Ireland's empty towns: High housing demand belies County Clare's dereliction problems

In the fourth of the Irish Examiner's Ireland's Empty Towns series, Ryan O'Rourke explores the contrast between County Clare's high housing demand and the decay of its streetscapes due to vacancy

This historic house near the original spa wells in Lisdoonvarna was once home to the local doctor and the front window cost €25,000 to restore. Picture: Caitlín Griffin

From its rolling hills to its picturesque coastline, the Covid era has seen County Clare become one of the go-to destinations for those looking to escape city life.

Travel bans have seen Clare, and its other Atlantic Way compatriots, become stand-ins for the usual Costa del Sol getaways.