Things
to do and Places to Visit
Cliffs
of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are famous around the world for their
height - more than 215m - and stretch for 8 km. From the
cliffs, the views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Aran Islands
and Galway Bay are spectacular.
The
Burren National Park
This park introduces you to a unique area - The Burren.
A variety of models, audio-visuals etc will help you to
understand the story of this unique area. In fact, visitors
can explore the geography and the geology, but also the
diversity of fauna (for example, more than 28 species
of butterflies, unique plants etc ...) and flora, and
ancient signs (more than 100 dolmens) of this landscape.
The
Burren Smokehouse
This enterprise produces Ireland's finest oak smoked Atlantic
salmon. The Burren Smokehouse will show you the ancient
traditions of smoking salmon over a smouldering fire of
oak shavings to give the fish a distinctive and delicious
flavour.
Clare
Heritage and Genealogical Centre
'Ireland West 1800-1860' is the main theme of this Centre
depicting the way of life and the culture during the period
of Famine and emigration etc.
You
will also be able to carry out searches to retrace your
ancestry.
You
could also visit the "Killaloe Heritage Centre".
This Centre illustrates the history of Celtic Ireland
and you can discover the story of the arrival of Christianity
in Ireland, other ways of life, the development of infrastructures
in the River Shannon area etc.
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Ailwee
Cave
Ailwee Cave, with its many and wonderful stalactites and
stalagmites, is one of the most popular attractions in
the county.
Lahinch
Seaworld
Thanks to this new attraction, you can see and understand
the underwater life of the Atlantic coast. You can see
sharks, rays and congor eels and many other species of
fish or marine animals in a giant aquarium.
This
attraction also offers an indoor swimming-pool, a sauna,
a jacuzzi, etc.
Aran
Islands
The three main islands are :
Inishmore.-
It's the largest Island (13 km length). You will be able
to rent a bike to discover the island's landscapes, sites
of vaults, churches and castles - for example, Dun Aengus
probably the most beautiful prehistoric castle of Europe,
located at the edge of a 80m high cliff
Inishmaan.- There are less people here than on the other
two islands and there are no cars on this Island. You
will discover a strange castle - Dun Conor.
Inishere - the wildest of the Aran Islands.
These three islands display the most beautiful testimony
to Irish mythology and the landscapes are splendid here.
When you take the Ferry, the sight of the Cliffs of Moher
are spectacular.
There
is a story that the inhabitants of these small islands
dug furrows in the rock in order to mix algae and sand.
While rotting, this mixture made it possible to make the
ground fertile, which allowed for the potato culture.
The
originality of this landscape is the presence of many
stone walls. Indeed, the construction of the furrows generated
a surplus of stones. In addition, by the construction
of these low walls, the inhabitants protected their grounds
from the violent winds.
Transport to the Aran Islands
From Doolin, two ferries from the Doolin Ferry company
ensure connections between Doolin and the 3 islands (depending
on the weather and the seasons).
Island Ferries boats from Rossaveal (about 40 km from
Galway) go to the wonderful islands and there is a bus
connection from Galway city to Rossaveal
Ferries from the company O'Brien Shipping travel between
Galway Bay and the islands.
By plane, Aer Arann from Connemara airport, located to
the west of Galway in a small village called Inverin.
Buses carry passengers between Galway and this airport.
Other Activities
Walking - 'Clare Walkway', discover Kilkee bay etc
Visit many castles in the area - Knappogue Castle, Bunratty
Castle, Newtown Castle, Clare Archaeological Centre, Cratloe
Woods House
Not forgetting....
Cycling
Equestrian
Golfing, pitch and putt
Watersports (swimming, surfing, sailing)
Observe dolphins in Carrigaholt
Landscape Painting
Fishing
Birdwatching
Camping
Music activities |
