Project Description

The idea for the Loop Head Peninsula Discovery Way was conceived during Loop Head Together discussions in 2020 and presented on pages 55 & 56 of the Loop Head Regional Development Strategy (LRDS).

The concept of the Loop Head Peninsula Discovery Way has evolved over time from a traditional touring route to a dynamic collection of points of interest (POI) and attractions (e.g. walking trails) featuring the peninsula’s nature & wildlife, built heritage & history, farming & fishing heritage and many of the other activities available across the peninsula.

The first projects created exclusively for the Loop Head Peninsula Discovery Way are a Nature Trail & Nature Observation Point with bird hide in Querrin (Project 41) and the Carrigaholt Solar Panels POI (Project 5). Similar projects are envisaged all over the peninsula area in the near future (see Project Concepts 3; 9; 13; 14; 43; 49).

To avoid confusion and overlaps it was also agreed to include already existing attractions; namely the West Clare Trails and the Loop Head Heritage Trail; under the overall banner of the Loop Head Peninsula Discovery Way.

Project Justification & Objectives

The vision for the future of the Loop Head Peninsula Discovery Way is to add new points of interest and attractions on an ongoing basis and improve existing ones. These points of interest and attraction will have been conceived and developed by members of the Loop Head community with support by Loop Head Together and/or local development groups. The modular concept of the Loop Head Peninsula Discovery Way will not only keep it vibrant and interesting but will also allow more and more members of the Loop Head community to contribute and play a part in the development of the peninsula.

Eventually the points of interest and attractions will be joining Kilkee to Querrin to Doonaha to Carrigaholt to Kilbaha to Loop Head to the Bridges of Ross to Cross and back to Kilkee and could become one of the premium products for slow and sustainable tourism on the Wild Atlantic Way for residents and visitors alike.

It is envisaged that the Loop Head Peninsula Discovery Way will link up with the West Clare Railway Greenway between Kilkee and Kilrush and the Shannon Estuary Way, making sure the Loop Head Peninsula remains an integral part of the Wild Atlantic Way through celebrating local livelihoods, culture and heritage and so contribute to sustaining livelihoods and create opportunities for new businesses.

Potential Project Stakeholders*

• All residents and businesses on the Loop Head Peninsula

• Loop Head Together and local development groups

• Loop Head Tourism

*Potential Project Stakeholders means all stakeholders have not necessarily yet been contacted to help co-design the project, but are mentioned here as they would be a desirable project partner. We may have forgotten some - please let us know!