Ballyvaughan meaning “Town of the Beacháin”, or “Townland of the Mushrooms”, is a beautiful and colourful little fishing village on the southern shore of Galway Bay in County Clare. For further details on this picturesque village located in the rugged West of Ireland please read on….
Ballyvaughan is a busy little village with much to offer today’s traveller with a great selection of traditional Irish pubs, craft shops, and many other amenities. There is also a great selection of excellent seafood restaurants to choose from including An Fulacht Fia which offers scrumptious dishes ranging from the local catch of the day to dishes with an exotic flare.
Ballyvaughan is located on the N67 and is 39km or 24 miles from the town of Ennis. Ballyvaughan is home to the spectacular lunar landscape of The Burren which is world-renowned for its rich historical and archaeological sites. The Burren consists of limestone plateaus and rare and amazing natural foliage. The Burren attracts Botanists and naturalists from all corners of the world in search of Arctic, Mediterranean and Alpine plants that grow over and between the limestone pavements.
In 2006 a new pier and slipway was constructed in Ballyvaughan and offers a wonderful platform in which to conduct many watersports which include: boating, fishing, scuba diving and many other sea activities.
Why not check out the following article on a Self-Drvie Tour of The Burren.
The Aillwee Caves are a must when you visit County Clare. Carved out of limestone during The Ice Age, guided tours are available through the passageways where you will learn about The Ice Age and even get to see the remains of some bear bones! Onsite there is a farmshop, restaurant and garden centre. Another attraction located close by is the Poulnabrone Dolmen which dates back to about 3,200 BC!
The Burren Way Walk passes through the village of Ballyvaughan and again is a must for those who enjoy walking and hiking. This walk is surely a walker’s paradise offering heavenly views and treks suitable for all fitness levels.
Ballyvaughan is home to the Burren College of Art, which is internationally recognised, and is an Irish non-profit independent art college that specialises in graduate and undergraduate Fine Art education. Students are easily inspired by the rugged landscape, dramatic skies and natural beauty Ballyvaughan has to offer.
Each Saturday The Ballyvaughan Farmers Market descends in the local community hall offering customers an array of mouth-watering products. From the local catch of the day to homemade cheeses, jams, cakes, honey, fruit and vegetables, you name it, The Ballyvaughan Farmers Market has it all.
Fanore is a stunning blue flag beach located in Ballyvaughan and boasts stunning limestone cliffs which the area is renowned for. Fanore Beach is an anglers paradise with its rich fishing grounds, it is also renowned for its sandy beach which is very popular among walkers, surfers, kayaking, boating and all other forms of watersports.
Fanore Beach has a claim to fame as it has appeared many times on the popular Irish Television series of ‘Father Ted’!
Ballyvaughan has many reminders of times past with it many megalithic tombs, stone forts, medieval castles and churches. Today Ballyvaughan is a thriving tourism destination which is complimented by breathtaking scenery, wonderful attractions, its people, the emphasis on crafts, and of course the top attraction that is ‘The Burren’ with its unique flora and fauna.
Please check out The Ballyvaughan Development Group website for further details on Ballyvaughan.
For all your accommodation needs check out our Ballyvaughan hotels page and book a Ballyvaughan hotel securely online today. There is also an excellent choice of B&B, Guesthouse and Self-Catering accommodation to choose from.
Have you visited Ballyvaughan and The Burren? Perhaps you would like to share your experience with our readers? As always we welcome your comments. Please leave a comment in the comment box below. Thank you.
