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 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.
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.
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.
www.aillweecave.ie
Fun for all the family. Features include pool, lazy river,
crystal tower, flume, gushers etc. The Waterworld also has a
restaurant, individual and family changing facilities and children's
play facilities. Open Apr. to Oct
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.
www.shannonheritage.com
The Glór Irish Music Centre in Ennis, County 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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