Aillwee Burren Experience

Aillwee Burren Experience
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Aillwee Burren Experience photo 1
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About

A multi-award-winning Burren destination combining a 350-million-year-old show cave, free-flying birds of prey, and artisan cheese-making — all on a terraced hillside with sweeping views of Galway Bay.

Things to Do

Aillwee Cave Guided Tour

A 45-minute guided walk through 850 metres of illuminated underground passages, with bridged chasms, an underground waterfall, a frozen waterfall, and ancient calcite formations. See the famous brown bear remains (dated 10,500–4,500 years old) and hibernation pits. The cave is a constant 10°C — dress warmly and wear sturdy shoes. Tours depart regularly throughout the day; you'll be assigned the next available slot on arrival.

Aillwee Cave Guided Tour

Birds of Prey Flying Displays

Daily flying displays — scheduled at 11:30am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm in peak season — showcase eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, and vultures in free flight against the dramatic Burren landscape. Expert handlers guide each 45-minute display. Explore the aviaries before or after the show to see the birds up close. Note: displays are outdoors and may be affected by extreme weather.

Private Hawk Walk

A one-hour private falconry experience flying a Harris Hawk through Aillwee's ancient hazel woodlands. Learn to handle, release, and recall the hawk under expert guidance. €120 per person, includes the cave tour and birds of prey centre entry. Scheduled at 10am daily (and 4:30pm April–October). Minimum age 10. Requires 24–48 hours' advance booking. Not suitable for children under 10, though they may spectate.

Farm Shop & Burren Gold Cheese

Watch award-winning Burren Gold Cheese being made using traditional methods, then sample the results. The farm shop also stocks local artisan products: St Tola's goat cheese, Burren Smokehouse salmon, Anam Coffee, Clare Jams, and more. Don't miss the handmade fudge — flavours include Chocolate Mint Swirl, Atlantic Sea Salt Caramel, and the customer-favourite Burren Crunch. Cheese-making runs April through October.

Woodland Biodiversity Walk

A self-guided trail through native hazel woodland on the hillside behind the cave. Discover the unique flora, fauna, and karst geology of the Burren at your own pace. The elevated position also offers panoramic views over Galway Bay.

Plan Your Visit

  • Hours: Main season (28 Mar–4 Oct 2026): daily 10am–5pm, last cave tour 5pm. Flying displays at 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm. Off-peak hours vary — in Jan–Feb 2026, Mon–Fri 10am–2pm, Sat–Sun 10am–4pm. Check the website for current seasonal times.
  • Admission: Adults €28, children (5–17) €18, under-5s free. Family tickets from €62 (2A+1C) to €92 (2A+4C). Student/OAP €26. Hawk Walk €120 (includes cave + birds of prey).
  • Parking: Free on-site car and coach parking, approximately 50m from the entrance. Disabled parking available.
  • Food: Takeaway coffee, tea, and refreshments from the Farm Shop Coffee Stop. The Farm Shop sells Burren Gold Cheese, handmade fudge, and local artisan produce for picnics. For full meals, Ballyvaughan village (4km away) has seafood restaurants, cafés, and pubs.

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