aillwee cave

A guided tour will take about 30 minutes, through beautiful caverns over bridged chasms, under weird formations, alongside the thunderous waterfall which can sometimes gently spray the unsuspecting visitor. Pass by the frozen waterfall, on to explore the hibernation chambers of the long since extinct brown bears (ursos arctos).

The guides will bring you safely back to the outside world where you can shop and browse through the distinctively different craft shops housed in the award winning building that guards the entrance to this wonderful and fascinating adventure.

Look for an unusual mineral specimen, crystals, fossil, personalised souvenir, or handcrafted teddy bear. Watch cheese being made in the dairy, or perhaps honey being extracted from dripping combs in the apiary. Jams, fudge or chutney could be bubbling away in pans in the farm kitchen, always something happening.

Climb freely over the typical Burren limestone pavements above the cave to see the spring gentian or mountain avens blooming in profusion. Sit for a few moments in the tearoom; you should not leave without sampling the appetizing food, made with the finest of ingredients in small quantities.

The smell of freshly baked bread and ground coffee wafts everywhere each morning. Take a glass of wine out onto the terrace to see the most breathtaking view in Ireland of Galway Bay stretching away to the Connemara mountains.

Ballyvaughan is an attractive centre from which to explore the Burren; other bases with accommodation are Killinaboy, Corofin or Ennistymon. The southern section of the Burren is characterised by seasonal lakes called turloughs, which ebb and fill as the region's water table changes. Gradually, rainwater falling on this limestone plateau finds its way underground into a maze of caves and subterranean channels. +Most are too dangerous for novice investigations, but one has been opened and is worth a visit.

The Aillwee Cave is open all year round. There are reduced opening times during the winter months.

Please note, for safety reasons:
No pets are allowed in the cave (except guide dogs).
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times in the cave.
No push chairs.
No wheel chairs.
No smoking.