Off the (Tour Coach) Beaten Path
Carrigaholt Castle




Located in Ireland's southwest County Clare overlooking the mouth of the Shannon River, Carrigaholt or McMahon Castle is one of the many castles in Ireland that are “just there.”  Signposts exist, but if you're traveling west on R487 to go to Loop Head, consider a side trip on the R488 to Carrigaholt.  The castle lies in view from across the harbor.  It's easy to find once in town.  When I visited, I was totally alone.  It's ungated, thus free.  It does require a bit of nimbleness and proper footgear.  No wheelchairs or heels.  

Make this part of a drive that includes Kilrush, Loop Head, and Kilkee.  In fact, from Carrigaholt you can take the shore road to Loop Head via Kilbaha, though I encountered stretches of the road with good size rocks washed onto the road.  


Crowd Rating
This could zero
be rated coaches.
Interest Level

All photographs available for purchase as prints or JPEG files.  Original JPEGs are approximately 2.5 mb suitable for enlarging up to 20"x30".
Views of town across the harbor.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
(C) Copyright 2007, Great Brook Travel Notes.  All Rights Reserved.
Ireland   |   Killarney   |   Carrigaholt Castle   |   Loop Head   |   Doonbeg Castle   |   Liscannor Castle   |   Cliffs of Moher   |   Bridget's Well   |   Newtown Castle