Ailwee Burren Experience

Ailwee Burren Experience

Review

Tucked into the heart of the Burren, the Ailwee Burren Experience is far more than just its world-famous caves. Just nine years after welcoming their first visitors underground, the team opened a farm shop and began crafting the award winning Burren Gold Cheese. Working closely with a local farmer, they’ve created a true taste of the Burren, with artisan cheeses that tell their own delicious story. Outside, the renowned Bird of Prey Centre adds another unforgettable dimension to your visit. In the purpose built arena you’ll watch hawks, owls and falcons sweep over the limestone landscape while expert handlers share their deep connection to the iconic Burren Geopark. The hugely popular Hawk Walks, which must be advisably booked in advance, let you don the glove and feel a hawk land on your arm. Even better, Hawk Walk tickets include free entry to the Bird of Prey Centre and the caves.

Caves

Ailwee Caves, at the heart of the Aillwee Burren Experience, are a shining example of how vision and perseverance can shape an Irish icon. This family-run attraction began when Mícheál Mulqueeney, a Kilfenora schoolteacher, and Roger Johnson, a Nottingham geologist, first opened the showcaves to the public back in 1976. Little did they realise they were creating what was to become one of Ireland’s true jewels in its crown. Today, the caves are just one chapter of a much bigger story, with the team skillfully guiding the business through changing times. As you wander through vast caverns and echoing passageways, your knowledgeable guide brings the underground world to life and happily answers any questions. And if there’s something they don’t know, they’ll make it their mission to find out before you leave. Ailwee Caves thoroughly deserves its place among Ireland’s Top 100 Attractions once more and for generations to come.