The unique diversity of the Burren's flora has constantly
attracted much attention and is at its best bout mid-May or a
little later.
Its extraordinary rock formations, spreading
over 500 sq km, have been refereed to by many observers
including General Ludlow, who led Cromwellian forces to
Limerick and Clare in 1651 as "a lunar landscape". The
Limestone pavements are a direct result of glaciation and
erosion. The area is rich in megalithic tombs and ring forts
steeped in antiquity.
http://www.burren-tours.com/
Discovered by Jack McCann, a local farmer, in 1944, the
1000 feet long cave is one of the oldest of the Burren Caves
having formed millions of years ago. Guided tours, lasting 30
minutes, allow you to observe beautiful caverns, bridged
chasms, underground waterfalls, weird mineral formations and
the hibernation chambers of brown bears which have been
extinct in Ireland for centuries.
Facilities include a
restaurant, craft shop, information desk and outside, 'The
Hazelwood' crafts village.
http://www.aillweecave.ie/
The majestic Cliffs of Moher stand against the might of the
Atlantic Ocean. O’Brien’s Tower is located on the highest
cliff and is an exceptional viewing point. The Cliffs can be
visited daily, year-round. O Brien’s tower open daily, March
to October. Visitor centre open year round. Boat trips can be
taken along the cliffs.
http://www.mohercruises.com/
The legendary Aran Islands, a testimony to man's triumph
over the elements, lie just five miles off the coast of Co.
Clare. There are three islands in the group, Inismore,
Inismaan and Inisheer all serviced by ferry from Doolin in Co.
Clare. These bastions of ancient Irish culture have bred a
hardy breed of fisherman and farmers whose roots go back way
before recorded history and who still speak
Gaelic.
Originally built in 1277 by Thomas de Clare, the
Norman-Irish Castle was destroyed and rebuilt more than once
in the centuries that followed. It was captured by the O'Brien
in 1355 and remained their headquarters until 1712. The
MacNamara's, a sept of the O'Briens erected its present form
in 1460 but time took its toll upon the building until
Viscount Gort bought it in 1954 and, with the aid of Bord
Failte, had it restored by the Office of Public
Works.
The Castle is the most complete and authentic
medieval castle in Ireland and boasts one of the finest
collections of 14th-17th century material in these islands.
The castle and its contents are now held in trust for the
nation. The establishment is managed by the Shannon
Development Company, which arranges medieval banquets on a
year-round basis. The castle is open to visitors daily during
the year.
Admission charge.
Features a complete reconstruction of a 19th century
village street, including craft shops, general stores and post
office. There are examples of houses representing a variety of
districts from west Clare to the rich farmlands of Limerick.
Traditional crafts of an earlier age may be observed in action
basket weaving, farriery, candle making and the home-baking of
bread. A collection of early agricultural machinery is also on
show. In the folk barn country style meals are served and
entertainment provided music, story telling, Irish dancing and
songs.
http://www.shannonheritage.com/
The Glór Irish Music Centre in Ennis, Co. Clare, the home
of traditional music, opened in 2001. Glór is a state-of the
art concert venue dedicated to the performance of traditional
Irish music and will feature the country's top musicians in a
friendly yet intimate theatre setting. Nightly programmes
suitable for tour operators seeking a new and exciting venue
for groups and individuals. Restaurant and bar facilities
available, also retail outlet. Spacious car/ coach parking
provided.
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