Tulla sits on a steep slope and is known as the Clare Lakelands. Several small lakes surround the town; Tulla is also considered an important fishing centre. Local history, traditional music and walking trails add further dimensions to a stay. For your planning, you can choose between culture in the town, sporting traditions and trails in the surrounding area.
Monastic History and Local Culture
The Tulla Historical and Cultural Trail leads through the town to historic buildings, places of interest and insights into its past. The County Clare Heritage Office presents it as a community archive and an experience of the town’s cultural heritage. The Cnoc na Gaoithe Cultural Centre is housed in a former monastery building. St. Mochulla’s Graveyard lies among the ruins of a monastic settlement dating back to the 7th century. Fortane Castle, the ruins of a 16th-century tower house, is one kilometre east of Tulla. The historical connections therefore range from the former monastery building and the ruins of a 7th-century settlement to the 16th-century tower house.
Traditional Music, Festival and Hurling
Tulla is home to the internationally renowned Tulla Céilí Band. Lively traditional music sessions can be enjoyed in the town’s pubs throughout the year. An annual event is Féile Chnoc na Gaoithe, a festival of traditional music, singing and dancing. If you would like to plan your visit around this programme, check the specific event date for your travel dates.
The town also has a sporting history. Tulla GAA welcomes visitors who want to experience hurling, one of Ireland’s oldest sporting traditions. The club was founded in 1885 and is County Clare’s oldest club. Music and sport thus offer distinct ways to experience Tulla’s traditions.
Lakes and Walking Trails
Several small lakes lie around Tulla, and the town is considered an important fishing centre. For walks, the 12 O’Clock Hills, ten kilometres south of Tulla, offer three signposted, self-guided trails. The East Clare Way is a different proposition in terms of duration: it can be walked over eight days, with individual stages ranging from ten to 30 kilometres. Tulla is listed as one of its trailheads; the East Clare Way also connects with the Mid Clare Way. The walking options therefore differ clearly: the three trails in the 12 O’Clock Hills contrast with a multi-day route with specified stage lengths. Check the detailed conditions before setting out on a walk.
County Clare and the Wider Travel Area
Elsewhere in County Clare, O’Brien’s Tower at the Cliffs of Moher stands more than 700 feet high, and the cliffs stretch for almost 14 kilometres along the Clare coast. The visitor site has 800 metres of paved paths and viewpoints, including access to O’Brien’s Tower. As operating details can change, check them before visiting. Visitors can explore walking trails in Burren National Park. Inis Cealtra, also known as Holy Island, lies in Lough Derg on the Shannon; its history as a monastic settlement dates back to the 7th century.
Discover more destinations: Liscannor, Lahinch, Shannon, Miltown Malbay, Fanore, An Dún Beag, Canower, Cappanavarnoge
Back to the main travel overview: County Clare.
