted to be identified with, one I will be able to say with pride – I did that one. I am the luckiest designer in the world, because of the uniqueness of the site.” The links is situated on the edge of the great Atlantic Ocean and the only mystery is why this natural terrain links course was not developed many years earlier
The course measures 6834 yards and its par is 72.
The magnificent sand dunes are utilised intelligently and ensure that Doonbeg is a wonderful test of golf. There are some magnificent golf holes.
The signature hole is the 15th. Greg Norman states: “Landing the ball on the front edge of a 150 foot long green and wondering if it will stop before running off the far end is more of a challenge to me than the target golf of hitting behind the flag stick from 187 yards and spinning it back six inches.”
The 14th is a terrific par 3. It requires a well struck accurate iron shot on to a plateau green with a big drop down off the right hand side of the green. The Atlantic Ocean is an awe inspiring back drop.
Two successful environmental challenges were addressed during course construction. The first related to Vertigo Angustior species of microscopic snail found on the site. Working with Ireland’s leading expert on the snail continuation of its habitat is provided for. The second related to the historic sand dunes. Golf play is routed around the ancient dunes to ensure they will always stand tall for everyone to see and enjoy.
The course is of championship quality and its construction on the West coast of Clare will be of tremendous long term benefit to the county. Locals and visitors enjoy the challenge of a magnificent links course in top class condition the whole year round.
In the spring of 2006 the Lodge at Doonbeg Golf Club opened. It encompasses a magnificent new Club House with luxury suites, spa and magnificent dining facilities. The new facilities show wonderful attention to detail and this accompanied by an unparalleled service means that Doonbeg is a must play golfing destination. There are also great practice facilities in Doonbeg. Nothing has been left to chance. Recovery treatments from muscle soreness and stiffness are available on site. In short there is no excuse for bad golf.
Up to now Doonbeg was famous for its renowned football talent. The challenge into the future will be for the community to produce golfers that will do justice to a course which is a magnificent addition to Irish seaside golf.
4) Kilrush Golf Club
Kilrush Golf Club was introduced to the public in 1934. The Club prides itself on its reputation as being “the friendliest golf course in Ireland.” Originally a nine hole course its architect was John D Harris. Kilrush was always anxious to improve. In 1990 the Club enlisted the services of Dr.Arthur Spring, a noted Golf Architect and member of a well known Kerry family with a view to upgrading the course. In 1992 plans for an 18 holes course were unveiled and with the help of the Clare Leader Scheme the new course officially opened for play in 1994. Kilrush now measures 5976 yards and its par is 70. It is a challenging test of golf and the members are justly proud of the tremendous effort to upgrade the course. A new Club House was opened in 1991.
The course is just five minutes drive from the Tarbert- Killimer Car Ferry and is in an ideal location. Gregory Young was its most famous golfer. He played international golf for Ireland, won an Irish Senior Cup medal in 1959 and has the unique distinction of being finalist on five occasions in the South of Ireland Championship. Young was also a finalist in the 1957 Irish Close Championship losing the final to the famed Co. Sligo golfer, Cecil Ewing. He won numerous Senior Scratch Cups all over the country, was a popular and great all round sportsman and put Kilrush Golf Club on the map.
Another famous Kilrush golfer Joe McDermott won the Munster Boys Golf title in Ennis in 1958 winning the final by one hole. He was a quarter finalist that year in the South of Ireland and later that year emigrated to the US.A. He returned to Ireland in 1998 and won the Irish Senior’s Professional Title at Woodbrook G.C. He covered his last six holes in six under par including a hole in one and eventually won after a five hole play off. His prize money was £122,218.
The capital of West Clare continues to keep pace with the times, is constantly upgrading its facilities and all categories of golfer will enjoy a traditional West Clare welcome at the Club.
5) Kilkee Golf Club
Kilkee Golf Club was founded in 1896. Records show that golf was played in this beautiful sea side town as early as the summer of 1891. The links is laid out on a beautiful landscape overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The spectacular 3rd hole where the green is perched on the point of George’s Head with a wonderful view of Chimney Bay and the spectacular cliffs is breath taking and merits particular attention. The various breezes from the Atlantic the whole year round ensure that Kilkee is a true test of golf. The Par 70 course measures 5555 metres and the updated course was designed by well known Irish Golf Architect Eddie Hackett.
