Day 4
Distance: Approximately 99km
Morning
Heading south out of Galway city, County Clare beckons with its grey stone landscape and warm, friendly villages. Passing through the village of Ballyvaughan, the Burren unfolds with vast stretches of limestone karst pavements that tumble down to the Atlantic Ocean. The Aillwee Cave is not far from the village. An eerie underworld of caverns, waterfalls and rock formations, the 30-minute tour here is unforgettable. At the Aillwee Cave Farmshop, the award-winning Burren Gold Cheese is available for purchase. Close to the cave is the Poulnabrone Dolmen, a massive Neolithic portal tomb surrounded by stone and the pretty flowers of the Burren. Or detour to the Burren Perfumery, with cosmetics and fragrances inspired by this extraordinary region.
Just outside the town of Lisdoonvarna, the Burren Smokehouse is a great way to get an insight into the ancient tradition of smoking fish. Group bookings are available all year round, and the shop on site sells their award-winning organic Irish smoked salmon, Irish smoked mackerel and Irish smoked trout, as well as local gourmet and organic foods.
Lunch
Stop at Gus O’Connor’s pub in the famous music village of Doolin for a lunch of beef and Guinness stew or baked Atlantic salmon.
Afternoon
Stretching 8km along the coast of County Clare, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most famous visitor attractions, and are an epic sight to behold. Waves crash below, seabirds whirl above and paths wind along the cliff-edge with photo opportunities all the way. The cliffs, along with the Burren, form part of a UNESCO Global Geopark and the visitor centre is the touchpoint for information on the geology, history and wildlife of the area. A Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, Guided Cliff Walk and Cruise is available with local guide, Pat Sweeney. Visit www.cliffsofmoher.ie for prices and booking.
Evening
Overnight at the Lahinch Golf and Leisure Hotel.