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BALLYVAUGHAN - Great Place to Live, Fun to Visit
Ballyvaughan in County Clare, historically a fishing and farming village on southern shore of Galway Bay, is situated in a place of special natural beauty, nestled between the hills of the Burren (An Bhóireann - great barren hills) and the sea.
It is in the Shannon region, close to Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher.

Known for its easy access to the unique flora and fauna of the Burren and the archeological sites of ancient and medieval Ireland it is a place for everybody; those who look for peace and tranquility in their holidays, long weekends reading or painting, visiting farmers market and the beautiful gift shops, outdoor walking or cycling, evenings of dancing, traditional music and old pubs and a choice of fine places to eat.
Families enjoy the safety of our beach at Bishopsquarter, fishermen take on the mackeral at Blackhead, sailing and wind surfing from the new slipway and surfers learn and practice on the waves at Fanore. With the Aillwee Caves and Wildbird Centre and Burren College of Art there is never a shortage of things to do and see. Every Bank holiday weekend we have a classic car rally. Hillwalking and cycling are among the most popular pastimes among locals and tourists alike. This region offers numerous scenic looped walks as well as long-distance routes for those seeking more of a challenge. There is a fine choice in hotels, guesthouses and B & B (Places to Stay) and cafe and fine dining restaurants (Eating & Drink).

45 minutes from Galway and Shannon, 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. It is a unique natural environment which comes into bloom from Easter onwards. 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, moths and bats. It is also a great favorite with birdwatchers, who can arrive with the Brent Geese in the early days of February and leave with the Swallows and Ibis in late October.

Ballyvaughan has become a Walking Hub for the Burren Way. With its unique unspoiled botanical environment and a wealth of historical sites throughout, the Burren is a walkers’ paradise. Choose from lovely looped walks about 5 km around the village or why not tackle all or part of the 123km linear Burren Way walking trail.

The village of Ballyvaughan and surrounding area invites you to stay and experience for yourself the magic of the Burren flora and geology, the historic sites and the enjoyment of the sea!

You Tube - A Ballyvaughan Video
Ballyvaughan on Facebook

Ballyvaughan's Iconic Signpost

A facebook page has been set up to gather support for the return of our iconic signpost.
Click here to see it.

Ballyvaughan Bay Hop

The Spyria Partnership have completed their feasibility study and have found that the service is indeeed viable.Help us "float our boat"!

We have set up a crowdsourcing project using the iFund website so that people can get involved and donate to the project. Please the link above to do so.

Burren In Bloom Festival, May 2011

The Burren in Bloom Festival returns this year with a series of illustrated talks and organised walks throughout the month of May. The Festival, in association with the Burren College of Art and the Burrenbeo Trust, will give people an understanding and appreciation of the Burren and its formation, and how it continues to be a source of great botanical, archaeological, and cultural wealth with its unique wild flowers and ancient sites. For futher information, please visit the Burren in Bloom website - www.burreninbloom.com