One of the welcome attractions of golf at Kilkee is that green fees are a modest 25 Euro for ten months of the year and increase to 30 Euro for the summer months. The links nature of the course ensures that play is possible the whole year round.
6) Ennis Golf Club
Ennis Golf Club was founded in 1907. The Clare Journal recounts an exhibition game played at the Club in November 1907 between two Clare professional golfers – the brothers Willie and Tom McNamara. The town of Ennis has been well served by this parkland course for over a century. All the old Ennis families have been associated with the Club’s development. A noted figure from the town Des Torrens was Captain of the Club in 1951 following on a family tradition. He played centre three quarter for the Irish Senior International Rugby team and won an All Ireland Barton Shield medal in 1947.
A new state of the art Club House was opened in 1999. Visitors to the Club get a wonderful first impression as they view this magnificent facility. The course was recently upgraded and a modern irrigation system installed. The course requires accurate striking from the tees for the trees will punish the wayward shot. It measures 5592 metres and has a par of 71.
Vincent Nevin learned his golf at Ennis Golf Club and went on to win the West of Ireland, the Irish Close title and the South of Ireland on two occasions in addition to representing Ireland for many years. Paddy Bugler, a member of an old Clare family won the South of Ireland in 1954. Pat Lyons learned his golf in Ennis and won his place on the Irish team in 1986. Noel Pyne captained many successful Munster Interprovincial teams and has competed strongly in forty four successive South of Ireland championships.
In recent years Tricia Mangan has brought distinction to the Club by her outstanding play. She won the Irish Ladies Championship in 2005 and in 2006 and won her place on the British and Irish Curtis Cup team to play the U.S.A. in 2006. Another lady golfer Valerie Hassett plays an outstanding game and has prospered in the Seniors National and International circuit in recent years. Oonagh Fitzpatrick is another long standing Club member who played for Ireland and continues to make a significant contribution to the administration of the Ladies game.
Ennis Golf Club is constantly improving its course and visitors will enjoy a pleasant and challenging round of golf in Clare’s premier town.
7) Woodstock Golf Club
Woodstock Golf Club is situated on the outskirts of the town of Ennis and is another welcome addition to the golf courses of the county. It was designed by Dr.Arthur Spring, constructed during 1993 and opened for play in 1994. It measures 5864 metres and has a par of 71. Water is a hazard at a number of the holes.
The gentle rolling landscape, the river, the lakes, the splendid scenery and the excellent drainage system all contribute to make Woodstock a challenging test the whole year round. The 7th is the signature hole – it measures 391 metres and tree and water make it a demanding test.
The Club hosted the Irish Ladies Union National Finals in 2005, Ennis Golf Club losing the Senior Cup Final narrowly to Royal Portrush. In 2002 the Club won the All Ireland Final of the Pierce Purcell Shield, a proud moment in the Club’s short history.
The Club has wonderful facilities with the Woodstock Hotel adjacent to the 1st tee. With the rapid expansion of Ennis town Woodstock serves the need for a second top quality golf course in the area.
8) Dromoland Golf and Country Club
Dromoland Golf and Country Club came into being in 1962 and is literally situated on the front lawn of the internationally famed Dromoland Castle. It is laid out on a fine country estate of over 500 acres bordered by extensive woodland and complete with feral lakes, a river and many of the wildlife and fauna that are associated with such demesnes. Dromoland is the ancestral home of the O’Brien’s, Barons of Inchiquin and direct descendants of Brian Boru the last High King of Ireland dates back to 1543.
Golf architect Ron Kirby accompanied by the legendary Joe Carr has dramatically improved the lay out and the new 18 hole course which opened for play in 2004 is of championship standard. The Club measures 6824 yards and has a par of 72.
Its location is ideal adjacent to Limerick city and Shannon Airport. Golf in Dromoland is played in a friendly atmosphere. Many of the Club’s members come from the neighbouring towns and there are magnificent facilities attached to the Club. Locals and visitors co-operate and bring a unique atmosphere to one of County Clare’s historic sites.
