The Burren is a fascinating part of Ireland, a truly unique place.  There are incredible panoramas with castles and ruins, dolmens,  standing stones, forts and portal tombs, 

You can’t see it, but under the Burren is networked with caves.

Caves in the Burren – A Different Visit to Ireland

Cave in the Burren
Photo by Sometimes Incoherent

Water drains into these cracks and creates caves, forming an extensive network. More than 31 miles have been mapped.

The Great Stalactite in Doolin Cave - Caves in the Burren – A Different Visit to Ireland

The Great Stalactite in Doolin Cave in the Burren, Ireland
Photo by Rene Scaunce

Poll an Ionain is a limestone cave near Doolin in County Clare. It has the longest free-hanging stalactite in Europe, the third longest in the world.

Stalactites in Aillwee Cave - Caves in the Burren – A Different Visit to Ireland

Stalactites in Aillwee Cave
Photo by Charles W Glynn

Aillwee Cave

Aillwee Cave tour includes extraordinary stalactites, stalagmites, and other rock formations.

Waterfall in Aillwee Cave - Caves in the Burren – A Different Visit to Ireland

Waterfall in Aillwee Cave
Photo by Marvin Vells

Aillwee Cave has a spectacular underground waterfall.

There are also traces of brown bears in Aillwee Cave. Brown Bears have been extinct in Ireland for more than a thousand years. Cave explorers found signs that Brown Bears hibernated in Aillwee Cave, where the temperature stays at 50 degrees Fahrenheit all year.

There is also a café and gift shop.

The Underground Burren
More about Poll an Ionain, Doolin Cave and Aillwee Cave >