Despite its name, the Clare River is not in County Clare but forms the boundary between the counties of Tipperary and Limerick. The Clare Glens through which the Clare River flows is a gorge near the picturesque village of Murroe. This very picturesque red sandstone gorge is heavily wooded and the river runs through a series of waterfalls and rapids which provide breathtaking scenery. The wild forest combined with the calm rushing of the crystal clear waters is the perfect spot for a lazy picnic. Flora and fauna abound - keep an eye out for the squirrel.

Directions to Trailhead

A-B. The loop starts from a metal swing gate at the left of the bridge over the Clare River. Turn left onto a narrow trail following the green and purple arrows – the purple arrows are for the longer Glens Loop. The loop gains ground away from the river and stays to ‘upper’ paths to pass a stone footbridge, before veering right and downhill to reach the riverbank at a wooden footbridge. The Glens Loop proceeds straight – you turn right here.

B-C. Cross the Clare River via the footbridge, climb wooden steps and join a sandy pathway where you rejoin the Glens Loop and turn right.

C-A. Continue to follow the green (and purple) arrows on your return to the trailhead.