The provision of a Golf Academy adds greatly to the attractions of Dromoland. This wonderful practice facility opened in August 2006 and is of great benefit to golfers who strive to improve their game. It contains the most modern facilities for driving, iron play, bunker play, pitching and putting. The Club Professional is available to provide on the spot tuition for all categories of golfers. With such wonderful facilities it is certain that Dromoland Golf and Country Club has a bright future.
9) Shannon Golf Club
Shannon Golf Club was established in 1966. Dr. Bill Flynn, a popular local doctor was one of the pioneers in getting golf under way in Shannon. The respected Golf Architect John D Harris designed a championship course of international standard. The course measures 6763 yards and has a par of 72. In existence for over forty years it is now one of the best inland courses Ireland has on offer. The signature hole is the 213 yard Par 3 17th. The tee shot is required to carry over the estuary which stretches all along the right hand side of the green. The left hand side is protected by a well placed bunker.
The greens are sand based and excellent for drainage. Water comes into play at five of the holes placing accurate striking.
For many years Shannon Golf Club hosted a top class Pro – Am which attracted leading professional golfers from all over the world. It hosted the National Finals of the Cups and Shields in 2004. The Club constantly upgraded its facilities and a beautiful new Club House was opened in 1981. The Club has been a popular venue for various Provincial and National Championships. In 2008 the Club will host the European Men’s’ Senior Amateur Stroke Championship
East Clare Golf Course is set in 150 acres of unspoilt rolling quiet countryside with a majestic view of Lough Derg. The Club affiliated to the G.U.I. in 1992 and opened for play in 1993. The full 18 hole championship lay out was designed by Dr.Arthur Spring and opened for play in 1997. It measures 5922 meters and has a par of 71. Its hazards include lakes, bunkers, streams and tees.
In 1998 the Club hosted the West of Ireland Seniors Championship. In 2001 the Club opened its new Club House. The course constantly supports a wide range of flora and wild life The Club won the AIB Environmental Award for the Munster region in 2003.
In an earlier period of the 20th century golf was played in the Killaloe area. But the arrival of East Clare Golf Club situated close to the village of Bodyke is a wonderful amenity and a great boost to local enterprise. The pioneers of this enterprise deserve the heartfelt thanks of the people of East Clare and of lovers of golf everywhere. The benefit of this work will be seen for years to come. Up to now the area was more noted for its hurlers. The skill of its hurlers will surely be complimented by the emergence of some top class golfing talent at the Club before long.
11) Clonlara Golf Club
Clonlara Golf Club is situated seven miles North East of Limerick on the Curably Killaloe road. The course was designed by the Golf Professional, Noel Cassidy, and opened for play in 1993. It is a 12 hole course measuring 5289 metres and sits on the banks of the river Shannon. It is a wooded parkland course and all modern facilities. It is excellent value for money. Visitors are especially welcome at Clonlara and can enjoy a splendid view of the hills of Clare and the majestic Shannon. An added attraction is that there is self catering accommodation available at the course.
Lisdoonvarna provided a golf course to the public in the early years of the 20th century. The Club was affiliated to the Golfing Union of Ireland from 1906 to 1911 and the Professional working on the course in those years was John McNamara. A new golf development in that part of the county would add greatly to the unique attractions of North Clare.
Other Leisure Activities
Being a maritime county, Clare has many water pursuits to offer visitors.
Fishing:
The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board maintain a very good information service that is regularly up dated by local reporters and can be accessed through the internet. The site at www.shannon-fishery-board.ie gives accurate and detailed information on all aspects of fishing in Clare.
For Sea Shore anglers, there are a number of points along the coast that offer good opportunity to catch a variety of species including; Pollack, Bass, Plaice, Ray, Dog Fish and other species. Often the best time to fish is when the surf is high and conditions are a little stormy. This is a pursuit for the experienced fisherman, Beaches that are popular are Doughmore at Doonbeg, Spanish Point and Silver Strand near Milltown Malbay, Lahinch and Fanore in North Clare.
Rock fishing is available south of Kilkee from the rocks close to Loop Head. Pollack and Wrasse are the more popular fish caught in this fashion. It is best to ask local advice before planning this type of fishing as local conditions vary and can be dangerous depending on the tides etc.
