The unique diversity of the Burren's flora has constantly attracted much attention and is at its best
bout mid-May or a little later.
Its extraordinary rock formations, spreading over 500 sq km, have been refereed 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
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 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 open daily, March to October. Visitor centre open year round.
Boat trips can be taken along the cliffs.
www.mohercruises.com
The legendary Aran Islands, a testimony to man's triumph over the elements, lie just five miles off the coast of
County 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.
Originally built in 1277 by Thomas de Clare, the Norman-Irish Castle was
destroyed and rebuilt more than once in the centuries that followed.
It was captured by the O'Brien in 1355 and remained their headquarters until
1712. The MacNamara's, a sept of the O'Briens erected its present form in
1460 but time took its toll upon the building until Viscount Gort bought it
in 1954 and, with the aid of Bord Failte, had it restored by the Office of
Public Works.
The Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland and
boasts one of the finest collections of 14th-17th century material in these
islands. The castle and its contents are now held in trust for the nation.
The establishment is managed by the Shannon Development Company, which arranges
medieval banquets on a year-round basis. The castle is open to visitors daily
during the year.
Admission charge.
Features a complete reconstruction of a 19th century village street,
including craft shops, general stores and post office. There are examples
of houses representing a variety of districts from west Clare to the rich
farmlands of Limerick. Traditional crafts of an earlier age may be observed
in action basket weaving, farriery, candle making and the home-baking of bread.
A collection of early agricultural machinery is also on show. In the folk
barn country style meals are served and entertainment provided music, story
telling, Irish dancing and songs.
www.shannonheritage.com
The Glór Irish Music Centre in Ennis, Co. Clare, the home of traditional music, opened in 2001. Glór is
a state-of the art concert venue dedicated to the performance of traditional Irish music and will
feature the country's top musicians in a friendly yet intimate theatre setting. Nightly programmes
suitable for tour operators seeking a new and exciting venue for groups and individuals. Restaurant
and bar facilities available, also retail outlet. Spacious car/ coach parking provided.
 The Burren Smokehouse produce oak-smoked
Irish Atlantic Salmon. The ancient tradition is explained in their new visitors centre. Gourmet and Craft Shop. Audio-visual in English, German, French and Italian.
The Burren Display Centre (Brú na Bóirne) has a new design which will bring to life the dramatic and
fascinating story of the Burren through models, slides, artifacts and information. Admission charge.
 The Burren Perfumery and Floral Centre is
Ireland's oldest perfumery Shop, outstanding audio visual and photographic exhibition.
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.
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