Suggested full Day Itinerary
Ballyvaughan – Cliffs of Moher Experience – Doolin – Caherconnell Stone Fort or Aillwee Cave – Ballyvaughan
Ready to experience the best of the Burren and beyond in one unforgettable day? Set off from Ballyvaughan at 9:40 AM on the Burren & Cliffs Explorer Shuttle Bus and enjoy a seamless, car-free adventure along the Wild Atlantic Way. From the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher and the vibrant village of Doolin to your choice of cultural heritage at Caherconnell Stone Fort or natural exploration at Aillwee Cave, this curated itinerary offers something for every traveler. With spectacular scenery, rich history, and local charm at every stop, it’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the beauty of North Clare.
09:40 – Depart Ballyvaughan
Set off on your Burren adventure • Enjoy scenic views along the Wild Atlantic Way
11:10 – Arrive at Cliffs of Moher (1 hr 50 mins)
Take in breathtaking coastal views • Walk along the cliff paths • Visit the exhibition centre
13:00 – Take the BC1 bus to Doolin (20 mins)
Relax and enjoy the scenic coastal journey
13:20 – Lunch in Doolin (50 mins)
Enjoy lunch at one of the many local dining options • Choose from a selection of traditional pubs and cafés
14:10 – Depart Doolin on BC2 bus
Sit back and enjoy the journey through the Burren landscape
Choose either
Afternoon Option 1: Culture & Heritage
14:58 – Arrive at Caherconnell Stone Fort (2 hrs)
Explore this ancient ring fort • Learn about early Irish life • Enjoy sheepdog demonstrations
16:58 – Depart Caherconnell
17:20 – Arrive back in Ballyvaughan
Relax after an unforgettable day in the Burren
OR
Afternoon Option 2: Nature & Discovery
15:10 – Arrive at Aillwee Cave (2 hrs)
Explore the fascinating cave system • Visit the Birds of Prey Centre • Browse local artisan gifts
17:10 – Depart Aillwee Cave
17:20 – Arrive back in Ballyvaughan
Relax after an unforgettable day in the Burren
Traveling from Galway? Take the 350 bus route to arrive in Ballyvaughan for 8.01am. Stroll around and take in what this scenic costal village has to offer.
Heading back to Galway after an exciting day in the Burren? Catch the 19.15pm, route 350, bus from Ballyvaughan after an unforgettable meal dinner in one of the village’s pubs or restaurants.
Suggested Half Day Itinerary
Ballyvaughan – Aillwee Cave – Poulnabrone Dolmen – Ballyvaughan
Looking for a memorable half-day escape in the heart of the Burren? Hop on the Burren & Cliffs Explorer Shuttle Bus for a relaxed, car-free journey through one of Ireland’s most unique landscapes. Departing at 9:40 AM from the charming village of Ballyvaughan, this itinerary blends natural wonder with cultural discovery. From exploring the fascinating underground world of Aillwee Cave and witnessing thrilling birds of prey in flight to visiting the iconic Poulnabrone Dolmen, this experience offers a perfect snapshot of the Burren’s magic, all wrapped up in a smooth and scenic half-day trip.
09:40 – Depart Ballyvaughan (10 mins)
Relax on the short shuttle journey • Enjoy the early morning views of the Burren landscape
09:50 – Arrive at Aillwee Cave (10 mins)
Take in the surroundings while you wait for opening
10:00 – Explore Aillwee Cave (2hr 10 min)
Discover the fascinating underground caverns • Learn about the cave’s history and formations • Browse the shop or grab a quick coffee
11:30 – Birds of Prey Flying Display
Watch majestic birds in action • A memorable and unique experience in the Burren
12:10 – Depart Aillwee Cave (10 min)
Board the shuttle and enjoy more scenic views
12:20 – Stop at Poulnabrone Dolmen (30 min)
Visit this iconic ancient portal tomb • Take photos and soak in the atmosphere
12:50 – Return shuttle to Ballyvaughan (20 min)
Sit back and relax on the return journey
13:10 – Lunch in Ballyvaughan
Enjoy lunch at one of the many local dining options • Choose from cozy cafés, traditional pubs, or seafood restaurants
Ballyvaughan
Aillwee Burren Experience
Be educated, engaged, and entertained on your day out at Aillwee Burren Experience. Accompany the guides to the surprising Aillwee Burren underworld cave, unlocking an intriguing, timeless story. Closely appreciate the silent and majestic Birds of Prey at Aillwee. Daily interactive flying displays reveal varied raptor species that delight and excite.
Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations
Experience a wonderful day of excitement at Caherconnell Sheepdogs and Fort, nestled in the heart of the Burren. Witness the incredible precision and agility of border collies as they collaborate seamlessly with the shepherd to expertly herd and manage the sheep. The performance showcases not only the intelligence of these remarkable dogs but also the deep bond between them and their handler. Following the demonstration, guests have ample opportunity for up-close interactions, offering a moment to cuddle and capture memories with the dogs through photographs. The adventure continues as you delve into the rich history of Caherconnell with a guided tour of the fort that has stood for over a millennium.
Poulnabrone Dolmen
Situated on the high Burren limestone plateau, Poulnabrone Dolmen is one of Ireland’s most iconic archaeological monuments and is the second most visited location in the Burren after the Cliffs of Moher. It is the oldest dated megalithic monument in Ireland.
Travelling Spoon
Traveling Spoon provides travelers with private, authentic food experiences, from homemade meals to cooking classes and market tours, with local hosts in their homes.
Burren Fine Food & Wine
Burren Fine Wine and Food serve locally produced home-cooked, specialised treats and a wide selection of wine and gin. Wine tastings and cocktail-making classes are also available.
Kilfenora
Burren Visitor Centre
The Burren Visitor Centre in the historic village of Kilfenora is the licensed information point for the Burren and North Clare, where visitors can gain bespoke advice on what to see, where to go and how to get there, as well as picking up useful maps and discount vouchers. The Burren Visitor Centre also houses ‘The Burren Exhibition’, which provides a fascinating insight into the identity of The Burren, from its extraordinary landscapes, array of flora and wildlife, megalithic tombs and archaeological monuments older than Egypt’s pyramids, to the history, culture and traditional values of the people of the Burren, past and present.
Vaughans Pub
Indulge in delectable homemade meals paired with a curated selection of beverages. The chefs at Vaughan’s Pub meticulously source fresh, local ingredients to craft culinary delights. Enjoy daily creations featuring the finest locally caught seafood, a testament to their commitment to exceptional dining. Home of the infamous Kilfenora Céilí Band, enjoy the great atmosphere in the pub, with traditional Céilí music sessions every Friday and Sunday night.
Ted Tours
Ted Tours operates tours of Father Ted Country. We visit the locations from the hit TV series. We provide expert guides and fancy dress for those all important photo opportunities. So don’t miss out on the ‘craic’, come on a Ted Tour. Careful Now!
Kilfenora Cathedral and Crosses
This cathedral ruin and the accompanying graveyard are indeed an off the beaten path Irish treasure. There are numerous ancient crosses, all with a story to tell. Some of the crosses have accompanying plaques explaining the detailed history of each. Some of the graves and headstones date back hundreds of years. There are modern graves and headstones as well, indicating local Kilfenora families still utilize this sacred place to bury their precious family members. This wonderful find is only a few steps from The Burren Visitor Centre.
E-Whizz
E-whizz offers guided and self-guided electric bike tours in the Burren, County Clare. So now you can explore the incredible history, landscape, wildflowers and folklore of the Burren on a bike, regardless of your fitness levels.
Lisdoonvarna
Burren Smokehouse
Burren Smokehouse offers a mini food trail which comprises of smoked salmon tastings, the showing of our smoking process, and an interactive journey through time following the legendary Salmon of Knowledge.
Doreen Drennan Art Studio
Doreen Drennan is a gifted seascape and landscape artist and an award-winning gardener based on the edge of the unspoilt Burren and within sight of the mighty Cliffs of Moher. Doreen’s passion for art and gardening is reflected in her home just outside the town of Lisdoonvarna where she has created an artist’s studio and gallery space for her artwork and surrounded this with a skilfully planted inspirational coastal garden with a measure of wildness.
