Ballyvaughan
Ballyvaughan is in Burren, a region of County Clare, Ireland.
Get in
Ballyvaughan is located on the N67 and can be reached by car or by a bus service from Limerick or Galway. People using public transport from Dublin can travel to either Galway or Limerick and take Bus Eireann to Ballyvaughan. Those using public transport from Shannon can take the bus from Limerick and change in Ennis for the Lisdoonvarna bus which is 10 miles away from Ballyvaughan. The best option is to continue to Galway from Shannon and there connect with the Doolin bus which passes through Ballyvaughan.
Get around
The village itself is very small and so no transport is needed. However, one of the main attractions of Ballyvaughan is its location in the Burren, and transport (car or bicycle) is essential to enjoy this unique landscape fully.
See
The village is itself is quite pretty and there is a small picturesque harbour. The surrounding countryside is beautiful, on a drive south into Burren, via either the R480 or the N67. The views from Corkscrew Hill, on the N67, are particularly impressive. The Aillwee Caves, located just off the R480, are worth a visit as is the Poulnabrone dolmen.
Do
There isn't a lot to 'do' in Ballyvaughan (it's a place to 'be' really) with the only tourist attraction as such being the Burren Exposure exhibition - it also houses a shop and café. The O'Brien Castle at the Burren College of Art is worth a visit. There is a wealth of archaeological remains throughout the surrounding countryside. Tim Robinson's map "The Burren" is an extraordinary companion. It can be bought in the giftshop behind Spar supermarket.
Buy
There are a couple of craft shops in the village. They mainly sell the usual range of stuff. There is also a pharmacy, a petrol station, and a small supermarket in the village.
Eat
There are several Tea Rooms in the village.
- Hyland's Hotel.
- Monks Pub.
- Gregans Castle Hotel, Ballyvaughan (On N67, 5km south of village), ☎ +353 65 707-7005. 12:30-21:00. Lunch and afternoon tea are served in The Corkscrew Bar. The dining room is open for dinner from 18:00-21:00 daily.
Drink
Sleep
- Whitethorn Holiday Homes. Comprises of three cottages, located on the sea front, just 1.5 km from Ballyvaughan village and 1.5 km from the beach.
- Gregans Castle Hotel (On N67 5 km south of village), ☎ +353 65 707-7005. 4 star family run country house hotel overlooking Galway Bay and Burren mountains.
Go next
You can hitch a ride with a truck driver and get out of the town. Travel over the rocky roads of Clare and be sure to look at your map so your not stuck in with the gobbles.