About Ballyvaughan Cottage
This cottage sleeps 5 and is in an idyllic location, within a mile of the quaint village of Ballyvaughan in the heart of the Burren National Park. On a large garden set back from the road, the house boasts large windows to appreciate the sea views - the upstairs velux can convert to a tiny balcony and a rear sunny conservatory runs the whole length of the house. Inside is nicely furnished, with Liscannor slate flooring and a welcoming wood burning stove. Around the coastline there are gorgeous sandy beaches, dolphin watching and shore fishing.
Shop, Pubs & Restaurants: Less than 1 mile.
Beach: 3 miles.
Accommodation:
Ground Floor: Lounge/Kitchen/Diner, Conservatory, Bathroom with shower over bath.
First Floor:
2 bedrooms - 1 double room & 1 triple room (1 double and 1 single beds).
Services & Amenities:
Open fire with starter pack, linen and towels included, travel cot, TV, video, CD, microwave, fully enclosed garden, picnic bench, private off road parking. Pets welcome.
**Electricity and Heating payable separately.**
About Ballyvaughan
Ballyvaughan in County Clare is a fishing and farming village on the west coast of Ireland. It is situated in one of the most idyllic places in Ireland, nestled between the hills of the Burren and the sea, on the southern shore of Galway Bay.
It is the ideal place for almost everybody: those who look for peace and tranquility in their holidays or long weekends, those who look for traditional music and old pubs, for the archaeologists, botanists, and fishermen. Families will enjoy the safety of our beach in Bishopsquarter, surfers will love the waves in Fanore. Hillwalking and cycling are among the most popular pastimes among locals and tourists alike.
Ballyvaughan is in comfortable driving distance of some of the best known landmarks of Ireland. Who has not heard of the Poulnabrone Dolmen, a burial tomb more than 5,000 years old, or the Cliffs of Moher? There are archaeological treasures everywhere some of which have not even been explored yet, and some of them being 2,000 years older than the pyramids! Like the many megalithic tombs and field systems, or the much 'younger' ringforts of celtic, and the castles of medieval origin.
Daytrips from Ballyvaughan
Doolin & The Cliffs of Moher (30 minutes)
The small coastal village of Doolin is located on County Clare’s wild Atlantic coast. The surrounding area has much of interest including the barren yet strikingly beautiful Burren region with, among other things, the 5,000 year-old Poulnabrone Dolmen. Also worth a visit is Doonagore Castle and of course the spectacular 650-foot high Cliffs of Moher, which are only a few miles from Doolin. But the real reason people flock to Doolin from all over the world is the traditional music in the local pubs. Until recently Doolin had only three pubs. There are now some new establishments on the scene but we recommend sticking to the old reliables: McGann’s, McDermots and O’Connor’s. Even at that you will be spoilt for choice. Each pub is full most nights with musicians and music lovers alike. Be sure to check out all three!
Ennis Town (45 minutes)
Located just 15 miles from Shannon Airport, Ennis is the county town of Clare and is always pleasantly busy. It takes its name from the Irish word “inis” (island) as it is virtually surrounded by the River Fergus on which it sits. Its streets are narrow and attractive, some of them pedestrianised. The Friary at the bottom of Abbey Street, was founded by the O’Briens in the 13th century. Many of its original features survive and it’s well worth visiting. But the main attraction in Ennis is the locals' obvious love of traditional music. Every May the town hosts Fleadh Nua, an international celebration of Irish culture, while in November, the Ennis Trad Festival is held. But trad music of the very highest quality is on display in the pubs of Ennis throughout the year. It often seems that those in the town that can't sing or play an instrument are very much in the minority. The person who recently labeled Ennis the Nashville of traditional Irish music wasn't far wrong.
Galway City (1 hour)
In a recent nationwide survey the people of Galway were found to be Ireland's happiest! And visiting Galway City, the capital of their county it is not hard to see why. It is a lively university city of narrow streets, quaint shopfronts, bustling pubs and stunning surrounding scenery. It has always attracted a bohemian mix of musicians, artists and intellectuals and that attitude is palpable as you walk the streets. Galway has been commercially important since the 11th century when it was a centre for trade with Spain and Portugal. In 1477 Christopher Columbus paid a visit. Galway earned the title “City of the Tribes” around that time, when it was ruled by 14 wealthy merchant families. Today it is lively, with loads of things to do, and is so popular that it can get very crowded in summer, especially during the annual Galway Races. The annual Arts Festival also attracts thousands, especially for its street parade, organized by the multi-award winning production company, Macnas. Its famous Druid Theatre produces and stages plays and has toured internationally, winning awards, including Tonys on Broadway.
Bunratty Village (1.25 hours)
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, located just 7 miles from Shannon Airport, is high on the list of Ireland's top visitor attractions. If you want to learn about Ireland and how the Irish lived in earlier times, Bunratty's Folk Park is a must. Entire houses of various sizes and dates have been taken apart stone-by-stone and reassembled here, along with a school, a pub, a church, a row of shops, and other buildings. What makes it especially enjoyable is watching activities, including scones and bread being made, as well as work being carried out in the little fields. Chat with the staff; they are very friendly and informative. Bunratty's most obvious attraction is its imposing castle which overlooks the river Shannon. Once the stronghold of the O’Briens, kings and later earls of Thomond, it reflects their style and power. Its Great Hall has a very fine collection of 14th-century furniture, paintings and wall hangings and also hosts medieval banquets which anyone can attend with plenty of entertainment as well as food and drink. Finally no visit to Bunratty would be complete without a pint of plain in the world-famous Durty Nelly's Pub located right next to the castle.
Ailwee Caves (5 minutes)
Ailwee caves are close to the cliffs of Moher and the Burren. Although one of the oldest in Ireland, Aillwee Cave is still a fairly recent discovery. Located near Ballyvaughan, Aillwee Cave is still one of the few caves which has the features of Clare underground - great caverns, stalactites, subterranean rivers - and which is easily accessible to the general public. Before Aillwee Cave was opened to the public in 1976 its entrance was only a chink in a cliff face. The man who discovered the cave was Jacko McGann, a herdsmen on Aillwee Hill for many years. Mr. McGann explored much of the cave by candlelight. In 1973, cavers continued to explore as far as a massive fall of boulders that sealed the passage. The cavers mapped the cave passages, a total of 210m.
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