A small sea-side village at the very mouth of the Shannon, the village has become a popular summer destination for the serious traveller. A fine keep and lawn of a small castle (one of the McMahons') stands near the pier. This castle has a long and colourful history of siege, capture, betrayal: quite a microcosm of Irish history. It was once the home of Lord Clare who is remembered today principally in the title of a well-known Irish tune, 'Lord Clare's Dragoons'. (He raised several regiments in support of King James II during the war against William) A descendant, also Lord Clare, became a Marshal in the French army and fought at Fontenoy (1745) and other battles. In 1588 seven ships of the Spanish Armada sheltered in the harbour; one was set alight by the crew and allowed to sink in the estuary.

A few miles away is the birthplace of Eugene O'Curry who was honoured by having his likeness put on a postage stamp some years ago. O'Curry was a noted Gaelic scholar.

The coastal scenery around Carrigaholt is spectacular with splendid examples of cliffs, sea-stacks, sea-caves, chasms and rocks; the well-known 'Bridges of Ross' is a sea-arch formed by marine erosion. For the archaeologist, there are a number of ruined churches in the immediate vicinity. Nearby is Loop Head, the extreme tip of County Clare. The legendary warrior C�chulaiun is supposed to have leaped from the Head to escape the attentions of the witch Mal, who drowned in trying to follow; 'Loop' is a corruption of 'leap'.

The village has recently turned to the Atlantic, and the annual oyster festival and dolphin-watching have become attractions.