Aillwee Caves
Aillwee Caves lies in the heart of the Burren in Co Clare, close to the pretty village of Ballyvaughan and makes for an interesting and unusual family fun day out. Aillwee Cave combines nature’s power and beauty with some education for the kids and a lot of fun while they explore the inner depths of the earth.
As well as providing a tour of one of Ireland’s oldest caves to view bear bones, rock formations and underground streams, Aillwee Caves also provides a very pleasant Tea Rooms cum Restaurant and souvenir shop. The site also now houses the Burren Bird of Prey Centre so the family could spent the best part of a whole day in this beautiful part of Co Clare.
From bear pits to waterfalls, Aillwee Cave is a family day out with a difference.
Aillwee Cave Tour
On arrival at Aillwee Caves you enter the award winning, Access Building which was built in 1979 and designed specially to blend seamlessly into the unique landscape of The Burren.
Your tour guide will take you on the 35 minute tour by leading your group first into Bear Haven where you and the kids will view the only bear pits in Ireland. From there it is on to view the magnificent Cascade which is a large calcite formation. Explanations from the tour guide are simple and the children are included at all times. They will learn about and see wonderful stalactites and stalagmites in the magically named Midsummer Cavern before they view the underground waterfall.
At the mid point of the cave you are in the centre of Aillwee Mountain. The cave actually continues on for about another kilometre but this section is closed to the public as it is a series of rivers, lakes and submerged passageways.
You return to the access building along a man made passage.
A Walk On Aillwee Mountain
No trip to Aillwee Caves Clare is complete without taking a stroll out into the surrounding countryside and up Aillwee Mountain. As you ascend you will be rewarded with lovely views (on a clear day) over Galway Bay. Keep you eyes open for the unusual flowers and plants unique to this stunning part of Co Clare.
The Burren is also home to Peregrine Falcons and wild goats. At the foot of Aillwee Mountain are the renowned Burren Hazel Woods where you can view some examples of prehistoric dwellings that been sited along the path.
Aillwee Caves Opening Times And Family Admission Charges
Aillwee Caves is open year around and tours run from 10am till 5.30pm (6.30pm in July and August). There is no need to book in advance except in November and December when Santa is in residence
Admission includes entrance to Birds of Prey Centre
- Adults €17.00
- Children €10.00
- Children under 4 free
- OAP/Student :- €15.00
- Family Admission:- €39.00 - €49.00
No dogs are permitted except Guide Dogs.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
There is ample car parking.
Find Out More About ..... Birds Of Prey Centre
History Of Aillwee Caves
Aillwee Cave was first discovered by local man, Jack McGann, in 1940. Actually, it was Jacko’s dog while chasing a rabbit that actually discovered the entrance of the cave. When Jack decided to explore the cave, he did so armed only with a candle. He was possibly the first human ever to set foot in the cave, as later examinations showed no sign of human habitation. However, there were other inhabitants. Brown bears bones were found along with bear pits and so it is clear that Aillwee Cave was used has a hibernation site for the bears which became extinct in Ireland over 1,000 years ago.
The cave itself was formed by the melting waters of the Prehistoric Ice Age. It is the oldest cave in Co Clare and possibly in Ireland.
In 1975, the land around the cave was bought by two local families who had an interest in opening Aillwee Cave up to the public. They excavated the entrance to make it more accessible and laid pathways, installed lighting and handrails. In 1977 they carried out further excavations and in 1991, further blasting enabled them to create the circular cave tour that exists today.
Amenities At Aillwee Caves Clare
Shops At Aillwee Caves
Once you have done your tour of Aillwee Cave Clare you will want to view the Craft Shop. The wonder of the earth and the ancient nature of the landscape of The Burren will mean that you might like to take home a reminder of your visit. The Craft Shop has a wide range of gem stones and fossils which will make unusual souvenirs of the family’s day out. There are also the more traditional gifts of pottery and books etc.
The Farm Shop is also worth checking out as it stocks a range of locally produced cheeses (produced onsite), jams, preserves and honey. They also have a wonderful selection of home made fudge in a huge range of flavours from vanilla to marshmallow and triple chocolate
The Tea Room And Restaurant At Aillwee Caves
The Tea Room is perfect for morning coffee or afternoon tea but the restaurant is also an ideal stop for lunch. You will be tempted by homemade scones and tarts and the lunch menu typically includes delicious soup, quiches, salads and baked potatoes with a range of mouth watering fillings.
Aillwee Caves Events
December is always a special time at Aillwee Caves as Santa takes over part of the cave as his grotto and workshop. Children are welcome to come and visit. Booking is essential.
At Easter, Aillwee Caves hosts a special Children’s Treasure Hunt and who knows, perhaps the Easter Bunny might make an appearance.
To Find Out More About Events .... Aillwee Caves Events
Directions to Aillwee Cave Clare
Ailwee Caves are located on the edge of the Burren National Park approximately 8km south of the village of Ballyvaughan on the R480. This is approximately 60km from the cities of Galway or Limerick.
Family Fun Tip for Aillwee Cave
Having spent a couple of hours in Aillwee Caves you will most likely return to your car to drive to your next destination… can your kids remember which one is a stalactite and which is a stalagmite? A trip inside the earth to view such wonders as the underground waterfall and the bear pits are great at stimulating the kids imaginations. Encourage them to write about what they saw or perhaps make up a story about the bears who once lived in Co Clare and slept the winter away deep in the cave.
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Your Reviews
Saturday, November 20, 2010 |
Absolutely loved this place. Took the 3 kids here and had a fantastic time. Apart from the caves , there is a fascinating birds of prey centre. it was very windy the day we were there so they didnt do a show but we the staff brought birds out of their cages anyway and let the kids get a good close up look. The caves themselves are brilliant with a really good guided tour. Temperatures in the cave are a constant 10'c so no need to really wrap up. Over dinner that night we had great fun doing a Q&A with the kids on what they learnt about the caves. All in all, fantastic and a must if visiting the area
