©
©
The Burren Centre
Located in the ancient Cathedral town of Kilfenora, the centre introduces
you to one of the most enigmatic areas in the world - the Burren District.
Models, displays and audio-visuals reveal the mysteries and complexities of
this unique area. The centre contains the greatest concentrations of high
crosses in Ireland. Visitors can explore the geology and geography of the
areas, including the rich diversity of Burren flora and fauna and the history
of man in his landscape. Visit our Burren page and see some of the beauty
awaiting you there.
Bunraty Castle and Folk Park
One of Irelands top visitor attractions, Bunratty Castle is the most complete
and authentic medieval castle in the country. Built in 1425, it was faithfully
restored in 1954 and has furnishings and tapestries which capture the mood
and style of the times. The Folk Park, set in 26 acres, recreates nineteenth
century Ireland. The Park features include a recreated village street, eight
farmhouses, a watermill, blacksmiths forge, Macs pub and restaurant and a
display of nineteenth century agricultural machinery.
Cliffs of Moher
Located just north of Lahinch on the coast of West Clare, are the Cliffs of
Moher. Natural ramparts against the might of the Atlantic, they rise in places
to over 215m and stretch for almost 8km.
Craggaunowen
Located at Quin, is Irelands original prize winning centre dedicated to interpreting
Irelands prehistoric and early Christian eras. The exhibits around the grounds
include a Ring Fort, a true reproduction of a farmers house dating from the
4th or 5th centuries, an Iron Age roadway and an outdoor cooking site. Also
featured is the Brendan, the leather hulled boat which Tim Severin sailed
from Ireland to North America, re-enacting the voyage of Saint Brendan, who
is reputed to have discovered that continent before Columbus.
Lahinch Seaworld
Located on the promenade in Lahinch is a dramatic new attraction where visitors
can see and experience the underwater life of the Atlantic Coast. Sharks,
rays and congor eels, starfish, lobsters and flatfish can all be viewed in
a giant aquarium.
Newtown Castle
Located in the Burren, is a beautifully restored sixteenth Century round towerhouse.
A tour of the castle's four floors reveals its unique architectural features
and presents its social, cultural, political and historical context with rare
exhibits including a limited edition facsimile copy of the Book of Kells.
Adjacent to the castle is Newtown Nature Trail, a 1300m long guided walk.
The trail covers an area of the Burren rich in natural and historical features.
Corofin Heritage Museum
This award winning Heritage Museum is housed in what was once Saint Catherine's
Church, which was built in 1718 by a cousin of Queen Anne. Its main theme,
'Ireland West 1800 - 1860' portrays a traumatic period of Irish history under
the headings of 'Lan d'Tenure', 'The Famine', 'Emigration', 'Education', 'Irish
Language and Music' and others.
Ailwee Cave
Located near Ballyvaughan, with its stalactites and stalagmites, the Aillwee
Cave beneath the Burren has become one of Irelands leading attractions. An
essential part of a visit to the Burren, it affords the opportunity to travel
through beautiful caverns, over bridged chasms and under weird formations
Knappogue Castle
Located near Quin was the pride of 42 castles built by the McNamara tribe
who dominated the area for over 1,000 years. Built in 1467, it has over five
troubled but colourful centuries of Irish history, given soccour to both friend
and foe within its keep - including Cromwellian troops who occupied it in
1641
Killaloe Heritage Centre
This centre elaborates on the theme of Celtic Ireland. Discover the history
of the arrival of Christianity and the monastic tradition, as well as the
development of the Shannon River as a transport system from early times.
Biddy Early Brewery
Located at Inagh, just 10 mile from Ennis on the Lahinch Road. Ireland's first
pub-brewery is named after a Clare woman by the name of Biddy Early, who was
renowned for her magical powers in the 1800s. Since it's opening in 1995 the
brewery has continued to produce a unique selection of hand crafted beers
in memory of the great woman. These include Black Biddy, Red Biddy, Blonde
Biddy and Real Biddy.
Heritage Sites
Ennis Friary - Abbey Street, Ennis
This 13th century Franciscan Friary, founded by the O'Briens, has numerous
15/16th century sculptures carved in the local hard limestone. The visitor
can see the figure of St. Francis displaying the stigmata, an elaborately
ornamented screen, a representation of the Virgin and Child and the Ecce Homo.
The Chancel is lit by the magnificent East Window. On the North side is the
beautifully carved McMahon tomb.
Scattery Island Centre Merchants Quay,
Kilrush
This Information Centre on the mainland interprets the island on which a monastery
is sited. The monastery, consisting of a round tower and several churches,
was founded by St. Senan in the early part of the 6th century. His most famous
pupil was St. Ciaran of Clonmacnoise. A wonderful exhibition on the history
of these monuments and on the wildlife of the area is housed in this Centre.
back to top
Reservation for Banquets at Dunguire Castle & tickets for the boat trip to the Aran Islands can be arranged through Villa Maria Guesthouse.
For Further Information
Contact:
Mary & Jim Killeen, "Villa Maria" B&B, Ballycleary, Kinvara.
Co. Galway
Tel: + 353 (0)91 638117 Fax: +353 (0)91 637727 Email: villamariakinvara@eircom.net
 |
||
       |
||