Miltown Malbay to Ballyvaughan

[We may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. For more information go to Privacy Policy & Disclosure.]

Some beautiful beaches, the famous cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands and the beautiful Burren Coast Road

This route from Miltown Malbay to Ballyvaughan is a wonderful route to drive and there are plenty of things to do along the way.

Depending on what you wish to see, you could spend several days enjoying the different things to see along this route.

There is one Championship golf course on this route in Lahinch (let’s not talk about the spelling of Lahinch) but plenty of other activities along the way.

Visit the famous Cliffs of Moher, tour the Aran Islands (day trip or longer), and drive the stunning Burren coast road between the Burren and the Atlantic.

The glorious beaches of Lahinch and Fanore are also along this route.

Miltown Malbay Route to Ballyvaughan

Approx. 69.3 km distance, 1hr 27 minutes driving time

Download the route map for Google Maps with ALL points of interest included here: Miltown Malbay to Ballyvaughan

This route runs from Miltown Malbay to Ballyvaughan at the North End of the Burren

Spanish Point Parking

This parking area is rather hidden away and around the corner from the Spanish Point Beach and Armada Hotel. A nice quiet spot with lovely views of the sea and rocks.

We lived along this road for 6 months and did not even realise this little spot existed until I went exploring!

Spanish Point Parking
Spanish Point Parking

Whitestrand Beach, Miltown Malbay

This used to be our local beach when we lived in Miltown Malbay. There is a ladder to enter the water on the Northern side of the beach and there are WC facilities.

There are even lifeguards present during the summer months. The beach is well protected and there is a nice walk along the edge of the fields.

There is good fishing from the rocks on the right-hand side of the beach for mackerel and pollock.

Whitestrand Miltown Malbay, White Strand Miltown Malbay, Miltwen Malbay Beach,
Swimming at Whitestrand, Miltown Malbay

Rineen Ambush Memorial

There is a monument here on the spot of the Rineen ambush, which took place during the War of Independence in September 1920.

Rineen Ambush Memorial
Rineen Ambush Memorial
Rineen Ambush Memorial
22nd September 1920

Falls Hotel, Ennistymon

Located slightly off the Wild Atlantic Way, about 5 minutes from Lahinch, the 4-star Falls hotel in Ennistymon is positioned looking over the amazing waterfalls in Ennistymon.

Falls Hotel

Entering Ennistymon there is a very narrow single bridge that you can see in this photo, which only allows one car through at a time. Read the signs to see who has right of way.

Ennistymon Falls
Ennistymon Falls

With a rich history the hotel now has a spa with views over the river Inagh and a swimming pool, and now has 120 bedrooms

Ennistimon Falls
Ennistymon Falls with heavy flow on an October’s day

Lahinch Beach

This is another of Clare’s beautiful surfing beaches. There is a car park where you can park the car and explore the town or go for a swim.

There are restaurants and pubs all along the main street. You can take surfing lessons on the beach. The die-hards even carry on surfing during the winter months here.

Lahinch Beach
Lahinch Beach
storm protection
Rocks added to protect Lahinch from the Sea during big storms

Lahinch Golf Club

This is a wonderful links course on the edge of the Atlantic. There are super views out to sea.

This course was home to the 2019 Irish Open which was won by Jon Rahm.

There are two courses; the Old course and the Castle course on the other side of the road.

Lahinch Golf Club
Lahinch Golf Club

Vaughans Anchor Inn, Liscannor

This is a lovely pub/restaurant in Liscannor. They now also have opened a restaurant in Lahinch. Good food, well worth a visit.

Vaughans Anchor Inn
Vaughans Anchor Inn, Liscannor

Clahane Viewpoint

A nice quiet parking spot with great views back down south to Clare.

The information board talks about John Phillip Holland, from the area, who was the developer of the first submarine to be commissioned by the US Navy.

Clahane Viewpoint
Clahane Viewpoint
Clahane Viewpoint
Clahane

A popular swimming spot when calm.

The Rock Shop

This is a little gem along the WAW. The area is well known for providing flagstones and other natural rocks for building purposes.

This shop has a wonderful collection of beautiful stones, rocks and jewellery. It is a great place to buy some presents for people back home. They also have a nice cafe where you can get a cup of tea and a scone. 

the rock shop
The Rock Shop
The Rock Shop

Guerin’s Path

Guerin’s path is an alternative way to see the cliffs of Moher. You can avoid the crowds and it is a shorter walk to get to the cliffs.

Parking is also cheaper than visiting the main site. It is just as easy to fall off though so be careful.

Entrance to Guerin's path
Guerin’s path
Guerin's path

Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are another Wild Atlantic Way Signature Point. The cliffs are about 700ft high and 320 million years old.

This place is one of the favourite visiting sites for tourists who come to Ireland.

Cliffs of a Moher
Cliffs of a Moher

Unfortunately, this means it can get very busy during the summer months and the traffic can cause hold-ups along the road. Also, it may be worth checking the weather before you go as it can sometimes be fairly foggy. But otherwise, it is a worthwhile experience.

However, if you are into cliffs, there are other impressive cliffs to be seen in Ireland like; Slieve League, Benwee Head, Kerry Cliffs, Inish More on the Aran Islands and the Kilkee Cliffs.

O'Brien's Tower at the Cliffs of Moher
O’Brien’s Tower at the Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are impressive. They have a  visitor’s centre and cafe there. If you wish to avoid the main site, you can also go to Guerin’s Path, which may have slightly cheaper parking and access to the cliffs. See the separate parking icon nearby.

