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Harbour village in County Clare, Ireland
Photo: August Schwerdfeger, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Ballyvaughan (Baile Uí Bheacháin, "town of Ó Beachán") is a village in County Clare, overlooking Galway Bay on the west coast of Ireland. With a population of 360 in 2022, it's a tiny straggling place but a good base for exploring the Burren region.
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Show caves, visit by guided tour. The caves were used by animals rather than humans, the cave mascot being a young brown bear from 10,000 BC that may have died while hibernating. It was one of the last bears in Ireland before they became extinct. The ticket includes the Birds of Prey Centre, with flying displays weather permitting.
Sturdy limestone ring-fort occupied from 10th-13th century AD, remarkably late for something that looks prehistoric. The centre runs a residential archaeology summer school to teach techniques, and there's also a sheepdog centre with regular demos.
Simple tasty Italian food.
Grand little pub, they really know their whiskey.
Basic camping and caravan site along the coast road.
Stylish small hotel with great dining.
Cosy welcoming B&B.
Mid-range place in village centre with 32 rooms en suite. It's well due for refurbishment.
Upscale country house hotel overlooking Galway Bay and Burren mountains, open April-Nov.
Ballyvaughan is on N67, which branches off M18 at Ennis and loops north through Ennistymon and Lisdoonvarna.
Read in the guideThe village is small, but you need wheels to reach the surrounding sights.
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Shannon · International · SNN
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