Aillwee Cave – A timeless journey into the heart of the Burren.
Aillwee Cave is over 1 million years old, making it one of the most ancient caves in the Burren and perhaps in Ireland. Yet it remained a secret until 1940, when local farmer Jacko McGann followed his dog inside and from there the story of Aillwee began.
The earliest history of the cave is preserved in its roof. In the roof of “Mud Hall” are numerous twisting tunnels cut into the rock. These channels (anatomoses) were formed in a bedding plane above a layer of mud in the limestone by a small underground stream.
Over the millennia one of these tiny channels became enlarged into an almost circular tube filled with fast moving water, the remains of this half tube are to be seen throughout the full length of the cave indicated the route of the major fast flowing water course, gradually the underground stream cut itself in a deep trench in the rock perhaps 20-30m deep.
The ice and snow all vanished over the years, the stream ceased to flow and gradually the cave walls in the canyonlike trench began to decay. Great blocks fell from the walls and mud was washed in, creating a floor. Stalactites and stalagmites started to form and the cave began to look as we see it today.
In the largest cavern in the cave known as “The Highway”, an awe-inspiring waterfall roars to life. This natural wonder is visible during guided tours, especially after heavy rain when the waterfall can become particularly powerful.
Aillwee Cave is home to one of Ireland’s rarest bat species – the Lesser Horseshoe Bat. Found only along the west coasts of Ireland and Britain, these tiny creatures are masters of hibernation – slowing their heart rates to just 1 beat every 30 minutes.
Aillwee Cave was once home to hibernating European Brown Bears. Excavations revealed bear remains from 4,500 to 10,500 years old. These bears have been extinct in Ireland for 3,000 years.
Today at Aillwee, visitors can enjoy a 45-minute guided tour through stunning underground caverns, led by expert guides who share fascinating stories along the way.
Highlights of the tour include walking over bridged chasms and under surreal rock formations.
After the tour, visitors return to the surface to explore the unique gift shop with locally inspired products.
Wander through the Hazel Woodland before entering the Birds of Prey Centre to enjoy a mesmerising flying display from the resident raptors. Finishing off with a visit to the Farmshop to see the award-winning Burren Gold gouda style cheese being made by the onsite cheesemakers where sampling of the cheese and homemade fudge is encouraged.
Opening Times
Open Daily (please check website for current opening times: https://aillweeburrenexperience.ie/opening-times-prices/
Contact details
Website: www.aillweecave.ie
Telephone: +353 65 7077 036
Email: info@aillweecave.ie
Address:
Aillwee Cave
Ballyvaughan
Co. Clare
Ireland
Facilities
- Guide Dogs Only
- Open All Year
- Nature Trail
- Car Parking
- Gift Shop
- Coffee Shop
- Farm Shop
- Licensed