| This trip has to be at the top of your itinerary if you | | | | signposts for Doolin, where you can get a boat ride |
| fly into Shannon International Airport, as this route is | | | | out to the islands. |
| easily accessible from there. So, before you get your | | | | The next part of your journey is a beautiful coastal |
| flight, hire a car, so that when you arrive at the | | | | drive from Lisdoonvarna to Ballyvaughan, which |
| airport you can beat the car hire queues and spend | | | | should take you just over half an hour. But you might |
| more time exploring the countryside! | | | | be tempted to pull over quite a bit to admire the |
| This driving route is roughly about 140km (if you end | | | | superb views of the Ocean and the Aran Islands. A |
| up in Ennis town); you can also have the option of | | | | good viewing spot on this stretch of the journey is |
| continuing onto Galway or coming back to Limerick | | | | at 'Black Head', which overlooks the breathtaking |
| city. | | | | Galway Bay and the hills of Connemara in the |
| Once you collect your car at Shannon Airport, make | | | | distance. |
| for the N18 to Ennis, which is about 20km away. This | | | | A short drive from Black Head will bring you to |
| is the main road to Galway city. If you're making | | | | Ballyvaughan, a picturesque little fishing harbour at the |
| your way from the east, north or southwest, follow | | | | shores of Galway Bay. It has some nice traditional |
| directions for Ennis. | | | | Irish pubs and some good seafood restaurants. |
| Exit Ennis on the N85 and head for Ennistymon, | | | | As you leave the town look for signposts for Aillwee |
| which will take you half an hour's drive through the | | | | Cave. It is just one of many caves under the Burren |
| beautiful rugged countryside of County Clare. | | | | which was carved out of limestone during the Ice |
| Ennistymon is a picturesque town located on a river | | | | Age. You can take a guided tour through the |
| in a wooden glen. | | | | passageway and even see the remains of Bear |
| Next, to the town of Lahinch - one of the country's | | | | bones! When you are finished in the caves, you can |
| best-loved seaside resorts with a golden sandy | | | | visit the farm shop, the garden centre, take a |
| beach, a world championship links course and endless | | | | mountain walk or see cheese being made. Another |
| opportunities for outdoor activities and water sports | | | | attraction to see not too far away is the |
| - especially surfing. | | | | Poulnabrone Dolmen, which dates back to about |
| As you drive along on the R478 coastal road you're | | | | 3,200BC! |
| next stop will be the majestic Cliffs of Moher , which | | | | Continue south on the R476 and you'll see Leamaneh |
| are truly a sight to behold - so get that camera | | | | Castle, which can be admired from the roadside. This |
| ready! As you stand at the edge of the cliffs about | | | | ruined 15th century castle and manor house was the |
| 214 metres above the raging waters and look out | | | | residence of the O'Brien Clan and is steeped in a very |
| over the Atlantic Ocean, you can see the Aran | | | | long and eventful history. |
| Islands, Galway Bay and the Twelve Pins Mountain | | | | Back on the R476 again until you come to Killinaboy |
| Range. To learn lots more about the ocean, rocks | | | | where you'll find a Sheela-na-Gig over the door of a |
| and nature of this area, visit the nearby "Atlantic | | | | 12th century church. |
| Edge" interpretive centre. | | | | Follow the R476 from Killinaboy and you will finish up |
| Back on the R478 again and you'll come to | | | | back in the town of Ennis. Ennis is the county town |
| Lisdoonvarna - a town famous for its annual | | | | of Clare, which developed around a Franciscan Friary |
| Matchmaking Festival. It has plenty of pubs where | | | | as a market town. It's a pleasant town to stroll |
| you are sure to come across a traditional Irish music | | | | around with its narrow windy streets and old historic |
| session and the town is also renowned for having | | | | buildings. |
| Ireland's oldest Spa, which uses mineral waters rich in | | | | You are sure to have returned to Ennis at this stage, |
| iron, sulphur and calcium. | | | | with the most fantastic photos and lots of |
| You are now in the Burren, translated as Boireann - a | | | | unforgettable memories, be it standing at the Cliffs |
| rocky place. The Burren is a magnet for | | | | of Moher overlooking the raging waters of the |
| archaeologists, botanists and geologists and people | | | | Atlantic Ocean, or walking the lunar landscape of the |
| from all corners of the globe who come to admire its | | | | Burren and admiring its unusual flora and fauna. It |
| unique karst surface. If this distinctive landscape has | | | | could be mingling with the locals and enjoying the |
| you intrigued you can go to Kilfenora (R476 from | | | | 'craic' in a bar in Lisdoonvarna, or walking the golden |
| Lisdoonvarna), where you'll find The Burren Centre. | | | | sands of Lahinch. Whatever you get up to you are |
| Should you want to visit the Aran Islands, follow | | | | sure to enjoy this fantastic day out. |
