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Local Attractions
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The Burren
The Burren is a karst limestone region of
approximately 300 sq km. It is composed of limestone pavements, which
are eroded in a distinctive pattern known as karren. This pavement is
crisscrossed by cracks known as grykes and underneath the pavement
there are huge caves and rivers that suddenly flood when it rains. It
contains dozens of megalithic tombs and Celtic crosses. Poulnabrone Dolmen (to the left) is one of the most
famous Irish dolmens. The name Poulnabrone literally means 'The hole
of the sorrows'. The thin capstone sits on two 1.8m (6ft) high portal
stones to create a chamber in a 9m (30ft) low cairn. |
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The Cliffs of Moher
The
Cliffs of
Moher are located at the south-western edge of
The Burren
area near
Doolin.
The
cliffs
rise 120 m above the
Atlantic Ocean
at Hag's Head and extend
for a distance of eight kilometers and to a height of 214 m. The
Cliffs are a significant tourist attraction, and there is a visitor
center and parking lot on the site managed by Shannon Heritage, which
also operates O'Brien's Tower. A largely unenclosed walking trail
runs along the top edge of the entire length of the cliffs, skirting
private grazing lands and often running within mere meters of a sheer
drop off into the
ocean.
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Aran Islands
The Aran Islands are just a short boat trip off
the coast of Clare. The Islands are rich in the language, culture and
heritage of Ireland, Here is a place to sense the spirit of Gaelic
Ireland, to touch the past, but with all the comforts and facilities
of the present. Aran will take you back to an Ireland of Celts and
Early Christians. This is an island of great peace and tranquillity,
but it is also an island of great fun and activity. A timeless land
in an endless sea, weathered monuments on awesome cliffs, great
labyrinths of limestone, meandering walls, patchwork fields, quiet
beaches and a welcoming island people, this is Aran in Galway bay on
the west coast of Ireland. |
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The Great Doolin
Stalactite
Doolin Cave (Poll-an-Ionain) is home to a wondrous geological
phenomenon - The Great Stalactite. Measuring almost 7 metres in
length, it is one of the largest free hanging stalactites in the
world and the longest stalactite in the Northern Hemisphere. What
makes it even more impressive is the fact that it is held on by a
section of calcite, less than 0.3 m square. Visitors to Doolin Cave
will experience an unforgettable adventure.
You will become an explorer, donning a hardhat and flashlight as you
make your way through the 100 metres long cave. The chamber housing
the sparkling Great Stalactite is subtly lit, to highlight its
delicate but awesome splendour.
Visitor numbers are limited, with no more than 20 visitors per tour.
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Aillwee Caves
Visitors to the cave are taken by friendly, informative guides
through 1.3 km of passageway lit by a state of the art lighting
system. Along the concrete paved route, stops are made to view animal
remains, waterfalls and numerous cave formations. Time is also spent
by our guides explaining to visitors how the forces of nature carved
the cave out of the Burren limestone – a process which started over
one million years ago. The visitor will cross bridges and descend
steps to experience the magical and mysterious atmosphere of the
underground Burren Region. |
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Bunratty Castle & Folk
Park
Bunratty Castle is just five miles from Shannon
Airport and adjacent to the landmark pub known as Durty Nellies.
Bunratty Folk Park, recreates rural and urban life in 19th century
Victorian Ireland. There is an extensive array of vernacular
buildings; indicative of all of the social strata from the poorest
one roomed dwelling to Bunratty House, a fine example of a Georgian
residence for the gentry. Traditional jobs and crafts are also
represented, milling, the forge, pottery, printing, baking, farming
etc. Costumed characters that recreate the traditions and lifestyle
of a bygone age. |
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