The Harbours along the coast line also provide ample opportunity. Along the Shannon at Killydysart, Kilrush and Cappagh Piers and the quiet harbour at Carrigaholt are all popular places. In North Clare at Liscannor, Ballyvaughan and New Quay. There could not be a greater contrast between surf fishing and shore angling for mullet. The tope or bass are bold and vigorous. Mullet are shy fish most often seen in the quiet parts of Ireland's shoreline. Harbours and inlets are favourite places to find them. Catching them with float tackle and a light freshwater rod is a delicate task but can be done at will in the summer months all around the Clare coastline. When hooked, mullet will test both tackle and nerve; they are wonderful fighting fish.
Deep Sea Fishing is also available from the Marina at Kilrush, in Kilkee and Liscannor. Boat trips may be organized in advance. There are over 80 species available along the Irish coastline Trigger fish, Red Mullet, Red Bream, Sunfish, Amberjack, Bream, Monkfish and Tuna. There are five species of Shark which anglers may contact in Irish waters. They are the Mako (Isurus oxyrinchus), specimen weight: 90.72 kg (200lbs). Thresher (Alopias vulpinus), Specimen weight: 54.43 kgs (120lbs). Six gilled (Hexanchus griseus), Specimen weight: 45.36 kg (100lbs). Porbeagle (Lamna nasus) specimen weight 68.04 kg (150lbs) and the Blue (Prionace glauca): Specimen weight: 45.36 kg (100lbs). Of these, only the latter two are fished regularly, the others being mainly accidental catches. Shark fishing is very popular during the summer months.
Salmon fishing, once the primary source of angling tourism in the area, has all but finished for the present. Dwindling stocks through over fishing and poor conservation has lead to a dramatic policy to halt the decline and replenish stocks. It is too early to project when we might see a return of the past time, but over the coming years we would expect to see an improvement in the situation.
Lake Fishing is also abundant, mostly to the East of the County along Lough Derg, but also at a number of smaller lakes in the West and North of the County. The towns of Killaloe, Scarrif, Mountshannon and O’Brien’s Bridge provide excellent access to the lake at Lough Derg. There are a number of marinas and slip ways along the lake that are available. Lough Derg is a large lake of over 30 kilometres in length and is regarded as a mixed fishery. Croneen as they are locally called are lake trout indigenous to Lough Derg and are well distributed throughout the lake. The Lower Shannon Trout & Coarse Fisheries Development Society develop angling locally in the lower Shannon Region. Anglers can voluntarily purchase a share certificate from most of the larger tackle dealers in the area. While the season opens in March, the height of the angling year is undoubtedly during the Mayfly season. Fish feed ferociously on mayfly and are in prime condition as they leave the lake on their migratory journey up river to their spawning grounds on the Little Brosna/Camcor rivers and other tributaries on the system. Artificial local patterns of the Greenfly and the Spent Gnat Mayfly are fished dry on 6lb line during the Mayfly season which commences early in the month. Another popular method is to Dapp the live Mayfly itself or a Golden Olive fished wet to represent the emerging mayfly. Smaller lakes are at Lickeen near Kilfenora in North Clare, Doo Lough south of Miltown Malbay and close to Inagh village. When in doubt, a visit to a local shop or the nearby post office will provide the angler with a local point of contact and access to all the information and equipment required.
Walks and Trails
A number of established walkways have been signposted throughout the county and maps produced to assist the hill walker in appreciating the terrain. The East Clare Way, the Mid Clare Way and the Burren Way have all been mapped and are available in sets with some information on the highlights of the routes and historical references. These maps are available at all official tourist information points and in book shops and larger shops in the county.
In the Burren there are a number of reputable guides available for escorted walks through the area. Your accommodation provider will furnish you with contact details. It is best to make arrangements as many days in advance as possible, especially in season as these resources are usually in demand from specialist groups who will have made arrangements months in ahead.
Cycling
Bicycles are available for hire in some of the larger towns in Clare. There are many quieter country roads where cycling is safer than on the main routes. For enthusiasts, it is best to purchase a copy of one of the discovery series maps available from the Ordinance survey of Ireland. The maps are available in all the tourist towns in the county and supply the cyclist with details of the regional and local road network, that are most suitable for country jaunts.
