Ballyvaughan, Co Clare, Ireland - Tel: +353 65 707 7005, Fax: +353 65 707 7111, email: stay@gregans.ie

Gregans Castle Hotel is situated on the N67, 3.5 miles south of Ballyvaughan and 7 miles north of Lisdoonvarna. GPS Co-ordinates: 53° 4’ 37.0” North      9° 11’ 10.4” West

Local Activities and Attractions in The Burren Area The Burren The Burren is a unique area of 270 sq. kilometres of limestone pavement and green valleys. It is rich in flora and fauna, geology, archaeology, ancient settlements and ecclesiastical sites. Man has settled here for at least six thousand years and the area has the largest concentration of stone forts, monuments and ecclesiastical sites in Ireland. Botanists come from all over the world to study the flora. Uniquely, Mediterranean, alpine and arctic flowers and plants grow side by side, the seeds having been deposited by glacier millions of years ago. This is the mystical land of disappearing rivers and lakes, closed valleys, caves and limestone pavement. The Burren Further information can be found on The Burrenbeo website. www.burrenbeo.com Each May the village of Ballyvaughan hosts a festival "The Burren in Bloom" to celebrate early summer in The Burren. For the programme please click here (PDF 383KB). There are many scenic drives around the area. In fact Gregans Castle Hotel is situated on what the Automobile Association recently described as one of the top ten scenic drives in the world. The Cliffs of Moher The most dramatic cliffs in Europe (250 metres) and home to a myriad of wildlife, many different species of birds, dolphins and the occasional whale. Beautiful views towards the Aran Islands and Conemara. There is a long cliff side walk for those who wish to brave the brisk Atlantic breeze. A new visitor centre "Atlantic Edge" opened in February 2007. Cliffs of Moher Cruises have daily 1 hour boat trips under the cliffs from Doolin and Liscannor piers. On your way back to the hotel, take the scenic coastal road to Ballyvaughan via Black Head. Golf Gregans Castle Hotel is centrally located for the world famous Lahinch (known as Ireland's St. Andrews) and Doonbeg (Greg Norman designed) golf courses. There are also a number of less well known courses in the vicinity such as Gort and Spanish Point. Brad Faxon and Davis Love III were among our recent golfing guests at Gregans Castle Hotel. Walking in The Burren Many visitors come to The Burren simply to enjoy it on foot. They comment on the spectacular views, the ancient monuments, deserted famine villages and the rare orchids. There are many walking trials to suit every ability and we can provide you with our own walking booklet which will guide you on you way. There are also a number of seashore/beach walks. A very knowledgeable walking guide is also available for full day or half day excursions. Click here for Burren Hill Walks. Sea Angling O'Callaghan Angling offers deep sea fishing off the Clare coast. Departs from Liscannor, only 15 miles from the hotel. This can also be combined with a trip to one of The Aran Islands for lunch. www.ocallaghanangling.com Tel. 065 6821374 or 086 2673704. Biking/Cycling in The Burren The quiet lanes of The Burren are ideal for biking/cycling. In fact the worlds top biking travel companies all start their Irish tours in The Burren. We have some bicycles at the hotel which Guests are free to use. Horseriding in The Burren We can recommend the following two places for Horse Riding and Pony Trekking. There are guided trails and all ages and abilities are catered for: Mountain View Horse Riding Centre, Lisdoonvarna , (8 miles). Tel. 087 6894520. email: mountainviewhorse@yahoo.co.uk Clare Equestrian Centre, Doora, Ennis (23 miles). www.clareequestrian.com Tel. 065 6843607 Clay Pigeon Shooting This can be arranged locally at the Woodlands Shooting Club near Lisdoonvarna. Tuition available. Very good facilities. Fully licensed. Joe O'Loughlin. Tel. 065 7074038. Caher Bridge Garden Located 7 miles from Gregans Castle Hotel in the midst of the stunning and relatively sheltered Caher Valley is the idyllic award winning 1 acre garden of Carl Wright. In development since 1999, this garden is a vary special escape from the excesses of modern life and offers plant lovers a beautiful showcase for rare and wonderful plants and simultaneously