The Roadside Tavern
The Roadside Tavern is a gastro-pub built in 1865, making it one of the oldest pubs in the Burren area. Since April 2022, it has been under new management by Peter Jackson former executive head chef of the Armada Hotel in Spanish Point. The Roadside Tavern offers amazing food aswell as beers from the Burren Brewery which is under the same roof.
The Ritz Hotel, Bar and Restaurant
The Ritz is a family run hotel in the heart of Lisdoonvarna. Lisdoonvarna is a gateway town to The Burren and is an ideal base from which to explore the entire Clare and Galway regions. The Ritz is the perfect location in the centre of Lisdoonvarna to stay, eat, meet new friends old and new, and to have a great time. Whether you are here long term or just a flying visit, for the sights or looking for love during our Matchmaking Festival, The Ritz is the place to be. Our New Grill House Menu was recently launched and features steaks, chicken, fresh fish and much more.
Doolin
Doolin Cave
The award-winning Doolin Cave and visitor centre is home to the Great Stalactite. At 7.3 metres (23 feet), it is the longest free-hanging stalactite in Europe and suspends from the Cave’s ceiling like a gigantic chandelier. Visitors can experience a fully-guided tour of the Cave.
Wild Atlantic Seaweed Baths
Wild Atlantic Seaweed Baths transformed old whiskey barrels into baths. With an amazing heating system warming water to 50 degrees the ten barrels on site are always nice and cosy. Relax for an hour in the warm water with activated seaweed that is full of minerals good for sore muscles, your skin and overall health. On site, there is also two cold plunges and a cold shower for anyone to use. Aswell as a 6 person wood fired Sauna. During the summer months there is an amazing coffee shop ‘the Rocket House’ open for toasties, pastries and coffee.
Doolin Ferries – Aran Islands
The Aran Islands are a top destination in the West of Ireland. From winding stone wall boreens and beaches lined with fishing boats to the craic of the island pubs. Sail with Doolin Ferries, and you can escape to a place lost in time when you take a trip to Aran. When you arrive at Aran, you instantly feel like you’ve been taken back to Ireland of old. Gaelic (Irish) is the main language spoken on these islands today. Though most islanders also speak English, Irish is still the preferred language by far.
Doolin Pitch and Putt
Doolin Pitch and Putt is an 18 hole links course which was established in 1995. It is located on the road between Fisher Street and Doolin Pier, 5 minutes from the village. With a backdrop of The Cliffs of Moher, The Aran Islands and Doonagore Castle what better way to spend an hour or two with friends or family.
Gus O’Connors Pub
Gus O’Connor’s Pub has a rich history and is steeped in Irish Traditional Music. The Pub was established in 1832. They have live traditional Irish music every evening during the late spring and summer months and every Friday to Sunday, October to March. Gus O’Connor’s Pub offers a wide range of traditional Irish dishes. They are famous for their seafood, and one of their most popular dishes is their pan-fried Doolin crab claws. They also have gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options on their menu. Their Lentil Cottage Pie is a firm customer favourite.
Cliffs of Moher Experience
O’Brien’s Tower
O’Brien’s Tower was built on the Cliffs of Moher in 1835 by local landlord and MP Sir Cornelius O’Brien as an observation tower for the English tourists who frequented the cliffs at the time! From this vantage point on a clear day, you can see the Aran Islands and the Twelve Bens of Connemara across Galway Bay.
Dining at the Cliffs
There are great dining options available in the Visitor Centre at the Cliffs of Moher Experience. On the ground floor, is the Puffins Nest Café, while the Cliffs View Café can be found on the first floor.
Shopping at the Cliffs of Moher
Explore the brilliant shopping opportunities at the Cliffs of Moher Experience. The Craft & Gift Store, located in the Visitor Centre showcases a variety of local and artisan crafts! Craftworkers’ Street features a range of unique shops including, Irish T-Shirts, Nua, Gifts of Moher, Moher Music Shop, O’Dálaigh Jewellers and Clifftops.
App & Audio Guide
The Cliffs of Moher App & Audio Tour is your essential guide to the Cliffs of Moher Experience. With audio tracks from the locals, information on all aspects of the Cliffs and maps, you will have everything you need to know to make your trip to the Cliffs of Moher Experience memorable.
