Coastal scenery, golf, fishing and local history give An Dún Beag a range of distinct attractions. Between the championship course, the Doonbeg Loop and historic traces, you can tailor your trip to your own interests.
Golf Course and Coastal Scenery
Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Ireland in Doonbeg has an 18-hole championship course. Along Doughmore Bay, the golf course stretches across 1.5 miles of crescent-shaped beach and centuries-old sand dunes. The coast and dunes thus provide the scenic setting for the course. Its details may change following redevelopment.
Shore fishing is also popular in Doonbeg. The Doonbeg River is known for salmon and sea trout. Shore fishing and the fish species for which the river is known offer different angles on the subject of fishing.
Trails and Beach
The Doonbeg Loop starts and ends at the Doonbeg Church car park. It runs south of the village along minor roads and bog paths. Unlike the golf course, the Loop does not cross the grounds; instead, it follows a route that includes minor roads and bog paths. The start and end point is the same car park; specific walking times or difficulty ratings are not among the route details described.
White Strand Doonbeg is 2.5 kilometres west of Doonbeg. The beach is designated a Natural Heritage Area and a Special Area of Conservation, and also has Blue Flag beach status. Blue Flag status may change from one season to the next. Lifeguards patrol the beach during the summer months; check the current supervision arrangements before your visit.
Castle, Bridge and Village History
The ruins of Doonbeg Castle date from the early 16th century and overlook the Doonbeg River shortly before it reaches the sea. The present-day village grew up around the castle. A six-arched, humpbacked stone bridge beside Doonbeg Castle marks the centre of the village and was built around 1820. During the Great Famine of the 1840s, it provided temporary shelter for two families. The castle and bridge thus link different periods in the village's history: the castle's medieval and early modern era, the bridge's construction in the 19th century, and its later historical use.
Festivals and Getting There
The West Clare Drama Festival takes place in Doonbeg every March and has brought performers from across Ireland together there for six decades. The annual Doonbeg International Jazz Festival features a weekend programme of performances by Irish and international musicians and music groups. If you want to plan your trip around one of the festivals, check the specific event dates before travelling.
TFI Local Link bus route 335 serves Doonbeg. If travelling on this service, check the current timetable for your travel date. The other attractions described here differ mainly in whether you want to focus on golf, trails through bogland, the beach, fishing or local history.
Discover more destinations: Kilmurry, Corofin, Tulla, Cratloe, Miltown Malbay, Spanish Point, Murroogh, Clonlara.
For the broader travel overview: County Clare.
