Whitegate

Whitegate lies in the heart of the Lough Derg Blueway and appeals to travellers who like to divide their time between water activities, exercise and history. Water sports, walking, fishing and boating are among the reasons why the area is considered a popular destination. There are also shorter circular walks, a monastic complex in Whitegate and horse-riding experiences with different themes. When choosing a holiday rental, you can first consider whether cultural heritage, walks of your own or a horse ride will be the deciding factor for your stay.

Clonrush: Monastic History and Funerary Art

The 12th-century monastic complex of Clonrush is located in Whitegate. It is a National Monument dedicated to St Colmán. Clonrush includes Poll Cholmáin (St Colmán’s Cave), a small, stone-roofed oratory. The cemetery at Clonrush contains ornately carved funerary monuments and ironwork from the 18th and 19th centuries. The monastic complex, small oratory and cemetery offer different perspectives on cultural history. Those interested in sacred history will find the dedication to Colmán; those who enjoy paying attention to craftsmanship can include the carved funerary monuments and ironwork as subjects in their own right in their travel plans. Clonrush is therefore more than a single historical name: its different elements give a visit a clear cultural-history focus.

Circular Walks and the East Clare Way

Whitegate is a starting point for shorter circular walks. The area is also one of the nine starting points of the East Clare Way, a circular route of about 172 km. In the wider region, this route crosses the Slieve Bernagh Mountains. This gives you different options for planning your holiday: shorter circular walks starting from Whitegate, or a much longer circular route. The distance of about 172 km refers to the East Clare Way as a whole; Whitegate is one of its nine starting points. When choosing a holiday rental, your preferred type of walk can therefore be a helpful starting point: shorter loops or the East Clare Way as a larger focus of your trip.

Horse-Riding Experiences at An Sibin

An Sibin is a lovingly restored, 300-year-old farmhouse. The An Sibin Equestrian Centre in Whitegate offers horse rides along trails through historic County Galway, County Clare and the unique Burren National Park. There is also the “Irish Castle & Monastic ruin ride”, which combines guided horse riding with visits to castles, monastic ruins and ancient Celtic graves. An Sibin also has many miles of riding trails and heathland bog to explore. The horse-riding options therefore include both trails through the areas mentioned and a ride specifically focused on castles, monastic ruins and Celtic graves. If horse riding is important to your trip, these different themes may help you decide whether to visit Whitegate.

More location pages: Coillte, Killaloe, Corofin, Purt, Fanore, O'Briensbridge, Bishopsquarter, Murroogh.

For the broader travel overview: County Clare.