Location: Fanore
Top Things to do in Fanore
Top 5 Things to do in Fanore, Ireland
Fanore (Irish: Fánóir, Fán Óir, meaning "the golden slope") is a small village in County Clare, on the west coast of Ireland. The area was officially classified as part of the West Clare Gaeltacht; an Irish-speaking community; until 1956.
Restaurants in Fanore
1. Fanore Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By GuyRopeTrip - Cheltenham
Beautiful sandy beach on the Wild Atlantic Way with interesting rocks coming straight off the Burren. The Atlantic is freezing cold even in summer but the sand gently slopes and the waves are good for Surfing or swimming. The sand area increases significantly at low tide, exposing neighbouring sandy beach coves. The beach faces west so the afternoon and evening sun is stunning.
2. Caher Valley Loop
Overall Ratings
5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By M1chaelaD - Boston, Massachusetts
Whether you're there in Sunshine or fog (like I was) this beautiful, rolling hike gives you a wonderful introduction to the pastoral atmosphere of Western Ireland. Just shy of 15km, it was somewhat tough going uphill in the mud and slick mist, so allow yourself 3+ hours if you want to drink in the ancient stone walls, livestock, and gorgeous vistas leisurely. Well worth the trip and time to experience!
3. Aloha Surf School
Overall Ratings
5 based on 22 reviews
Aloha Surf School are situated in the heart of the Burren at beautiful Fanore Beach in Co. Clare. They run Surfing lessons and Sea kayaking tours for all ages and abilities, from beginners to improvers, adults, families and kids. They also rent all the equipment you need to get in the water. They are recommended and approved by the Irish Surfing Association.
Reviewed By jkdavies2013 - Cardiff, United Kingdom
A small group of us went for Surfing lessons with Tom from Aloha Surf School, an extra activity during a yoga retreat in the Burren. I have never surfed before but love the sea; they were very helpful about finding a wetsuit that fitted my figure. Once on the amazing Fanore beach, we had lessons on the sand about how to control a surfboard, then a practice, then more lessons & practices.
I am unlikely to be a professional surfer but had the best time. Tom took care of the different abilities of the group and really helped everyone feel comfortable with the waves and the Surfing. A really excellent few hours!
4. Burren Guided Walks & Hikes-Walking Day Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Toy S - Norfolk, Virginia
This hiking guide company is the sole effort of one Mary Howard. She is really why you go to Ireland. We had booked a half-day "ramble" for Monday morning and the weather was pretty badly socked in. But she posted at the meeting spot, and after a few minutes we decided it wasn't worth it. "Tell you what," Mary said, "let's try again this afternoon." So we went to Ailwee Cave and had pub grub in Fanore as the sky started to lift. Mary posted right on time and out we went to climb the rocks. No sooner had we put on our gear (including the actual shileleghs she provided) than the heavens really opened up. This was killing my wife, who is a dedicated botanist and was dying to see all the cool and bizarre wildflowers that somehow eke out their existence on the rocks. Mary picked up on this right away, so she and my wife went stone to stone in the pouring rain, discovering this floral gem and then the next. For my wife the weather might as well have been the Riviera. Mary seemed absolutely delighted to be imparting such information despite the deluge. After about an hour and a trek of at least 75 yards we called it a day. Mary's fee? She refused to accept any. At considerable personal inconvenience and discomfort she absolutely made my wife's day (heck, her trip!). And refused any payment because we didn't take a "proper hike."
As I said, this is why you go to Ireland. Even when you can't see the ground in front of you for the rain, you will always encounter the Mary Howard's of the world - wonderful folks that are the height of hospitality and generosity. If we possibly can, we'll be back for a proper hike, and maybe she will let me pay her double.
5. Burren Mountain Tours
Overall Ratings
3 based on 1 reviews
This is a unique experience away from the main tourist routes. A 90 minute driving tour on a private mountain track overlooking Galway Bay, travelling the route taken by the herdsmen of long ago to winter their cattle in the mountain. Learn of the history, heritage, flora and fauna from the local farmer and experience the splendid isolation of the Burren at 300m. Walking options also available.
