Local
Attractions
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The
Cliffs of Moher
Cliffs of Moher are located at the
south-western edge of
The Burren
area near
Doolin.
The
cliffs
rise 120 m above the
Atlantic Ocean
at Hag's Head and extend
for a distance of eight kilometers and to a height of 214 m. The
Cliffs are a significant tourist attraction, and there is a visitor
center and parking lot on the site managed by Shannon Heritage, which
also operates O'Brien's Tower. A largely unenclosed walking trail
runs along the top edge of the entire length of the cliffs, skirting
private grazing lands and often running within mere meters of a sheer
drop off into the
ocean. |
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The
Burren
The Burren is an amazing place. It is a karst limestone region of
approximately 300 sq km which lies in the North West corner of Co
Clare, in Ireland. It is composed of limestone pavements, which are
eroded in a distinctive pattern known as karren. This pavement is
crisscrossed by cracks known as grykes and underneath the pavement
there are huge caves and rivers that suddenly flood when it rains. It
contains dozens of megalithic tombs and Celtic crosses and a ruined
Cistercian Abbey from the 12th century, Corcomroe. You can find
villages abandoned since famine times and green roads on which you
can walk for miles without ever seeing a car. |
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Poulnabrone Dolmen
This dramatic site, on the karstic limestone pavement of the Burren,
is one of the most famous Irish dolmens. The name Poulnabrone
literally means 'The hole of the sorrows'. The eastern portal stone
was replaced in 1985, following a discovery that it was unfortunately
cracked; excavations during the repair showed that this site dated
back to about 2500 BC. Uncremated remains were found in the chamber,
its portico, and in the grykes (crevices in the limestone floor). In
particular, there were the main body bones of one newborn baby, six
juveniles, and 16-22 adults. |
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Aran
Islands
Here, on the very edge of
Europe, is an Island rich in the language, culture and heritage of
Ireland, unique in its geology and archaeology and in its long
tradition of gentle hospitality. Here is a place to sense the spirit
of Gaelic Ireland, to touch the past, but with all the comforts and
facilities of the present. Aran will take you back to an Ireland of
Celts and Early Christians. This is an island of great peace and
tranquillity, but it is also an island of great fun and activity. A
timeless land in an endless sea, weathered monuments on awesome
cliffs, great labyrinths of limestone, meandering walls, patchwork
fields, quiet beaches and a welcoming island people, this is Aran in
Galway bay on the west coast of Ireland. |
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Ailwee
Cave
Located near Ballyvaughan, with its
stalactites and stalagmites, the Aillwee Cave beneath the Burren has
become one of Irelands leading attractions. An essential part of a
visit to the Burren, it affords the opportunity to travel through
beautiful caverns, over bridged chasms and under weird formations. |
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Doolin
Cave
Doolin Cave is home to a wondrous geological phenomenon - The Great
Stalactite. Measuring almost 7 metres in length, it is one of the
largest free hanging stalactites
in the world and the longest stalactite in the Northern Hemisphere.
What makes it even more impressive is the fact that it is held on by
a section of calcite, less than 0.3 m square. Visitors to
Doolin Cave will experience an unforgettable adventure.
You will become an explorer, donning a hardhat and flashlight as you
make your way through the 100 metres long cave. The chamber housing
the sparkling Great Stalactite is subtly lit, to highlight its
delicate but awesome splendour.
Discovered
in 1952, the Great
Stalactite at Doolin
Cave, Co. Clare, is set to become one of the most important
eco-tourist attractions in Ireland. The cave will be run in an
eco-friendly way, so visitor number will be limited. The owners John
and Helen Browne, respectful of the geological significance of the
‘Great Stalactite’ have had sensor equipment installed by Hull
University, England, which will protect the delicate structure of
the stalactite from any erosion. Man
has had a real curiosity and fascination with caves, since the
earliest times and for those fortunate enough to witness the Great
Stalactite at Doolin Cave, they can expect to experience the mystery
and beauty of one of the world’s most compelling geological
phenomenon, first hand. |
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More Local Attractions
Lahinch Seaworld - aquarium, swimming pool, play area
Corkscrew Hill - scenic drive with picnic areas
Moher Hill Pet Farm - family day out
Inagh Local Brewery - tour and taste local brew
Boghill Center - music, pottery, meditation center
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