A native of County Clare, Willie Clancy was not only an amazingly talented whistle and flute player, he also sang and told stories, being regarded locally as a philosopher and wit. He was particularly known for his mastery of the Uilleann Pipes which he learned and perfected after meeting the great travelling piper Johnny Doran at the age of 17. The West Clare town of Miltown Malbay (a half an hour drive from Doolin) comes alive every year in early July with The Willie Clancy Summer School, a music festival held in his honour. Traditional musicians from all over the world gather at the festival to attend workshops and fill the pubs with music and song. The town also has a statue of him on the main street.

The Clancy Room is a bright airy room on the ground floor with a large west-facing window allowing for rural views towards the Cliffs of Moher.