Burren Clare Attractions Clare Cliffs of Moher Doolin Cave Ireland Holiday Homes Fanore

Local Attractions

	The Cliffs of Moher Cliffs of Moher are located at the south-western edge of The Burren area near Doolin. The cliffs rise 120 m above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head and extend for a distance of eight kilometers and to a height of 214 m. The Cliffs are a significant tourist attraction, and there is a visitor center and parking lot on the site managed by Shannon Heritage, which also operates O'Brien's Tower. A largely unenclosed walking trail runs along the top edge of the entire length of the cliffs, skirting private grazing lands and often running within mere meters of a sheer drop off into the ocean.

	The Burren The Burren is an amazing place. It is a karst limestone region of approximately 300 sq km which lies in the North West corner of Co Clare, in Ireland. It is composed of limestone pavements, which are eroded in a distinctive pattern known as karren. This pavement is crisscrossed by cracks known as grykes and underneath the pavement there are huge caves and rivers that suddenly flood when it rains. It contains dozens of megalithic tombs and Celtic crosses and a ruined Cistercian Abbey from the 12th century, Corcomroe. You can find villages abandoned since famine times and green roads on which you can walk for miles without ever seeing a car.

	Lahinch Golf Course The origins of Lahinch Golf Club go back to the closing decade of the nineteenth century. In 1892 officers of the famous Black Watch Regiment stationed in Limerick came upon a vast wilderness of duneland two miles from the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Being good Scotsmen, they knew at once that they had found the perfect terrain for a golf links. One of the oldest golf clubs in Ireland, Lahinch is one of the most respected links courses in the world. Lahinch, with its towering sand dunes, undulating fairways, rolling greens and fair share of blind shots, is the perfect natural golfing terrain - a true links in the traditional meaning of the word. Known widely, as the St. Andrews of Ireland, Lahinch is a marvelous place.

	The Doolin Stalactite Doolin Cave is home to a wondrous geological phenomenon - The Great Stalactite. Measuring almost 7 metres in length, it is one of the largest free hanging stalactites in the world and the longest stalactite in the Northern Hemisphere. What makes it even more impressive is the fact that it is held on by a section of calcite, less than 0.3 m square. Visitors to Doolin Cave will experience an unforgettable adventure. You will become an explorer, donning a hardhat and flashlight as you make your way through the 100 metres long cave. The chamber housing the sparkling Great Stalactite is subtly lit, to highlight its delicate but awesome splendour. Visitor numbers are limited, with no more than 20 visitors per tour.

	Doolin Ferry Established in 1970 by Bill O'Brien, Doolin Ferry are the longest serving ferry operators to the Aran Islands. We operate two modern comfortable vessels which meet the highest safety standards set down by the Irish department of the Marine. Doolin Ferries is operated by the local O’Brien family. The service was originally carried out using traditional local boats called “currachs”

	Ailwee Caves Unlike the vast caverns you may have encountered, Aillwee Cave is unique to the geology of the Burren and it enables you to explore a little of what lies under the exciting landscape. This stunning creation of nature was formed by the melt waters of a prehistoric ice age. The cave, carved out of limestone cuts into the heart of the mountain. The story of Aillwee Cave began millions of years ago when streams sinking underground on Aillwee Mountain started dissolving channels through the lines of weakness in the limestone.

	Traditional Irish Music Any visit to Ireland is incomplete if you do not experience a traditional Irish music session. The art of Irish music has been handed down over the centuries from family to family and it is very strong in the Shannon Region, and in County Clare in particular, the so-called Home of Irish Traditional Music. Traditional groups play in hundreds of pubs throughout the year, and the festival calendar has a wide range of Fleadhs (music festivals) to choose from.

	Cliffs of Moher Cruises The Cliffs of Moher stand over 200m above the Atlantic – some of the highest cliffs in Europe. Their scale and beauty can only be truly appreciated when viewed from sea level. A Cliff Cruise will take you on a voyage of discovery along this 8km shoreline – truly an experience not to be missed! Sailing schedule is tide and weather dependent. Typically sailing are 1:30pm and 5:30pm from Doolin pier.