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East Clare Way
Killaloe, Co. Clare
Free to visit
Embrace the rugged beauty of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands on this 168.8 km loop of beautiful East Clare.

Taking eight days to complete, the East Clare Way weaves through this region’s wildest stretches as well as its many lively villages.

The trail’s terrain is mainly quiet tarmac roads, forest track, bog roads, open ground and field paths. About 53% of the route follows local roads.

Starting in Killaloe, this idyllic loop crosses the Slieve Bernagh Mountains before descending to the Clare lakelands around Tulla and Feakle.

Circling Lough Graney, the route then climbs again over the rugged boglands of the Slieve Aughty Mountains back towards majestic Lough Derg. The aggregate ascent over the whole trail is about 3,000m, there are a few short, steep sections but no significant climbs.

The trail returns through the lush hills towards Scarriff and on to its end point back in Killaloe.

The friendly towns and villages across the loop’s nine trailheads offer plenty of inviting accommodation and dining options.

Trail details

Type:
Long Distance Waymarked Way
Location:
Killaloe
Grade:
Moderate
Format:
Loop
Length:
168.80km
Ascent:
3060m
Dogs allowed:
No
    Time:8 days
    Nearest town start:Killaloe
    Nearest town finish:Killaloe
    Start point:Car park ‘Between the Waters’ in Killaloe
    Finish point:Car park ‘Between the Waters’ in Killaloe
    Waymarking:Yellow arrow on black background
    Facilities:Car parking
    At Start/Finish - on street in Killaloe or in small car park beside bridge
Why we like it
  • For the more casual walker, there are many well-signposted local loops of varying lengths centred on each of the towns and villages along this charming route.
  • Some of the birdlife you may spot include the rare hen harrier and the merlin. 
Contact details
Shantraud, Killaloe, Co. Clare, Ireland
Leave no trace
  • Plan ahead and prepare
  • Be considerate of others
  • Respect farm animals and wildlife
  • Travel and camp responsibly
  • Leave what you find
  • Dispose of waste properly
  • Protect nature from fire
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