offers a true country cottage location that sits seamlessly into the surrounding Burren landscape. With a particular emphasis on Day Lilies, Hostas, Snowdrops and Arisemas Carl has single handedly created a plant mans haven with many plant varieties unseen anywhere else in Ireland. Admission is by appointment only and Gregans Castle Hotel is in the very fortunate position of being able to arrange visits to the garden for our guests subject to availability, with no more than 2 weeks prior notice if requested. Entrance is a very reasonable 5 euro per person and visitors are accompanied personally by Carl as they explore this hidden paradise. Lucky visitors may even get to meet the resident fox Edward! This truly is an experience not to be missed by nature, plant and garden lovers. Surfing and Rock Climbing Surfing has become hugely popular in the last number of years and is now accessible to all. Bens Surf Clinic has been up and running for three years. As well offering lessons for beginners providing all the gear, including wetsuit and boards, and we also offer those with their own gear the opportunity to learn more on their own boards at whatever level they surf at. Bens surf clinic is the only ISA approved school which can offer this advanced service. Groups in the water are kept small (max of 6) to ensure a good level of coaching and attention. We are a mobile unit so it also means we can move from beach to beach and ensure we get the best waves available at the time rather then being confined to one area. www.benssurfclinic.com Bens Rock Climbing Clinic was hugely popular last year. They provide quality climbing instructing in the beautiful Burren for all levels of climber from the complete novice to advanced levels. It’s a great alternative to surfing when there are no waves but also a great experience in it’s own right (even in the wet). www.bensrockclimbingclinic.com The Aran Islands These are a group of three islands off the coast of The Burren. They are well known for their cultural and literary history as well as their traditional way of life. Islanders still speak Gaelge as their first tongue. Doolin Ferries and Cliffs of Moher Cruises both operate a passenger ferry service to The Aran Islands from nearby Doolin (10 miles from the hotel) during the months of April to October. This is a full days activity with boats returning at approximately 5.00pm. The Aillwee Cave Only 3km from the hotel, these interesting caves are an ideal activity for a rainy day. A chance to see the subterranean Burren. See bear pits, stalactites and underground waterfalls. Sample their homemade organic cheeses, honey and fudge in their farm shop. They also have a new Birds of Prey Centre. www.aillweecave.ie Tea at Fr. Ted’s House It is a little known fact that the location for the Fr. Ted series was The Burren. Sheryl & Pat McCormack’s house near Kilnaboy was the parochial house used for the series. Afternoon tea is now offered to visitors but you must book in advance. Contact us for details. An experience not to be missed ! And while you’re at it why not visit some of the other locations such as the villages of Kilfenora, Ennistymon and the Aillwee Caves. Caherconnell Stone Fort A new visitor centre at Caherconnell Stone Fort (open from Easter 2003), situated 1km from Poulnabrone Dolmen on the main Corofin-Ballyvaughan road, offers you the opportunity to visit an exceptionally well - preserved example of the stone ring forts, which are to be found in the Burren area. Ring forts such as Caherconnell are thought to have been inhabited from 400-1200A.D. www.burrenforts.ie The Burren Perfumery & Floral Centre Ireland's oldest perfumery. Perfumery, shop, audio visual and photographic exhibition in one of the most beautiful parts of The Burren near Carron. Admission Free. They also have a nice tea rooms. Tel. 065 7089102. www.burrenperfumery.com The Burren Smokehouse Located in Lisdoonvarna. See how local salmon is smoked and purchase some to take home. Tel. 065 7074432. www.burrensmokehouse.ie We recommend the following local craft and gift shops in the Ballyvaughan area: Lillimar Main Street, Ballyvaughan Tel. 065 7077344 Also sells local art. Quinns Craft Shop Main Street, Ballyvaughan Tel. 065 7077052 Also good for a coffee. www.quinncrafts.com Linn Fashion & Gifts