Cross is on the Loop Head Peninsula. Two specific themes come together here for a stay: the architectural and artistic history of Our Lady of Lourdes’ Catholic Church, and expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Shannon Estuary. Nearby attractions and a guided tour from Cross to Kilkee add to the experience. When looking for a holiday rental, consider whether you want to focus your trip on Cross itself or on the wider County Clare area.

Church Windows and Architectural History

The stained-glass windows in Our Lady of Lourdes’ Catholic Church depict the Stations of the Cross and scenes from the lives of Jesus and Mary. They were created by Willie Earley and Abbey Stained Glass Studios. The windows depicting the Stations of the Cross are on the west wall and face Loop Head; the windows depicting the Mysteries of the Rosary are on the east wall and face Carrigaholt. The church brings together different themes and two distinct orientations.

The building’s history goes back further. Fr O’Gorman had the original church in Cross built in 1806. It was renovated in 1870 and 1894, then demolished in 1958. Our Lady of Lourdes’ Catholic Church was built in August 1959. The earlier building and the 1959 building are therefore distinct milestones in local church history.

Views and Places to Visit Around Cross

From Cross, there are expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Shannon Estuary. The Bridges of Ross, near Cross, are natural sea arches. Other nearby attractions include Loop Head Lighthouse, Dolphinwatch Carrigaholt and the Church of the Little Ark in Kilbaha. The ruins of the Church of Kilballyowen are in Kilballyowen Cemetery, between Cross and Kilbaha. The sights range from coastal formations and a lighthouse to churches and church ruins.

Walking on Loop Head

A guided Loop Head Walking Tour runs from Cross to Kilkee. To book, contact experienced local guides and check current availability. Other leisure activities on the Loop Head Peninsula include walking, cycling, snorkelling in natural rock pools, windsurfing and sailing. The tour follows a specific route, starting in Cross and ending in Kilkee, while the other activities take place across the peninsula.

County Clare as a Wider Travel Destination

The wider County Clare travel area offers additional cultural and natural attractions. The Cliffs of Moher rise to over 700 feet at O’Brien’s Tower and stretch for almost 14 kilometres along the Clare coast. The visitor site includes 800 metres of paved paths and viewing points, including access to O’Brien’s Tower. Visitors can explore walking trails in Burren National Park. Inis Cealtra, also known as Holy Island, is in Lough Derg on the Shannon; its history as a monastic settlement dates back to the 7th century.

County Clare can be reached via a road network and bus and rail services; Ennis is connected to the national rail network. Check current connections and visitor information before planning, as journey times, path conditions and operating details may change.

Discover more destinations: Shannon, Ennis, Labasheeda, Carrigaholt, Bishopsquarter, Bodyke, Broadford, Ballyvaghan

For the wider travel overview: County Clare.