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Location
Ballyvaughan , Co. Clare
History
 The Burren in County Clare is a famous outcrop of limestone on the West coast of Ireland where, for millions of years, rain and rivers have intricately carved holes and caves. Of these, the Aillwee Cave near Ballyvaughan is the most spectacular. Among the oldest caves in Ireland, Aillwee was once home to a raging underground river fed by streams seeping through the porous limestone of Aillwee Mountain. Calcite deposits have formed spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations throughout the cave system. It is believed that bears, extinct in Ireland for over a 1000 years, may have hibernated in the caves - the bones of a bear have been excavated from one of the chambers. First discovered in the 1940s, the original showcave opened to the public in 1976. Further exploration has revealed more tunnels and chambers including Bear Haven and Midsummer Cavern.
Opening Times
March 8 to November 8 Open all year round 10:00 - 17:30
July and August 10:00 - 18:30
Last tour 30 minutes before closing
Visit Length
2hr 30mins
Admission
No Admission Fees available
Information
Leaflets: Yes Guided Tours: Yes Audio Visual: Yes Exhibition: Yes
Facilities
Restaurant: Yes Car Park: Yes Coach Park: Yes Disabled Access: Yes
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