Cliffs and coves

You can't visit this part of the world without going underground – at least for a little while. Deep down in the Aillwee Cave, nestled into a limestone terraced mountainside, you can seek out fossils, explore beautiful caverns and wander through the chasms and bridges carved through the limestone over millions of years. Don't want to go below ground? Take a Hawk Walk with a feathered friend at the Aillwee Cave & The Birds of Prey Centre.

Passing through the lively village of Lisdoonvarna, the road winds around until you get to Doolin – one of the best places in Ireland to catch some traditional music. Stop for a bite to eat at the Wild Honey Inn, just outside Lisdoonvarna, then step into McGann's or Gus O'Connor's in the evening, and you'll find a toe-tapping music session taking place, with a great warm atmosphere that keeps things going late into the night.

Make a date – quite literally – at the brilliant Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival that takes places every September.

Stretching out into the mist along the Irish coastline, the Cliffs of Moher are jaw-droppingly beautiful. Waves crash below, seabirds whirl above and paths wind along the cliff-edge with photo opportunities all the way. Unmissable. If you want to get a closer look, book online for the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience where you'll get the best rates, best times and guaranteed entry. Avoid the crowds and enjoy reduced rates if you visit before 11am or after 4pm.

Or take a walk along the incredible Cliff Path (8km) from Doolin – all that exercise is well worth it for the views. If you have more time, take a cruise and marvel at the scale of the cliffs from sea level – you may even spot the sea cave that featured in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! A number of ferry companies operate cruises from Doolin Pier.

At the very place where the Shannon River opens into the Atlantic Ocean is Europe's largest group of bottlenose dolphins. A beautiful sight! Take a boat trip with Dolphinwatch at Carrigaholt, and see these wonderful creatures (and perhaps a few grey seals) in their natural habitat. Back on land, you might catch a glimpse of a herd of wild goats or even nesting seabirds.

If you're driving, the Killimer-Tarbert car ferry not only cuts down travelling time, it straddles the counties of Clare and Kerry, taking in some terrific scenery all the way!

“Is this Brazilian coffee?”, someone asked. “No," replied Joe, "that's Irish coffee." It's one of the many tales you'll hear at the Flying Boat and Maritime Museum in Foynes, County Limerick. Invented in 1942 by chef Joe Sheridan at Foynes Port, where planes en route from Europe to America would stop to refuel, he whipped it up one cold winter’s night for passengers who were delayed due to bad weather! Of course, the museum is also a haven for those enthralled with the brave stories from aviation history.

Festivals, food and fun for all the family – Limerick city is a vibrant hub sitting on the edge of the River Shannon. There is a real sense of history to this ancient city with its unique antique stores and artisan cafés, not to mention the array of museums and galleries housed here. After a busy day exploring the Georgian Quarter you can take a load off in one of the bustling bars and chat to locals about their beloved sport – rugby!

If you want to escape the city and head for the coast again to tee off at Ballybunion Golf Club. Once visited by Tiger Woods, the renowned Ballybunion Golf Club can be your last stop before making your way to Tralee.