It is impossible...
... to be bored in Ballyvaughan!
The village of Ballyvaughan is situated on the coast of North Clare overlooking Galway Bay. It is the ideal base to explore the rich heritage of the Burren and surrounding areas. The famous Burren Way (26 miles of Green Road) starts in Ballyvaughan, goes to Fanore, Doolin and ends in Liscannor. There are numerous other walks, which are easily negotiable with the aid of a map, or better still, with a local guide.
Or you can enjoy miles of quiet country roads by bicycle. Bikes can be hired in the village.
Beautiful unspoilt beaches at Bishopsquarters and Fanore invite you to swim, kayak and surf. The sheltered Ballyvaughan Bay is suitable for all kinds of water activities. Try a swim in the sea or learn to dive with the Burren Adventures Dive Centre. Fishing is another pastime - the mackerel season started early this year.
The Burren offers wonderful opportunities to observe the Burren's large wildlife community, and to discover the exotic and unique flora. There is for example a birdhide at the western end of the village.
The Burren College of Art run a Summer school with courses of six weeks, four weeks and one week duration.
Limestone areas like the Burren are notorious for their large cave systems. There are two caves open to the public: the Aillwee Caves and, since 2006, the Doolin Cave with one of the largest stalactites known to the world.
A bit down the road towards Galway, you will find the little peninsula called Newquay, with its beautiful Flaggy Shore (formerly Lady Gregory's summer residence, now a boutique hotel), the Russell Gallery, and the Martello Tower built by the English in fear of a potential French invasion at Napoleon times.
Of course, there is (modern and traditional) music in the pubs, especially during the summer months. No holidays in Ireland would be complete without a visit to the pub, enjoying the local hospitality and listening to the traditional music.
Further down on this page you will find more ideas of what to do, and links to most of them.
Or you can enjoy miles of quiet country roads by bicycle. Bikes can be hired in the village.
Beautiful unspoilt beaches at Bishopsquarters and Fanore invite you to swim, kayak and surf. The sheltered Ballyvaughan Bay is suitable for all kinds of water activities. Try a swim in the sea or learn to dive with the Burren Adventures Dive Centre. Fishing is another pastime - the mackerel season started early this year.
The Burren offers wonderful opportunities to observe the Burren's large wildlife community, and to discover the exotic and unique flora. There is for example a birdhide at the western end of the village.
The Burren College of Art run a Summer school with courses of six weeks, four weeks and one week duration.
Limestone areas like the Burren are notorious for their large cave systems. There are two caves open to the public: the Aillwee Caves and, since 2006, the Doolin Cave with one of the largest stalactites known to the world.
A bit down the road towards Galway, you will find the little peninsula called Newquay, with its beautiful Flaggy Shore (formerly Lady Gregory's summer residence, now a boutique hotel), the Russell Gallery, and the Martello Tower built by the English in fear of a potential French invasion at Napoleon times.
Of course, there is (modern and traditional) music in the pubs, especially during the summer months. No holidays in Ireland would be complete without a visit to the pub, enjoying the local hospitality and listening to the traditional music.
Further down on this page you will find more ideas of what to do, and links to most of them.
BALLYVAUGHAN MARKETS, CLUBS and GUIDED WALKS
Farmers Market at the Village Hall
Every Saturday from 10am to 2pm, May to October. Vegetables, baked goodies, plants, jams, cheeses and other foods produced in and around Ballyvaughan -
www.clare.ie/members/listing.php?id=676
Crafts Fair in the Village Hall
Every Sunday from 10am to 6pm, May to October. A great array of locally crafted gifts -
www.burrencrafts.net/home.html
Christmas Market 2008
For further information please contact :Leueen J Hill of Burren Crafts at 065 7078955 / 0868111511 or
Tracey Kelly Farmers Market Group on 065 7076963/0872911092
The Burren Cycling Club
Organisers of the annual Tour de Burren -
www.burrencyclingclub.com
The Ballyvaughan / Fanore Walking Club
Open to non-members, it offers walks every Sunday of the year, and the odd weekend away.
www.ballyvaughanfanorewalkingclub.com
Shane Connolly's Guided Walks
Shane is a local farmer with a vast knowledge about the area, its people and everything related to the Burren
homepage.eircom.net/~burrenhillwalks/guid
e.html
PLACES TO VISIT AND THINGS TO DO IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA
Poulnabrone Dolmen
The world famous burial tomb, only a few miles from Ballyvaughan
www.burrenpage.com/Poulnabrone.html
Aillwee Cave
Apart from the cave itself with its intermittent waterfall, there is a farmshop/cheeseproducer and a tearoom
www.aillweecave.ie
Burren Adventures Dive Centre
Denise and Ronan Sweeney give diving and first-aid courses all year round
www.burrenadventures.com
Burren College of Art
featuring Newtown Castle and the Food of the Arts Café
Art courses for amateurs in the summer, visits of the 16th century tower and a café on the campus
www.burrencollege.ie
Caherconnell Stone Fort
with visitor centre and tearoom
www.burrenforts.ie/
Corcomroe Abbey
The still impressive remains of a friary, with tombstones in the church
www.burrenpage.com/Corcomroe.html
Burren Smokehouse, Lisdoonvarna
In the visitor centre, you can taste their delicious Burren smoked salmon and watch a video about the smoking process. Delicatessen, gifts, books, maps, customised hampers and much more available.
www.burrensmokehouse.ie
PLACES AND THINGS TO DO WITHIN 30 TO 60 MINUTES DRIVE
Burren Guided Walks and Hikes
Experienced local guide, Mary Howard, offers half and full day guided walks for individuals and groups. Private walks also available.
Telephone: 065 7076100
087 2446807
Email: mary@burrenguidedwalks.com
Website: www.burrenguidedwalks.com