National Games
The spring and summer provide the best season to watch our native sports. Gaelic Football is played extensively throughout the county and most local parishes will hold a game at least once during each month. Fixtures are not available at the time of publishing, but it is not difficult to catch a game any week of the period between April and September. Football involves a team consisting of goal keeper, six defence, two mid field and six offensive players. Play is with a round leather ball similar to a soccer ball. Players are allowed to hand pass the ball and play the ball mostly through kicking and passing in the air. When the ball is shot into the net of the goal, then a goal equalling three points is awarded. Shooting the ball between the upright posts of the goal ( similar to a rugby post ) gains the team one point. The play is divided into two halves of 35 minutes. Five substitutions are allowed in total during play. The team with the most points are winners.
Hurling is also played in Clare, but the strongest clubs tend to be in Ennis and the Eastern and South eastern parishes of the County. The team format and scoring are the same as in football, but play is with a tight leather ball similar in size to that of a tennis ball. The ball is belted with a hurley stick or Camàn. The stick is just over a metre long with a wide “boss” at the striking end. The ball may be carried on the wide end during play, but opponents may strike on the hurley to dislodge the ball. Clashes of the stick are frequent and ariel tussles for the ball are dramatic and quite skilful. It is really a game to be seen to be admired. It is certainly one of the fastest field sports played in the world.
Each parish in Clare has teams of all ages participating in the national games. Local leagues lead to county finals and then progress to All Ireland playoffs. The national sports are all amateur, even when county teams are playing. The pitches and stadia that you will see during your visit to Clare and beyond are all provided from voluntary contribution. There is an immense pride in each parish and the colours are displayed almost everywhere when the teams are gaining momentum during the summer. You will notice innovative and other crude signs proclaiming “Up Kilmurry” or “St Joseph’s Barefield” or in the case of the county teams “Up the Banner”. These are all signs of a healthy sporting life in the areas they are displayed. The county colours are saffron (yellow) and Blue and youngsters and those not so young will often wear the county colours when fine weather permits.
Boating
Boating is very popular all along the Shannon river and all types of craft may be hired at Killaloe. The other main Marina in the county is at Kilrush.
Skiing
Water Skiing and Jet Skis are available at the larger lakes close to Lough Derg. The County Council has drafted strict bye laws outlining the areas where water sports are designated and a code of conduct appropriate to the mature enjoyment of this past time.
Surfing
Cool Water Surfing has been the growth area of sports in the County of Clare in recent years. The surf along the coastline has always been dramatic and surfing has been part of the past time activities in Lahinch since the mid 1960’s. The 1980’s saw a revival of the sport and it is really come into vogue in the past 10 years. Surf clubs, hire and lessons are available throughout the year at Kilkee, Spanish Point and Lahinch beaches. There are a number of surf schools established by former national surf champions and facilities are improving each year. Swells off the coast often rise to 10 metres and the abundance of quiet beaches at Doughmore near Doonbeg, at Spanish Point, Silver Strand, Lahinch and Fanore mean that the “surf’s up” most days. There is plenty of scope for beginners, intermediate and the skilled to experience the raw thrill of harnessing the power of nature for a few brief moments and exhibiting the best moves to the audience along the beach front. In the past two years the sport has attracted the world class elite to a particular wave at the Cliffs of Moher. From off the Aill na Searrach point at the cliffs, crisp clean waves form, often up to 10 metres and above and crash perilously close to the jagged coast. The temptation is all too much for the surfer seeking the nirvana of waves. Boats and jet skis are commissioned from the pier at Doolin and transport the surfer close to the point. The jet ski tows the surfer much like a water skier until contact with the wave crest is reached. The wave begins to break and rip, then curl and form a tube. The experience is thrilling to the extreme. A flavour of the excitement can be experienced at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre where it is part of the video introduction to the area.
Canoeing
Kyaking and canoeing are also available at the surf spots and on the Shannon
Diving and Potholing
Sea Diving has always been part of the Marine experience at Kilkee. There is a well established club at the resort for over 30 years. The sea shelf off the coast provides excellent visibility and a plethora of marine life. Suits and air is available for hire and instruction can be arranged with PADDI certified instructors. There is also a diving centre in Ballyvaughan that provides equally good services. The same centre can arrange for potholers to rent equipment for the exploration of the caves of North Clare. |
