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Things to Do
There's so much to see and do around Gregans Castle Hotel. You could visit some of the area’s many renowned attractions like the Aran Islands, the Cliffs of Moher and Aillwee Cave. Or how about jigging to some traditional Irish music in the picturesque villages of Doolin and Kilfenora? You can even have tea at Father Ted's house!
If you’re looking for some activity and excitement, we can arrange horse-riding, golf, cycling, sea kayaking, rock climbing or half or full day walking excursions with a knowledgeable walking guide.
We highly recommend booking an activity or using the services of our fellow Burren Ecotourism members. These business are all independently audited for their environmental sustainability. Click here for a list of these businesses.
There are also lots of foodie experiences to be had such as an oyster tasting at Flaggy Shore Oysters, bean to bar at Hazel Mountain Chocolates, cuddle the baby goats at St. Tola Cheese Farm or get a private tour of The Burren Smokehouse.
A selection of local maps and guidebooks are available for sale at the hotel and you can take a look at the 'Places to Visit and Activities' section of this website for lots more ideas.
You can also download pdf maps here:
1. A Walk on The Burren with Shane Connolly
Get out of the car and see The Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark. Our next door neighbour and farmer Shane is really entertaining and will explain all about life in the Burren, it’s people, the flora and fauna, geology and farming. The flowers and wild orchids are one of the unique attractions of this area. The walk usually lasts about three hours (although you can also hire Shane for a full day’s private excursion). After your walk you could spend some time wandering around picturesque Ballyvaughan village. We recommend the Tea & Garden Rooms (An Fear Gorta) and The Soda Parlour (both in Ballyvaughan) for lunch or tea.
2. Polnabrone Portal Tomb
The icon of The Burren, this 6,000 year old burial tomb is now a national monument and is situated on R480. There are 130 of these in The Burren. Nearby and also worth a visit is Caherconnell Stone Fort with it’s visitor centre. Stone forts were inhabited between 400 and 1200 AD. There is a sheepdog demonstration a number of times daily. This could be followed by a visit to The Michael Cusack Centre near Carran. Michael Cusack was the founder of The G.A.A. (Gaelic Athletic Association) and the centre is a modern museum located next to the old thatched cottage where he was born.
3. St. Colmain’s Hermitage & Well
St. Colmain Mac Duach’s well and church are in a magical and remote location in the east of The Burren underneath a massive cliff called Eagle’s Rock. It’s only a 15 minute walk from the car and afterwards you can wander a couple of miles down the road for some lunch or tea at The Burren Perfumery. Later on hop over to the next valley and see the infamous Mullaghmore mountain scene of a 10 year battle to stop the Government building an interpretive centre (The Government lost). On the way you can see the Fr. Ted Parochial House on your right. Afternoon Tea is available in the house but this must be booked in advance. The madcap Fr. Ted TV series was made all around The Burren (other locations were the villages of Kilfenora, Ennistymon and The Ailwee Caves). Tel. 087 9214694.
4. The Coastal Drive From Lisdoonvarna to Ballyvaughan
The AA described this as one of the top ten scenic drives in the world ! It’s best done from south to north so start in Lisdoonvarna and set off on the coastal road R477. Before you start you could visit The Burren Smokehouse and see how they smoke their wonderful fish (we were their first customer). They have a lovely little shop and a new exhibition on the Irish Salmon. An easy spot for lunch is O’Donohues Pub in Fanore. Along the way stop off for a walk at Fanore beach or stop at the lighthouse at Black Head and sit on the rocks and look across Galway Bay to Connemara.
5. The Cliffs of Moher
This really is the obvious one and what attracts most people to the area. You don’t have to do the visitor centre with it’s interactive displays. However at least there is something to do if you arrive and the mist is being a bit stubborn. It’s now possible to take a hike there from Doolin and get the shuttle bus back down or vice versa. You can also take the boat trip under the cliffs. This goes from Doolin Pier and is organised by Doolin2Aran Ferries. It lasts only an hour and is spectacular. The afternoon is the best time when the light shines on the cliff face. Get us to book it in advance.
6. Corcomroe Abbey
The abbey which is near Bellharbour dates from 1194 and was founded by Donal O’Brien, King of Limerick. It has recently undergone extensive restoration work. The graveyard is still in use today. Afterwards pop into Stephania at The Russell Art Gallery where they have exhibitions of local artists. Then go for a walk on the flaggy shore and have a bowl of seafood chowder and a pint in Linnanes Pub at New Quay. Take the “Shuck Off” Oyster Experience next door at Flaggy Shore Oysters. Drive over to the pretty little harbour town of Kinvara and watch the old Galway Hooker boats with their red sails. On the way back call in to the Hazel Mountain Chocolates for a tasting (It’s up the hill to the left off the N67 - follow the signs).
7. Day Trip to The Aran Islands
The Aran Islands are a place rich in culture, way of life and the Irish language. Geologically they are an extension of The Burren. Day trips by boat are available from Doolin. For the big island, Inis Mor a whole day is needed with the boat leaving Doolin at 10.00am and returning at around 5.00pm. When you get there the best way to get around is to rent a pony and trap with a driver who will be your guide (or hire a bike). Inis Oirr and Inis Meain are smaller islands so you can see everything on foot.
8. Kilfenora, Ennistymon & Lahinch
The Burren Centre is located in Kilfenora village and gives a very good interpretation of what The Burren is all about. Next door is the 6th century Kilfenora Cathedral which was recently restored. Of most interest are the carved high crosses in the grounds. Meander along to Ennistymon which is a typical old 19th century Irish market town with most of the old shop fronts still intact. Visit The Cheese Press on the Main St. near AIB Bank for coffee or a bite. Two miles further on is Lahinch and if you fancy a spot of surfing the surf school will be only happy to help. Lahinch is most famous for it’s links golf course. O’Looney’s in Lahinch and Vaughan’s in Liscannor are good pubs for lunch. Moher Cottage is worth a stop for a coffee with magnificent views.
9. Ailwee Cave and Birds of Prey
A star attraction in the area is The Birds of Prey Centre at The Ailwee Cave. See the snowy owls, falcons, hawks, burrowing owls and eagle owls. Visit the farm shop where they sell their Burren Gold cheese and fudge. Then take a tour of the cave itself or climb the mountain trail behind. It’s only 3km from the hotel so if you would like to take one of our bikes please ask at reception. You could then wander down to Ballyvaughan village afterwards. On Saturdays there is a farmers market and on Sundays a Crafts Fair.
10. Doolin & Traditional Irish Music
Doolin is the unofficial capital of Irish music. Almost every day of the year music can be heard in it’s pubs (McDermott’s & McGann’s are the best). You will encounter people from all over the world. Doolin Music House has music from 7.00pm to 9.00pm in a family friendly non-pub atmosphere. Contact us to book.
If it’s Irish set dancing you want then the place to go is Vaughan’s Pub in Kilfenora on Sunday nights. If in Doolin call in to EcoTree Knitwear near Doolin church.
11. Carl Wright’s Garden
A visit to the private 2 acre garden of Carl Wright is a must for any plant lover. Situated in the beautiful Caher Valley it showcases a stunning array of native and more unusual plants. Creative stonework, water features and careful landscape design enables it to blend seamlessly into the surrounding Burren hills and Carl’s tour gives a very personal understanding of how his plant oasis came to be. A 20 minutes drive from the hotel gets you there. It is situated just before the stone bridge 2km up the small road past St Patrick’s Church in the village of Fanore which is itself situated on the R477 coastal road. Booking is essential (ask us).
To download a copy of these Things to Do, please click here
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