Whitegate brings together the history of the Clonrush monastic complex and activities around the Lough Derg Blueway. The village lies at the heart of the Blueway and is a popular destination for water sports, walking, fishing and boating thanks to its location. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Whitegate, you can first choose your destination based on the kind of trip you want: cultural history, shorter walks, or activities on the water and in the saddle.

Clonrush: Monastery and Cemetery

The 12th-century Clonrush monastic complex is located in Whitegate. It is a National Monument dedicated to St Colmán. The complex includes Poll Cholmáin, also known as St Colmán’s Cave: a small, stone-roofed oratory. Clonrush Cemetery contains intricately carved funerary monuments and ironwork from the 18th and 19th centuries. Its cultural heritage therefore spans different periods: the monastic complex dates from the 12th century, while the funerary monuments and ironwork represent the 18th and 19th centuries. The oratory is a small, stone-roofed part of the monastic complex, not a name for the entire site.

Walking on Two Scales

Whitegate is a starting point for shorter circular walks. It is also one of nine starting points for the East Clare Way, a circular route of about 172 kilometres. The two walking options differ mainly in scale: the shorter loops are complemented by a route of about 172 kilometres in total. Further afield in the region, the East Clare Way crosses the Slieve Bernagh Mountains. If you are planning a walk, you can first choose between a shorter loop and the longer circular route.

Horse Riding at An Sibin

An Sibin is a lovingly restored, 300-year-old farmhouse. The An Sibin Equestrian Centre in Whitegate offers rides along trails through historic County Galway, as well as County Clare and the unique Burren National Park. An Sibin also has many miles of bridleways and heathland bog. Its offerings include the “Irish Castle & Monastic ruin ride”, which combines guided horse riding with visits to castles, monastic ruins and ancient Celtic graves. If you plan to take this particular ride, check its current availability in advance.

County Clare at a Regional Level

For a trip at the level of the wider destination of County Clare, there are further points of reference. County Clare is accessible by road, bus and rail; Ennis is connected to the national rail network. The Cliffs of Moher stretch for almost 14 kilometres along the Clare coast and rise to over 700 feet at O’Brien’s Tower. The visitor centre includes 800 metres of paved paths and viewpoints, including access to O’Brien’s Tower. Visitors can explore walking trails in Burren National Park.

Discover more destinations: Killimer, Mountshannon, Boston, Ballyvaghan, Kilbaha, Dromoland, Spanish Point, Clarecastle

For the wider travel overview: County Clare.