Doolin Cave & Aillwee Cave

Doolin Cave is home to a wondrous geological phenomenon, The Great Stalactite. Measuring almost 7 m in length, it is one of the largest free hanging stalactites in the world and the longest stalactite in the Northern Hemisphere. Even more impressive is that it is held on by a section of calcite less than 0.3 m square.

Journey Information:

Journey time from The Lodge at Doonbeg, approximately 45 minutes. 

Whilst in the Doolin area, you may also want to visit the Doolin Crafts Gallery Doolin Crafts Gallery, a unique shopping experience featuring anything from women’s designer scarves to contemporary pottery and even a restaurant with wonderful home cooked meals.

Aillwee Cave

Aillwee Cave, Ireland’s Premier Showcave – a very special place in the heart of the Burren. The story of Aillwee Cave began millions of years ago when the landscape was very different to that which we see today. The cave began to form when streams sinking underground on Aillwee Mountain started dissolving channels through the lines of weakness in the limestone. Aillwee Cave is one of the most ancient caves in the Burren and perhaps in Ireland.

Expert guides will accompany and inform you during your leisurely tour through beautiful caverns, over bridged chasms, under weird formations and alongside the thunderous waterfall. Marvel at the frozen waterfall and explore the hibernation chambers of long extinct brown bears. Follow the trail up Aillwee Mountain and explore the ecological wealth and diversity that the Burren has to offer. Take a walk through our Hazel Wood where the hazel trees are managed by a technique known as coppicing. At the Farm Shop, watch cheese being made.

The Burren Birds of Prey & Educational Centre – set against the most stunning backdrops the Burren can offer – home to Eagles, Buzzards, Falcons, Hawks, Vulture and Owls from all over the globe. Open fronted aviaries provide an opportunity to see these amazing birds up close and personal. Daily flying displays provide a unique opportunity to see these magnificent birds in dramatic free flight. Many visitors will get an opportunity to handle the birds during the shows.

Journey Information:

Journey time from The Lodge at Doonbeg, approximately 70 miuntes.