Loop Head forms part of the Loop Head Peninsula in West Clare, Ireland. It also forms an integral part of the Wild Atlantic Way. Set on the west coast of County Clare along the Atlantic Coast, Loop Head offers some amazing scenery and stunning views.
Loop Head has been described as “a gnarled finger that juts into the Atlantic Ocean pointing westward.” It’s an accurate description. Set alongside the River Shannon and jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, this little spit of land has more coastline than anywhere else in Ireland.
Loop Head is believed to be an evolution of “Leap Head” (Ceann Léime). Legend has it that a local, Cúchulainn jumped the gap between the headland and a sea stack to escape a local witch.
Another local legend says that two young lovers, Diarmuid and Gráinne leapt the stack to escape Fionn Mac Cumhaill. That’s why the stack is now called Diarmuid and Gráinne’s Rock. Whichever, if any, legend is true, it adds a bit of colour to the region!
Loop Head is also in the middle of the Wild Atlantic Way, meaning whichever way you travel it, Loop Head will always be the halfway point of your journey.
In 2010, Loop Head was awarded the title of European Destination of Excellence in aquatic tourism. This was a big boost to the area that reflected the true value of this mile-long piece of land.
It isn’t all about the scenery though. Loop Head is also working land. There are farms with lots of cattle around that have formed part of our local way of life. You will also find lots of homesteads, our local low buildings that provide warmth and comfort after a long day working on the land or at sea.
There’s a lot to see and do at Loop Head as there is along most parts of the Wild Atlantic Way. There is walking, cycling, fishing, the West Clare Railway, bird watching and of course, walking the Wild Atlantic Way itself.
One of the highlights of the area is Loop Head Lighthouse. It’s one of many successive lighthouses that have stood guard over the Shannon Estuary since 1670. The current lighthouse was built in 1854 and still lights the night sky for miles around. Tours are also conducted during summer.
It’s difficult to sum up the Loop Head part of the Wild Atlantic Way without repeating the superlatives we use to describe many of the other locations. The sheer beauty and drama of this coastal scenery simply defies description. That’s why you need to see it for yourself.
Visit holidaycottages.net for a range of high quality accommodation spread across Ireland and along the entire Wild Atlantic Way!