Fanore

About Fanore

Fanore beachThe Caher River (the only river in the Burren to flow its entire course above ground) enters the sea here. Near the beach the site of an ancient house has been uncovered and excavated on the north bank.

The name comes from the Irish ‘Ór’ meaning sea coast and thus Fán Ór literally means ‘the declivity by the sea coast.’ A beautiful beach, noted for its edible seaweed. Some authorities hold that the name comes from Fán Óir, meaning golden slope of beach.

It is situated on the R477 to the south of Black Head and is a popular bathing place with a public recreation area. The village is quaint with a shop and a pub and further down the coast is Fitzpatricks, a general merchant and post office and O’Donoghue’s pub, which has music on Saturday nights.

The Caher River enters the sea here and the sandhills area, known as the Rabbit Warren, are to the north of the river mouth. The site of a possibly middle stone age house has been excavated on the north bank.

Behind the beach a road goes inland and up the Khyber Pass or Caher River valley. It passes a village deserted since the days of the famine.

South of Fanore rises Slieve Elva, 345m and pierced by the cave of Pollnagollum, which is more than four miles in length.

Fanore was home to Australian author Francis Stuart, who died February 2nd 2000.

Surfers at FanoreSurfers at Fanore
Rock pavement at FanoreRock pavement at Fanore
River Caher at FanoreRiver Caher at Fanore
Fanore sand dunesFanore sand dunes
Black Head Loop

Black Head Loop
Address:

Fanore
Co Clare

GPS: 53.118013, -9.285427

Additional Information

Trailhead: Fanore Beach Car Park, Fanore, Co. Clare
Services: Fanore (1km) and Ballyvaughan (14km)
Dist/Time: 26km / 5hr-6hrs
Difficulty: Hard
Terrain: Green roads, tracks and mountain paths
To Suit: Higher than average level of fitness

Map available in 'Other Information'

Downloads:-

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Caher Valley Loop

Caher Valley Loop
Address:

Fanore
Co Clare

GPS: 53.118013, -9.285427

Additional Information

Trailhead: Fanore Beach Carpark, Co. Clare
Services: Fanore, Co. Clare
Dist/Time: 14.5km/3-4hrs
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Mix of minor roadways and green roads
To Suit: Medium level of fitness

Map available in 'Other Information'

Downloads:-

Getting Here

Fanore Beach

Fanore Beach
Address:

Fanore
Co. Clare

GPS: 53.123831, -9.277774

Additional Information

Fanore has a large sandy beach and extensive sand dune system. It is very popular with walkers, swimmers and surfers. Surfers can find a haven here as an alternative to the very busy Lahinch.

From Fanore beach the Burren is in easy walking distance. Designated walking routes are Caher Valley Loop Walk, Fanore to Ballyvaughan Trek and the Burren Way. Maps of these routes are in 'Other information'

Fanore Beach is a Geosite.

'Golden sand dunes, storm beaches of boulders stacked together by powerful waves, rocks rich in ancient marine fossils and smooth lime encrusted stones in the river bed of the Caher river – the only surface river in the northern Burren, are all to be discovered at Fanore Beach. Together with its diversity of flora, birdlife, butterflies and moths – and evidence of prehistoric hunters-gatherers living amongst the dunes, it is easy to understand why this beach is a Special Area of Conservation.'

Downloads:-

Getting Here

Fanore to Ballyvaughan

Fanore to Ballyvaughan
Address:

Fanore
Co Clare

GPS: 53.118013, -9.285427

Additional Information

Trailhead: Car Park Fanore Beach
Services: Full services are available at Fanore and Ballyvaughan
Distance: 21Km
Time: 5 – 6hrs
Difficulty: Difficult to Hard
Terrain: Green roads, minor roadways, woodland tracks.
To Suit: High levels of fitness

Map available in 'Other Information'

Downloads:-

Getting Here

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Post office

Post office
Address:

Craggagh
Fanore
Co. Clare

Phone: +353 65 707 6131
GPS: 53.101342, -9.297349

Getting Here

Saint Patrick's Church

Saint Patrick's Church
Address:

Murrough
Fanore
Co. Clare

Phone: +353 65 707 7045
Website: Visit Our Site
GPS: 53.124574, -9.274880

Additional Information

For mass time, please go to the website

Getting Here