Ballyvaughan -
Capital of the Burren

Ballyvaughan in County Clare is a fishing and farming village on the west coast of Ireland. It is situated in one of the most idyllic places in Ireland, nestled between the hills of the Burren (or mountains, as we call them) and the sea, on the southern shore of Galway Bay.

It is the ideal place for almost everybody: those who look for peace and tranquility in their holidays or long weekends, those who look for traditional music and old pubs, for the archaeologists, botanists, and fishermen. Families will enjoy the safety of our beach in Bishopsquarter, surfers will love the waves in Fanore. Hillwalking and cycling are among the most popular pastimes among locals and tourists alike.

Ballyvaughan is in comfortable driving distance of some of the best known landmarks of Ireland. Who has not heard of the Poulnabrone Dolmen, a burial tomb more than 5,000 years old, or the Cliffs of Moher? There are archaeological treasures everywhere some of which have not even been explored yet, and some of them being 2,000 years older than the pyramids! Like the many megalithic tombs and field systems, or the much 'younger' ringforts of celtic, and the castles of medieval origin.

The area surrounding Ballyvaughan is called THE BURREN. It is a limestone or karst region of haunting beauty. Some of the most amazing cave systems of considerable lengths can be found here. Mediterranean, arctic and alpine flowers grow here side by side - like almost 30 kinds of orchids, the Mountain Aven and the Gentian. Some of the flora and fauna can only be found here, like certain species of butterflies and bats. It is also a paradise for birdwatchers.

The village of Ballyvaughan and its residents would like to invite you to come here and experience for yourself the magic of the Burren, the Atlantic Ocean and the mountains!