There are plenty of things to do even on rainy days!
Take a visit to Aillwee
I’m very careful to not just use the word ‘cave’ here because there are SO many activities on this site that you can spend an entire rainy day doing!
Location: Located just 3km from the village of Ballyvaughan, the site is well signposted. Click here for a link to Google Maps.
Parking: Plenty of parking on site.
Cost: (Correct as of May 2020)
| Ticket Type | Prices | Ticket Information |
| CAVE ONLY | ||
| Adult | €15.00 | Adult |
| Children | €7.00 | Child |
| Family Ticket 1 | €34.00 | 2 Adults & 1/2 Children |
| Family Ticket 2 | €40.00 | 2 Adults & 3/4 Children |
| BIRDS OF PREY CENTRE ONLY | ||
| Adult | €15.00 | Adult |
| Child | €7.00 | Child |
| Family Ticket 1 | €34.00 | 2 Adults & 1/2 Children |
| Family Ticket 2 | €40.00 | 2 Adults & 3/4 Children |
| Joint Ticket for Cave & Birds of Prey Centre | ||
| Adult | €22.00 | Adult |
| Child | €12.00 | Child |
| Family Tciket 1 | €52.00 | 2 Adults & 1/2 Children |
| Family Ticket 2 | €58.00 | 2 Adults & 3/4 Children |
| Hawk Walk | ||
| Hawk Walk | €95.00 | 1 hour long, private walk with Bird Handler & Harris Hawk which includes a guided tour of Aillwee Cave and Visit to the Birds of Prey Centre for Flying Display. |
This family run business has been around for over 40 years and is still going strong. Unlike a lot of the other things I recommend on this blog, there is an entry fee for the site. With the right preparation and knowledge, you can make an entire day out of your trip here and it will be well worth your time and money.
First, the rain won’t stop you from taking a cave tour, in fact it will probably make it better since the rain adds to the waterfalls and atmosphere. There is a lovey gift shop to have a look in and a tea room for a quick cuppa.
Then, head through the Hazel Woodland to the farmshop. It is well covered so a simple rain jacket will keep you protected. I believe there are information boards around the woods which are a great educational tool for everyone. The farmshop is the location of Burren Gold, the award winning cheese they have been making on site for over 30 years. Maggie makes a delicious fudge as well so be sure to bag yourselves some snacks for the car. The farmshop stocks lots of great local brands so it’s a nice spot to pick up some gifts or treats.
You can then head over to the Bird of Prey Centre. An audio guide will bring you from aviary to aviary explaining about the birds who live there. The aviaries are covered so no need to worry about the rain. Each day, there is a flying demonstration and while the arena is outdoors, there are a few spots under cover, should you need it.
The following video taken from their website explains all that is on offer on the site.
Enjoy the Burren Smokehouse visitor centre.
Location: Lisdoonvarna, Co.Clare.
Parking: Available on site.
Entry fee: Free
Located in Lisdoonvarna, the Burren smokehouse is a family run business where you can learn about the process of smoking salmon. There is a multi language video that explains the process to visitors. Mosaics share the story of the Salmon of Knowledge. You can sample delicious Burren smoked salmon as well as browsing their gift shop. Check out their website here.
Learn about the GAA in the Michael Cusack centre.
Location: Located in the heart of the Burren, this centre is located on the site of the house where Michael Cusack grew up.
Located just off the R480, the centre can be found close to the village of Carron. Here is the link to Google map.
Parking: Plenty of parking on site.
Cost: Unknown but there is a small entry fee.
The Michael Cusack centre is a must for any GAA fans. There is an exhibition centre and audio visual display each day with guided tours from 10am. You can then go and tour the cottage he grew up in and the guides explain what life was like and what inspired him to start the G.A.A.
The centre is in the most beautiful location so stay and enjoy some homemade cooking in their tearooms or have a little look in their gift shop. When I visited, I got to see the fox that visits every day but I’m not sure if that is still the case.
Treat yourself to afternoon tea in Gregans Castle
Location: Approximately 3km from the village of Ballyvaughan, on the N67. You can find a link here to Google maps.
Cost: €35 per person. You must call ahead to book your place.
Parking: Plenty on site.
Afternoon tea in Gregans Castle is always a lovely treat and a brilliant way to catch up with your friends. The site is located in the heart of the Burren and approximately 3km from the nearest village so you can relax and enjoy your afternoon without the stresses of the world. The philosophy of the hotel is the understanding that your surroundings contribute to your well being and that is seen in everything from decor to the food you get to enjoy. Service is impeccable as the staff bring you through all the carefully prepared treats. Gregans castle is known for it’s high standards of food. They are part of the Burren food trail and the ecotourism network.
I have been lucky enough to enjoy afternoon tea here on several occasions and each time I gave several hours enjoy the ambiance, company and offerings. You must call and book your spot in advance and you can contact the hotel at 065 7077005
Hazel Mountain Chocolate.
Could there be a better way to spend a rainy day than watching chocolate being made and quality assuring the product? I think not.
Location: The original Hazel Mountain Chocolate is located near Bellharbour, Co. Clare and you can find it on Google maps here.
Parking: Small car park on site.
Cost: Free to enter the factory and shop.
Hazel Mountain chocolate is unique in the fact that it is one of the smallest chocolate factories in the world. It produces the chocolate from bean to bar and each step can be seen in their factory. They make chocolate in small batches and there are many different varieties available to buy in the shop. The milk chocolate is made using Irish milk from grass fed cows.
Since it opened in 2014, the company has enjoyed great success. On the site is not only the factory where you can see each stage of the chocolate making but also a chocolate shop and a Mercantile store which offers gifts. As well, you can have coffee and cake in their cafe. The cake is homemade and there is a wide selection of Gluten free options available. All the cakes are from the successful “Burren Wild Baker” cookbook that you can purchase on site.
Check out their Instagram and social media for more information.
Learn about the Burren in Kilfenora.
Location: The Burren Centre is located in the village of Kilfenora. Click here for a link to Google maps.
Parking: Lots of parking in the area.
Cost: There is a small fee to enter but I couldn’t find any details online.
The Burren centre is a great first stop for anyone visiting the Burren. Visitors are treated to an impressive multi dimensional exhibition called ‘A walk through time’. It can be difficult to understand the Burren and all it has to offer but this exhibition brings you through the timeline of the Burren and includes artifacts, art pieces and interactive exhibitions to bring you to a deeper understanding of this wonderful landscape.
Kilfenora is also the home of the famous Kilfenora Ceili Band and in 2014 an exhibition about the rich cultural history of the band was opened. You can listen to their music and will have the opportunity to purchase Irish music C.D.’s in the gift shop. Before leaving to explore the village, call in to the tea rooms where fresh home cooking awaits.
If the weather isn’t too bad, make a trip around the corner to Kilfenora Cathedral and the high crosses. Kilfenora has the largest concentration of high crosses in Ireland and can claim the pope as its bishop! The cathedral dates back to 1100 and features some beautiful carvings and windows.
Visit the Burren Perfumery.
This is by far one of my favourite places in the Burren so I’ve already written a blog with all the details. You can find it here!
Burren Perfumery
There are still plenty of things to do and see on a rainy day in the Burren so I will add them in to part 2. Comment below if you would like me to include something!
Wild Atlantic Adventures 