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Stornoway (Scotland)
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$$$
ITINERARY (Full Day)
Ballyvaughan Farmers Market
Aillwee Cave Bird of Prey Centre
Aillwee Cave
Aillwee Cave Farmshop
nugget’s Advice
Prepare in advance
Order caving and birds of prey ticket bundle online in advance to save money.
Good to know
It's Ireland—there's no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes.
Recommended day/time
The Ballyvaughan Farmers Market is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
Recommended time of the year
The Ballyvaughan Farmers Market runs May-Oct. Cave and Birds of Prey is open year-round but winter might be too cold to enjoy.
About This Day
Visit County Clare, Ireland and take in the natural beauty of The Burren. Its excellent local attractions makes this a day that has something for everyone in the family. Head to Aillwee Cave for a family-friendly spelunking adventure that is also suitable for wee nuggets. Afterwards, continue over to the Aillwee Cave Bird of Prey Centre, where the well-looked-after birds of prey are simply majestic. Starting the day at the Ballyvaughan Farmers Market and ending it at the Aillwee Cave Farmshop guarantees nobody goes hungry!
Ballyvaughan Farmers Market
, Ballyvaughan
FREE
The Ballyvaughan Farmers Market is a small market with a wide array of produce, food and high-quality crafts. The vendors are super friendly. It’s a great lunch stop en route to the Aillwee Cave Bird of Prey Centre. Our kids loved the gluten-free crêpes. My favorite was the german bratwurst on irish bread roll - yum!
DIRECTIONS
The Ballyvaughan Farmers Market is held in the village hall and car park which makes it hard to miss. Ballyvaughan itself is located on the N67 road on the south shores of Galway Bay, in the northwest corner of the Burren.
TIP
Don't be afraid to ask for samples. There are only a few tables and chairs, so be prepared to eat on the go. Don't buy cheese here; there’s a great opportunity to get some at the Ailwee Cave Farmshop.
Aillwee Cave Bird of Prey Centre
Unnamed Road, Ballyvaughan
$$$
Seeing these majestic creatures up close and personal at the Aillwee Cave Bird of Prey Centre was such a treat for the kids. The passionate staff, who genuinely care about the birds’ well-being, made it all the more enjoyable. Do not miss the live flying display—it's breathtaking!
DIRECTIONS
Five minute drive from the farmers market. Well signposted.
TIP
Some of the hawks are on perches (not in cages), so make sure your little ones don't get too close. Only sit on the upper-left stand (as you look at the seating) for the live flying display if you don't mind being brushed with the birds’ wings as they fly overhead.
Aillwee Cave
Unnamed Road, Ballyvaughan
$$$
The 35 minute tour of the caves is perfect for toddlers (as long as they aren't afraid of the dark). Aillwee Cave is not the most awe-inspiring natural wonder, but it is lots of fun and a nice, safe way to experience caving with the family.
DIRECTIONS
Aillwee Cave is a quick drive up the hill from the Bird of Prey Centre to the car park for the cave itself.
TIP
It's chilly and damp inside the cave (ten degrees celsius all year round) so bring a warm sweater.
Aillwee Cave Farmshop
Unnamed Road,
$$$
The Aillwee Cave farmshop has a delicious selection of handmade cheeses, that you can sample, as well as other deli-esque sauces, jams and snacks. They also make smoothies.
DIRECTIONS
The Aillwee Cave farmshop is just across the path from the Bird of Prey Centre, inside the Aillwee Cave complex.
TIP
The signature garlic and nettle cheese is yum!
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