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WALKING

The Burren Way never fails to captivate its visitors. The jagged terrain of this uniquely beautiful part of Ireland and the majestic Cliffs of Moher (views to the Aran Islands) are two of the delights of this wonderful ramble amongst hills and turloughs.
The Route: Ballyvaughan, Ballinalacken, Doolin, Lahinch.
Distance: 45 km/28 miles.


Forest Walks
Gragan's Wood between Lisdoonvarna and Ballyvaughan has a lay-by, picnic site, forest walks and viewing points.


Beaches
There is nothing more refreshing and invigorating than a walk along the ocean, with the winds sweeping in from the Atlantic. There is a safe and sandy beach at Bishops Quarter.

HORSE RIDING

The Burren is an ideal region to explore on horseback. There are many options including lake and beach trails, and also the ancient Burren Highways or "Green Roads". Day-long, three-day and week-long trails are available. The Burren Riding Centre in Fanore offers pony trekking along the beach.

CAVING

The Burren is a paradise for cavers. The Doolin Cave System (over 10.5 kilometres long) has many active underground rivers flowing through the limestone. Local guides are available to novices. Poll an Ionain boasts an impressive stalectite, which according to the Guinness Book of Records is the longest free hanging stalactite in the world at 7 metres in length. Poll na Gollum (Poll na gColm - cave of doves), near Ballyvaughan has nearly 12 km of charted passageways available to the experienced caver.

CYCLING

The wide-open spaces, coastal routes and Burren hills are also ideal for cycling, with bike rental outlets in many towns including Ballyvaughan.

WATERSPORTS

On the Southern shores of Galway Bay, Ballyvaughan harbour offers pleasure craft including an expanding sailing fleet and is a starting point for boat trips to the islands.
Lahinch is a popular spot for surfing, with equipment hire available locally. Lahinch also has an indoor pool and leisure centre, as does Bellharbour.
The clean clear waters off the Atlantic coast are perfect snorkeling and scuba diving. A little further afield, there are shark, skate and tope to test the mettle of the deep sea enthusiast. Diving tuition and facilities are available in Doolin and Kilkee. Groups are accompanied by qualified dive leaders and a fully equipped dive safety boats.
River Ocean Kayak offer sea kayaking trips in Galway Bay from 1/2 to 2 Days. Classes can be organised for those wishing to improve their kayaking skills. Equipment supplied.

FISHING

The Clare coast line is famous for it's shore angling for pollock, bass and mackerel.
The gentle waters of Galway Bay are a haven for sea fishing. Ballyvaughan is a local angling centre, with boat and equipment hire are available.

GOLF

The coastal grandeur and unspoiled greenery of County Clare, easily lends itself to the relaxing game of golf. Here you will find 11 quality courses, each one uniquely challenging and with a character that is visually exciting. Golfers visiting Clare can test their skills on the windswept dunes of a championship links, challenge the water-traps and other hazards of new courses created by some of the world's most famous designers or just play a relaxing eighteen holes on a mature parkland of tree-lined fairways.
Nearby Gort golf course is only about €20 per round.

CRUISING

Take a boat trip from Doolin to the mystical Aran Islands, which feature cliffs, incredible rugged landscapes, ancient forts and other prehistoric relics.
Cliffs of Moher Cruises offer boat trip along the Cliffs of Moher, departing from Liscannor and Doolin.
Alternatively, why not visit the 100 bottlenose dolphins living in the Shannon Estuary?

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