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Places to Visit
The Burren
The unique diversity of the Burren's flora has constantly attracted much attention and is at its best
about mid-May or a little later.
Its extraordinary rock formations, spreading over 500 sq km, have been referred to by many observers
including General Ludlow, who led Cromwellian forces to Limerick and Clare in 1651 as "a lunar landscape". The limestone pavements are a direct result of glaciation and erosion.
The area is rich in megalithic tombs and ring forts steeped in antiquity.
www.burren-tours.com
Aillwee Cave, Ballyvaughan
Discovered by Jack McCann, a local farmer, in 1944, the 1000 feet long cave
is one of the oldest of the Burren Caves having formed millions of years ago.
Guided tours, lasting 30 minutes, allow you to observe beautiful caverns,
bridged chasms, underground waterfalls, weird mineral formations and the
hibernation chambers of brown bears which have been extinct in Ireland for
centuries.
Facilities include a restaurant, craft shop, information desk and outside,
'The Hazelwood' crafts village.
www.aillweecave.ie
The Cliffs of Moher
The majestic Cliffs of Moher stand against the might of the Atlantic Ocean.
O’Brien’s Tower is located on the highest cliff and is an exceptional viewing point. The Cliffs can be visited daily, year-round. O'Brien’s tower is open daily, March to October. The visitor centre is open year round.
Boat trips can be taken along the cliffs.
www.mohercruises.com
The Aran Islands
The legendary Aran Islands, a testimony to man's triumph over the elements, lie just five miles off the coast of Co. Clare. There are three islands in the group Inismore, Inismaan and Inisheer all serviced by ferry from Doolin in Co. Clare. These bastions of ancient Irish culture have bred a hardy breed of fisherman and farmers whose roots go back way before recorded history and who still speak Gaelic.
www.doolinferries.com
Burren Smokehouse
The Burren Smokehouse produces oak-smoked
Irish Atlantic Salmon. The ancient tradition is explained in their new visitors centre. Gourmet and Craft Shop which has audio-visual in English, German, French and Italian.
Burren Centre
The Burren Display Centre (Brú na Bóirne) has a new design which brings to life the dramatic and
fascinating story of the Burren through models, slides, artifacts and information. Admission charge.
www.burrencentre.com
Burren Perfumery & Flora Centre
The Burren Perfumery and Floral Centre is
Ireland's oldest perfumery shop. The centre hosts an outstanding audio visual and photographic exhibition.
www.burrenperfumery.com
Spa Wells Health Centre
The only working Spa in Ireland is located in Lisdoonvarna. The Spa Wells Centre offers sulphur baths and therapeutic treatments.
The illuminated sulphur well may be viewed in the Victorian Pump House, where glasses of sulphur water
are dispensed, as in olden times. Mid-day music and dancing during September. Tea rooms and coffee shop
open July to Sept.
Clare Heritage and Genealogical Centre
Located in Corofin, the genealogical centre houses the most comprehensive research material available to enable persons with Clare roots to trace their ancestry. The heritage museum portrays a traumatic period of Irish history in the west from 1800 - 1860, including the Famine and emigiration.
www.clareroots.com
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