The following top tourist attractions are in reasonably close proximity to Cloughan Castle for you to enjoy a memorable daytrip.
One of the oldest caves in Ireland. Located in the heart of the Burren in County Clare. Forty minutes from both Galway and Shannon. The Burren is a place full of wonder, beauty and discovery. Let the staff at Aillwee Cave welcome you to the dramatic underworld of this area. Expert guides will accompany and inform you during your leisurely tour. The tour consists of a 30-minute stroll through the beautiful caverns – over bridged chasms, under weird formations and alongside the thunderous waterfall which sometimes gently sprays the unsuspecting visitor! www.aillweeburrenexperience.ie
The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions. Standing 214m (702 feet) at their highest point they stretch for 8 kilometers (5 miles) along the Atlantic coast of County Clare in the west of Ireland. From the Cliffs of Moher on a clear day one can see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay, as well as the Twelve Pins and the Maum Turk mountains in Connemara, Loop Head to the south and the Dingle Peninsula and Blasket Islands in Kerry. O’Brien’s Tower stands near the highest point and has served as a viewing point for visitors for hundreds of years. www.cliffsofmoher.ie
The Burren a limestone area on the North Clare coast, famous for its wild flowers, caves, and dolmens. The word “Burren” comes from an Irish word “Boíreann” meaning a rocky place. This is an extremely appropriate name when you consider the lack of soil cover and the extent of exposed Limestone Pavement. However, it has been referred to in the past as “Fertile rock” due to the mixture of nutrient rich herb and floral species. www.nationalparks.ie/burren
Take a day trip to the Aran Islands for an authentic Irish experience. Here you can get away from absolutely everything. The barren and rugged landscape is unique and beautiful. Irish is still spoken daily, and age-old traditions remain prevalent. Three islands off the west coast of Ireland make up the Aran Islands. From largest to smallest the islands are Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer. www.aranislands.ie
Wander Galway City’s cobble- stoned streets and feel yourself stepping back in time to Medieval Ireland. Known the world over for its friendly people, charming streets, shopping & nightlife, Galway will refresh flagging spirits like no other place. Visit the famous Galway Farmers Market in Church Lane for lots of great Irish delicacies & enjoy the wonderful atmosphere.
William Butler Yeats purchased this C14 Norman tower house in 1917. The Nobel prize-winning poet, playwright, Senator and co-founder of the Abbey Theatre, lived and worked here with his wife George and children Anne and Michael until 1929. Thoor Ballylee inspired what are considered his greatest books of poetry: THE TOWER (1928) and THE WINDING STAIR (1933). www.yeatsthoorballylee.org
The walls are over six feet thick at the base, underneath which lie some skeletons, confirming that the tower had been built in an existing cemetery. The tower once had a bell which was said to have been thrown into a nearby lake. Tradition has it that backache can be cured by laying on St. Colman's grave (it lies behind the cathedral). Key's to the Grebe House and other locks can be obtained at the Tower View B & B (across the street) with a deposit of 5 Euro.
The Museum is largely devoted to the works of Augusta Lady Gregory (1852 - 1932), widow of Sir William. The most renowned member of the Gregory family was Lady Gregory. During her time there, Coole became the meeting place for writers, chief of whom was W.B. Yeats who later bought Thoor Ballylee, Artists, Actors, Statesmen, Irish language enthusiasts, Folklorists and the traveling Musicians. She took an active interest in the welfare of her tenants. Lady Gregory and her son, Robert, were held in high esteem by local people. www.kiltartangregorymuseum.org
The award-winning Heritage Centre is the ideal place to discover history the fun way. The centre’s ‘Medieval Experience’ provides visitors of all ages the opportunity to be part of history with its medieval costumes. Become a Knight, Lord and Lady of the Manor. Relax in the picnic area and explore the medieval maze too. The centre is also the home of the towns original Mace & Seal, the oldest of their kind in Ireland. Guided tours are available for all visitors to the centre. Discover the best-preserved medieval town in Ireland and visit a place immortalized by the song ‘The Fields of Athenry’ as a town rich in history and culture. www.athenryheritagecentre.com
Kilchreest, Loughrea, Co. Galway, Ireland, H62DY00
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