Aillwee Burren Experience is located in the heart of the Burren Region of Clare, overlooking the Wild Atlantic Way route. It has an array of activities, tours, and shops to keep the whole family happily entertained for a full day out. If you were ever thinking of going, take this as a sign to jump in your car and head to Clare for a fantastic day out you won't forget. Caves, birds, cheese and fudge, what more could anyone want?
First stop - the Cave. One of the oldest caves in Ireland, Aillwee will give you a unique experience as you discover the wonders of the Burren's underground landscape over the 45-minute guided tour. The tour route has eight stops that are explained concisely by the expert guides who are full of knowledge and who are willing to answer any questions you have about the underground terrain. You will pass bear hibernation chambers and be able to hear their growls that echo off of the walls of the cave! Waterfalls will accompany your walk as you go over bridges and down steps to further enter the depths of the cave. If you're feeling brave, your guide will turn off the lights that illuminate the pathways so you can fully experience the complete natural darkness the cave would have been in when it was first discovered. When you are 500 meters in, the deepest into the cave as travellers can venture, you will begin your journey back into the light and return to the safety of the Aillwee gift shop.
Second stop - the Farm Shop. Depending on what time you toured the caves, you might have a small gap before the birds of prey demonstration begins. Or maybe all that cave exploring left you hungry. There is no need to fear as the Farm Shop is full to the brim with delicious food to keep you going. Made by local people and using ingredients sourced within the Burren Region, the Burren Gold Cheese is there for you to sample at the Farm Shop. Taste several different varieties of the cheese before choosing your select few to bring home from your trip. If you have more of a sweet tooth, you will be excited to hear that the Farm Shop has something for you too! Fudge is also made at Aillwee, and has been for the past 25 years. Indulge in this sweet treat paired with a coffee as you walk through the Hazel Woodland hike and wait for the next activity on your daytrip list to begin.
Third stop - the Birds of Prey. Get up close and personal with the birds of prey experience at Aillwee. For 45-minutes witness the dynamic flying displays from the resident birds in the centre. Get close to the birds as a volunteer as they land on your arm with help from the handlers on site. If that's not for you, maintain your distance while they soar overhead in the seats that surround the outdoor arena. The staff at the centre can tell you anything you wish to know about the birds in their care and are full of love for the job they do. Aillwee are proud members of the Golden Eagle Trust and volunteered as part of a reintroduction programme which helped to care for the last group of Red Kites brought into Ireland for their re-introduction in North County Dublin and County Wicklow. The work they do is fantastic, so make sure you see and hear about it for yourself.
All of this can be experienced in one place - Aillwee Burren Experience is awaiting your arrival this summer as you travel along the Wild Atlantic Way!
