There are many great and wonderful things to do and see in Clare and the larger western sea board of Ireland.
The campsite is ideally positioned to allow you access North, South, East & West and discover everything about Co Clare, Galway & Limerick.
The culture and beauty of Doolin and North Clare is everywhere to be seen and enjoyed. Call into the campsite shop for brochures and advice on what to visit.
We hope you enjoy you stay and we look forward to seeing to soon.
Local Attractions
The Burren
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. Look at www.burren-tours.com
The Burren Way
The Burren is a limestone karst region, internationally renowned for its geological features, archaeological remains and magnificent flora. The Burren Way never fails to captivate its visitors. The jagged terrain of this uniquely beautiful part of Ireland and the majestic Cliffs of Moher (views to the Aran Islands) are two of the delights of this wonderful ramble amongst hills and turloughs.
The Route: Ballyvaughan, Ballinalackan, Doolin, Lahinch.
Distance: 45 km/28 miles.
Doolin Cave
Doolin Cave is one of Europe’s most compelling cave attractions. It is a truly authentic experience. ‘The Great Stalactite’ It is your only opportunity to see such a large free hanging stalactite anywhere in the world.
If you have the spirit of an explorer within, then you will really enjoy the experience of visiting one of the great geological wonders of the world – The Great Stalactite, at The Doolin Cave.
Tours of the cave are run on an eco friendly basis, with as little impact as possible on the natural environment either above or below ground. What this means in practical terms, is that artificial lighting is kept to a minimum, so visitors will be issued with a helmet for protection.
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 open daily, March to October. Visitor centre 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 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.
Bunratty Castle
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.
Bunratty Folk Park
The Burren Smokehouse
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.
Burren Centre, Kilfenora
The Burren Display Centre has a new design which will bring to life the dramatic and fascinating story of the Burren through models, slides, artifacts and information.
Burren Perfumery & Flora Centre
The Burren Perfumery and Floral Centre is Ireland’s oldest perfumery Shop, outstanding audio visual and photographic exhibition.
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.