Main Street, Ballyvaughan Tel. 065 7077464 Also provides tourist information for Ballyvaughan and The Burren. The Russell Gallery New Quay, Burrin (on the way to Kinvara) Tel. 065 7078185 Local art and ceramics. Regular exhibitions. www.russellrakuceramics.com The Burren Crafts Fair This gathering of local crafts artists is held each Sunday from May to October at Ballyvaughan Village Hall. The Ballyvaughan Farmers Market In 2004 the farmers market was revived after an absence of many years. It is now held each Saturday from 10.00am to 2.00pm at The Village Hall. The Liscannor Stone Story & Rock Shop Fossils, gems and minerals from Liscannor and around the world. Learn all about Liscannor stone and the ancient quarrying around The Cliffs of Moher. Tel. 065 7081930. The Clare Heritage Centre Situated at Corofin, this centre will assist you in tracing your roots. Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm.Tel. 065 6837955. www.clareroots.com The Burren Centre Situated at Kilfenora and recently refurbished, this was Ireland's first interpretive centre. Excellent new audiovisual and guided display on The Burren. Tel. 065 7088030. www.theburrencentre.ie The Burren College of Art & Newtown Castle The Burren has been an inspiration to many artists. During the summer months (May to August) this internationally recognised college opens it's doors to the general public through an exciting programme of short courses and workshops. Only 3km from the hotel. More details at www.burrencollege.com Coole Park, Thoor Ballylee & The Kiltartan Museum These three attractions are all situated near the town of Gort and within a few short miles of each other. Coole Park is formerly the home of Lady Gregory and a well known meeting place of Irish literary figures in the early 20th Century including W.B. Yeats and George Bernard Shaw. The famous autograph tree with the carved initials of all these writers is still in the walled garden. The woods and lake (See the wild swans of Coole !) are beautiful for a stroll. Thoor Ballylee castle was owned by Yeats and it is also open to the public. The Kiltartan Museum is a converted schoolhouse which documents the literary history of Coole. Other Burren attractions These ancient ruined attractions can be visited at anytime: Kilfenora Cathedral and Celtic High Crosses (dating from 600ad); Corcomroe Abbey (beautiful stone carved, built 1194); Poulnabrone Dolmen (5,000 year old burial tomb); Martello Tower (built to repel the expected Napoleonic invasion); Cathair Chomain (ancient ringfort 900ad); Ballykinvarga (Iron Age Stone Fort with chevaux de frise); Leamaneh Castle (Home of the fearsome Maire Rua); Kilmacduagh Round Tower (One of the few intact round towers left in Ireland). Each year as the flowers start blooming around The Burren, the village of Ballyvaughan organises a series of illustrated talks, walks and musical events during the month of May. Seaside Villages and Local Pubs Nearby are the pretty 19th century seaside villages of Ballyvaughan and Kinvara with their harbours and traditional pubs. Kinvara hosts the annual Crinniú na mBád boating festival where you can see the traditional Galway Hooker sailing boats. O'Lochlain's Pub in Ballyvaughan which has hardly changed in 100 years is not to be missed. Doolin which is famous for Irish music is only 14km away. At Kilfenora, Vaughan's Pub hosts traditional Irish Set Dancing every Thursday and Sunday nights. Market Towns and Medieval Galway The lovely old market towns Ennis and Ennistymon with their old shopfronts are nearby. Each May Ennis hosts the internationally famous Fleadh Nua music festival. Medieval Galway City is only 50 minutes drive to the north. Wander the narrow streets and soak up the atmosphere of Ireland's most vibrant and artistic city. The famous international Galway Arts Festival, Galway Film Fleadh and Galway Races are held here each July. Further afield is the Georgian city of Limerick, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, the beautiful mountains of Connemara and the rugged coast of West Clare. Local Maps and Guidebooks A selection of informative local maps and books are available for sale at the Hotel Reception or online from local publisher Tir Eolas, www.tireolas.com

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