Things to do

OUR HOTEL

Vaughan Lodge Hotel Lahinch is run along traditional lines. The lodge is primarily a tourist and golf hotel. There are no Leisure facilities within the hotel. We provide a comfortable lounge for reading and relaxation and have some board and card games available. Outside of the hotel there are a number of activities to pursue in the area. Michael’s book “Travelogue County Clare” is provided in each bedroom for your information and will assist you in planning any trip from the hotel.

GOLF

The renowned Lahinch golf links is within a walk from the hotel as is the Castle course, a more leisurely 18 holes. Doonbeg is just 25 minutes drive south. Spanish Point, just 15 minutes drive south offers a natural 9 hole links experience. Dromoland Castle Estate, Ennis and Woodstock are parkland courses within 45 minutes drive of the hotel.

SURF

Lahinch beach is a renowned surf location and has a section that is ideal for beginners. there are 4 surf schools in the village. Beaches close by at Spanish Point , Silver Strand and Doughmore all offer challenging waves for the enthusiast. The hotel has a drying room and a secure storage area for boards and equipment.

CYCLING

North Clare has a number of great cycling loops that are well signposted and mapped. The village has a rent a bike shop where you can avail of a bike for a few hours or days to pursue the meandering roads of North Clare.

SWIMMING

The golden mile of beach at Lahinch is a safe swimming area. There is an indoor pool at Sea World by the promenade.

SPA & SAUNA

There are a number of places nearby that provide Spa facilities for visitors.

CLIFFS OF MOHER

The Magnificent Cliffs of Moher are 11 miles north and are currently being considered as one of the UNESCO wonders of the world

THE BURREN

This area is a wonderful landscape of flora, fauna and ancient relics such as Dolmens, Stone Forts, Castles and old church ruins. The karst limestone pavements stretch on for miles like a lunar surface and there is wonderment and rugged beauty everywhere. The Burren centre in Kilfenora is a good place to begin your journey.

THE ARAN ISLANDS

The idyllic islands are just a few miles off the North Clare coast and have a way of life that is unique. Irish is spoken on the islands as the native tongue. The islanders engage mainly in fishing or craft making fro the tourist trade. Boats leave Doolin three times daily in season for the islands. It is well worth visiting at least one of the islands. You can also combine a trip to Arran with a panoramic boat trip under the cliffs of moher.

BUNRATTY FOLK PARK

This is an excellent stop at any time and especially on an more inclement day. There is a wealth of cultural and folk amusement in the park and some fine examples of old irish cottages, a village streetscape from the 19th century, a working farm and medieval castle complete with banquets and Irish evenings.
Craggenowen is another tourist site where the ancient crannogs have been reconstructed and give a glimpse of Ireland in the iron age.

SHOPPING

Lahinch has some lovely crafts shops and places for souvenirs of the golf trip or other unique local and irish gifts. Shops tend to open around 10am and close at 6.00pm except for the high season.

Ennis is an old market town just a half hour’s drive east from Lahinch and offers great shopping.

FISHING

Sea fishing is available from Liscannor or Doolin by prior arrangement. Lickeen lake which is about 15 minutes drive away has some trout and boats and equipment can be hired locally at short notice.

THINGS TO DO