Many people have lost their lives taking silly pictures here, hanging too close to the edge, so stay well away from the cliff edge. It is a very long way down.

When the surf is up there can be some extreme surfing below the cliffs.

Doonagore Castle

This castle is on a tiny road leading to Doolin from the main road (no campers are allowed down this road – whoops I did make this mistake once, not recommended). The castle dates back to the 16th century.

It is not possible to enter the castle.

Doonagore Castle
Doonagore Castle with Doolin Pier and Aran Islands in the background

Nagles Camping and Caravan Park

A great camping site near the Pier at Doolin.

Good facilities and walking distance from the pubs, where you will find the real craic, often with live music and good Guinness.

Nagles Camping and Caravan Park
Nagles Camping and Caravan Park
Nagles Camping and Caravan Park

Doolin Pier

Doolin Pier is the place to catch the ferry to the Aran Islands.

Check the weather before you book as it can get quite rough here during storms. The ferry companies also do trips to the Cliffs of Moher from Doolin. There is plenty of parking space available at the pier.

sailing to Aran Islands from Doolin
Sailing to Aran Islands from Doolin Pier
looking back to doolin pier

The Aran Islands

The Aran Islands consist of Inisheer, Inishmaan and Inishmore. You can get a ferry to the islands from Doolin in co. Clare via various ferry companies.

A popular thing to do on Inishmore is to hire a bike and cycle around the island. But make sure you are fit enough! A few areas are a bit hilly.

Cycling Inishmore
Cycling Inishmore
donkeys on inishmore
Make friends along the way

There is a lot to see on the islands as you cycle around, from the local flora and fauna, to ancient stone walls and rock balancing displays.

There are also colonies of seals off the coast.

Rock balancing art along the way

There is also this amazing naturally formed rectangular pool called the wormhole where they hosted the Red Bull cliff diving series in 2014. This can be dangerous to swim with heavy seas and I did not see how the swimmer actually got out of there as there is no ladder!

The Wormhole
The Wormhole

An amazing place. But the walk to get there is quite difficult if you are not fleet of foot. There are some fairly impressive cliffs here on this side of the island.

The Walk to the Wormhole. Dún Aonghasa in the background
Having a rest on Inishmore
Kilmurvey Beach on Inishmore. Watch out for the seals

Inisheer is home to the wreck of the Plassey which you see as you sail past.

The Plassey Wreck
The Plassey Wreck

This wreck is famous from the introduction to the Father Ted comedy series that was filmed in and around County Clare. 

Doolin Cave

This cave is home to the largest stalactite in Europe. You can book a tour online.

Doolin Cave Entrance
Doolin Cave Entrance

The Burren Coast Road

This wonderful stretch of road takes you along the edge of the Burren, next to the coast and has some spectacular scenery along the way. One of the prettiest bits of road in county Clare.

There are places to stop along the way and plenty of places for a picnic next to the sea.

An example of the Burren Coast road from my bike:

Video: The Burren Coast Road up to Ballyvaughan

Fanore Beach

Fanore is one of Clare’s most beautiful sandy beaches. It can get very busy on a nice sunny day though.

Fanore Beach
Fanore Beach

It has the wonderful backdrop of the Burren rocks.

The car park overflows onto the surrounding field when it gets busy.

Fanore Beach
Fanore Beach

Black Head Lighthouse

This lighthouse at Black Head is in quite a surreal location, placed on its own in the limestone surroundings of the Burren.

Black Head Lighthouse
Black Head Lighthouse

Caherdoonerish Stone Fort

This stone fort is situated about 200m above the Black Head lighthouse. Great views down to the sea and Galway Bay. Quite a climb to get there. 

Monks, Ballyvaughan

A charming seafood restaurant located next to the Pier at Ballyvaughan.

Also with accommodation with sea views.

Monk's Ballyvaughan Pier, ballyvaughan hotels

Ballyvaughan Pier

Built in the 1830’s, an important pier for trade and fishing. In the past, the pier would have been used by fishing boats during the herring boom.

Ballyvaughan Pier, Ballyvaughan Clare Ireland, Ballyvaughan County Clare, Ballyvaughan Beach, Ballyvaughan co Clare
Ballyvaughan Pier
Ballyvaughan Pier

Flaggy Shore

One of the Wild Atlantic Way Discovery points. Once an inspiration for poet Seamus Heaney.

Flaggy Shore
Flaggy Shore

Linnane’s Lobster Bar

A wonderful little seafood restaurant, located on the water near a small fishing pier.

The food and service is great and a wonderful place to stop for lunch or dinner.

Well worth a visit if you pass this way.

Linnane's Lobster Bar
Linnane’s Lobster Bar
Linnane's
The view over the water from inside
Hake and Chips

So if you have not yet done so, download the map with POI’s for this route here:

Miltown Malbay to Ballyvaughan

Have a great trip.

Do you have another day to spend in and around Ballyvaughan? Then try this Alternate Ballyvaughan-Burren route as well. It is mainly off the WAW but worth doing:

Next Route – Deviation off the WAW

Alternate Ballyvaughan-Burren

Next Route – Going North

Ballyvaughan to Clifden

I have spent many (fun) hours creating this website to help people travelling the Wild Atlantic Way. If you found it useful and it helped you plan your trip, please consider donating towards my petrol/gas bill! Many thanks!

Last Updated on October 21, 2023 by Gav

waw logo new

Disclaimer: explorewaw.com may participate in various affiliate programs. This means that we may get paid if you click on links that lead you to other sites selling goods or services.