Picnic time in Co. Clare

Grá Picnic’s Clara Clarke on her favourite al fresco spots

When Clara Clarke returned to Co. Clare after seven years living in the Middle East she was once again drawn to the West of Ireland’s magnificent landscapes.

“Good weather gives you plenty of outdoor dining options,” she says of her time abroad. “When I returned to Ireland, I was looking to plan a girls’ day out and thought a picnic would be perfect. “But I struggled to find any company doing picnics. If you can’t find what you are looking for, create it.”

With that in mind she headed to Guerin’s Path, a gem of a trail with Cliffs of Moher views, and created a picnic set-up.

A photo shared by a friend on

Instagram and suddenly there was huge interest from people across the country. “Grá was born,” Clara says.

So the picnic is sorted, who’d make it onto the ideal guestlist?

“Oh wow, I’ve so many,” she says.

“Family and friends go without saying. Other than that, I would say Morgan Freeman. His calm voice sets the tone for the kind of picnic I adore. “Sharon Shannon for her exquisite music, Elon Musk for some tips on how to create a billionaire empire. “Michael D. Higgins for wonderful chats about being President but on condition he brings his dogs,” she jokes. “I admire Darina Allen and hope she would bring some of her world renowned Ballymaloe cooking … I could go on forever.” Guerin’s Path doesn’t get much better for al fresco nibbles and among the entrepreneur’s other favourite picnic spots are Spanish Point (beautiful private dunes overlooking a blue flag beach) and Loop Head (the perfect cliff and lighthouse combination).

The pandemic as been both a challenge and a catalyst for this new business.

“We are embracing the Irish weather and getting outdoors a lot more,” she says. “I’ve never seen so many people take up hiking, it’s so inspiring.

“People tend to complain less about the weather now. I’d imagine the weather app ratings have rocketed in Ireland, I know I live on mine now,” she jokes. “Before I’d say it’s raining Tuesday, now I say it’s nice from 3-7pm, I’ll head out for a picnic. We are seizing the day.” Seizing the moment is exactly what Clara is doing.

She has just purchased a mobile coffee horsebox, which will be parked up at Guerin’s Path overlooking the cliffs this summer.

“We’ll be serving gourmet sandwiches from Wild Catering and coffee from Anam, Clare’s local roastery in the Burren. Come say hello if you are in the area,” she says.

As for her own staycation plans – there’s the possibility of a trip further north. “I would love to make it to

Donegal this year for its dramatic coastline, beautiful beaches and towering mountains,” she says.

“But I’m very lucky living in Clare. We are spoiled for choice for beauty and also have our beautiful historic neighbouring city Limerick.”