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.