ATTRACTIONS

Cliffs of Moher

Located just north of Lahinch on the coast of West Clare, are the Cliffs of Moher. Natural ramparts against the might of the Atlantic, they rise in places to over 215m and stretch for almost 8km.

The Great Stalactite

The Great Stalactite at Doolin Cave opens to visitors.
Discovered in 1959, the Great Stalactite at Doolin Cave, Co. Clare, is set to become one of the most important eco-tourist attractions in Ireland. Measuring 6.54 metres (20 feet) in length, it is recognised as being the longest stalactite in the Northern hemisphere. Doolin Cave is located on the western edge of The Burren, an extensive karst area of North West Clare. The Burren is Ireland's most important cave area. This mystical, lunar-limestone region is punctuated by a large number of active stream caves, yet only one river runs overground through its terrain to reach the sea. Over 35 miles of cave passages have been surveyed in the region, with the Doolin Cave considered the most significant and fascinating of all.
Visit our website - www.doolincave.ie

Bunraty Castle and Folk Park

One of Irelands top visitor attractions, Bunratty Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval castle in the country. Built in 1425, it was faithfully restored in 1954 and has furnishings and tapestries which capture the mood and style of the times.

The Folk Park, set in 26 acres, recreates nineteenth century Ireland. The Park features include a recreated village street, eight farmhouses, a watermill, blacksmiths forge, Macs pub and restaurant and a display of nineteenth century agricultural machinery.

Craggaunowen

Located at Quin, is Irelands original prize winning centre dedicated to interpreting Irelands prehistoric and early Christian eras. The exhibits around the grounds include a Ring Fort, a true reproduction of a farmers house dating from the 4th or 5th centuries, an Iron Age roadway and an outdoor cooking site. Also featured is the Brendan, the leather hulled boat which Tim Severin sailed from Ireland to North America, re-enacting the voyage of Saint Brendan, who is reputed to have discovered that continent before Columbus.

Lahinch Seaworld

Located on the promenade in Lahinch is a dramatic new attraction where visitors can see and experience the underwater life of the Atlantic Coast. Sharks, rays and congor eels, starfish, lobsters and flatfish can all be viewed in a giant aquarium.

Corofin Heritage Museum

This award winning Heritage Museum is housed in what was once Saint Catherine's Church, which was built in 1718 by a cousin of Queen Anne. Its main theme, 'Ireland West 1800 - 1860' portrays a traumatic period of Irish history under the headings of 'Lan d'Tenure', 'The Famine', 'Emigration', 'Education', 'Irish Language and Music' and others.

Ailwee Cave

Located near Ballyvaughan, with its stalactites and stalagmites, the Aillwee Cave beneath the Burren has become one of Irelands leading attractions. An essential part of a visit to the Burren, it affords the opportunity to travel through beautiful caverns, over bridged chasms and under weird formations.

Knappogue Castle

Located near Quin was the pride of 42 castles built by the McNamara tribe who dominated the area for over 1,000 years. Built in 1467, it has over five troubled but colourful centuries of Irish history, given soccour to both friend and foe within its keep - including Cromwellian troops who occupied it in 1641

Killaloe Heritage Centre

This centre elaborates on the theme of Celtic Ireland. Discover the history of the arrival of Christianity and the monastic tradition, as well as the development of the Shannon River as a transport system from early times.

Biddy Early Brewery

Located at Inagh, just 10 mile from Ennis on the Lahinch Road. Ireland's first pub-brewery is named after a Clare woman by the name of Biddy Early, who was renowned for her magical powers in the 1800s. Since it's opening in 1995 the brewery has continued to produce a unique selection of hand crafted beers in memory of the great woman. These include Black Biddy, Red Biddy, Blonde Biddy and Real Biddy.

Ennis Friary - Abbey Street, Ennis

This 13th century Franciscan Friary, founded by the O'Briens, has numerous 15/16th century sculptures carved in the local hard limestone. The visitor can see the figure of St. Francis displaying the stigmata, an elaborately ornamented screen, a representation of the Virgin and Child and the Ecce Homo. The Chancel is lit by the magnificent East Window. On the North side is the beautifully carved McMahon tomb.

Scattery Island Centre Merchants Quay, Kilrush

This Information Centre on the mainland interprets the island on which a monastery is sited. The monastery, consisting of a round tower and several churches, was founded by St. Senan in the early part of the 6th century. His most famous pupil was St. Ciaran of Clonmacnoise. A wonderful exhibition on the history of these monuments and on the wildlife of the area is housed in this Centre.