Discover the Magic of Lahinch, the Site of Our Enchanting Cloudforest 1
Nestled in the heart of County Clare, just steps away from the Wild Atlantic Ocean, Lahinch is a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. At Cloudforests.ie, our forest offers you a unique way to give back to our planet, one tree at a time, in a place where nature, adventure, and heritage come alive.
Here’s why Lahinch is must-visit destinations for locals and travellers alike:
Surfing Capital of Ireland
Lahinch proudly wears the crown as one of Ireland’s premier surfing hotspots. The Atlantic waves rolling into Liscannor Bay attract surfers, bodyboarders, and sea swimmers year-round. Whether you’re an experienced surfer or a curious beginner, the ocean here promises exhilarating experiences against a backdrop of breathtaking coastline.
The Lahinch Surf Shop on the prom is considered the first dedicated surf shop in Ireland, founded by Rosemary Buckley and her family in 1969 and later developed to include a surf school.
World-Renowned Golfing Heritage
Golf lovers will appreciate that Lahinch Golf Club, founded in 1892, is a world-class links course with an incredible pedigree. Designed in part by Old Tom Morris and later redesigned by the legendary Alister MacKenzie, who also shaped Augusta National, this course is consistently ranked among the best in the world.
Several notable competitions have been hosted by the “St. Andrews of Ireland”, such as the annual South of Ireland Amateur Open Championship, The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in 2019, The Arnold Palmer Cup in 2024, and they are set to host the Walker Cup in 2026, a prestigious amateur match between Great Britain & Ireland and the United States.
Live Music Vibes
In summer, Lahinch is buzzing with traditional Irish music, buskers, and beach parties. Pubs like Kenny's and O'Looney's are known for their live music and good craic.
Lahinch is no exception to the rich tradition of Irish music in County Clare. Often hailed as the 'home of céilí music,' Clare is renowned for its distinctive sound, shaped by the vibrant use of instruments like the fiddle, concertina, accordion, and tin whistle. Expect to hear captivating styles such as sean-nós singing, polkas, and slides, all of which embody the region’s musical heritage.
Gateway to the Cliffs of Moher
Only about a 15-minute drive from Lahinch, the Cliffs of Moher draw over a million visitors per year and provide jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic coast.
The Cliffs are one of Ireland's most iconic natural landmarks. Rising up to 702 feet (214 meters) at their highest point, these dramatic cliffs have been a source of inspiration for the likes of Jonathan Swift, Seamus Heaney and Edna O’Brien. The Cliffs have been featured in several films such as “Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince”, “The Princess Bride” and “Leap Year”
Historically, the cliffs were once home to ancient fortifications, and the surrounding area holds deep significance in Irish mythology and folklore.
Liscannor Stone
The region around Lahinch is famous for Liscannor Stone, a distinctive flagstone once used in flooring, paving, and famously even at Westminster Abbey in London.