Burren in Bloom
Accommodation
M a y 2 0 0 8 P r o g r a mm e
(Area code 065)
Hotels
Tel/Email
Burren Coast Hotel
Gregans Castle Hotel Hylands Burren Hotel 7083000
[email protected]
7077005
[email protected]
7077037 [email protected]
Guest Houses
Ballyvaughan Lodge
Cappabhaile House
Drumcreehy House
Rusheen Lodge
7077292
[email protected]
7077260
[email protected]
7077377
[email protected]
7077092
[email protected]
Bed & Breakfast
Burren View
Coolshine Cottage
Dolmen Lodge
Gentian Villa
Nead Aoibhinn
Logues Lodge
Loughrask Lodge
Ocean Ville
Rockhaven
Teach McCoillte
7083083
[email protected]
7077163
[email protected]
7077202
[email protected]
7077042
7077050
7077003
[email protected]
7077151
[email protected]
7077051
7074454
7083991
teacmccoillte.
B
allyvaughan village is situated between the hills of the Burren
and the southern coastline of Galway Bay. Ballyvaughan
(O’Behan’s Town) developed as a fishing community from the 19th
century. A castle site and celtic ringfort hint at earlier habitation of
this sheltered bay.
Today this community welcomes visitors to the Burren region.
Each year, botanists and naturalists roam this lunar landscape
searching for the Arctic, Alpine and Mediterranean plants which grow
in profusion over the limestone pavements.
The Burren is renowned for its archaeology. Ballyvaughan is
surrounded by megalithic tombs such as Poulnabrone Dolmen, celtic
ringforts, medieval churches and castles.
From Ballyvaughan visitors can explore this unique landscape
by car or bicycle or by hiking over its many hills. The karst terrain
hides caves and caverns, such as Aillwee Cave, which is open to
the public all the year round. The beaches and coastline around
Ballyvaughan are ideal for swimming, kayaking, boating and are rich
fishing grounds. The village and its surroundings offer exclusive and
comfortable accommodation to relax in and there are numerous fine
restaurants for dining and pubs where regular traditional Irish music
sessions can be enjoyed.
Many visitors come to Ballyvaughan to stroll along its shorelines
and its many ‘green roads,’ and absorb the living spirit and peaceful
solitude of Ireland’s most scenic wilderness.
Cover photo courtesy of Shannon Development.
Ballyvaughan Celebration
Ballyvaughan
VILLAGE
CAPITAL of the BURREN
T
he Burren is at its most splendid in May. Those of
us lucky enough to live here invite you to share this
unique and wonderful place. We have put together
a series of events to enrich your experience in the
Burren and to welcome you into our community in
Ballyvaughan.
A series of illustrated talks by leading botanists
and environmentalists will help you understand this
unique landscape: weekly guided walks will focus on
the flowers in the National Park and help you identify
its many species; Jim, a local historian will lead
walking tours of the village, while those interested
in learning about the archaeology of this iconic
landscape are invited to car pool and join Donal on
his weekly excursions.
If you have escaped to participate in a painting
or photography workshop or to attend the annual
Burren Law School at the Burren College of Art, you
can be happy in the knowledge that other family
members will have no shortages of activities to
entertain them!
Life goes on for us in Ballyvaughan – even during
the tourist season. Come join us at our annual familyfun sports day: challenge your fitness levels and take
part in the Burren Walking Marathon: listen to the
symphony of birdsong on Dawn Chorus morning.
At the end of an active day, enjoy music – from
traditional to jazz – in our cosy pubs and restaurants.
And the good news… most of these activities are
free. We offer you our talents and time to make your
holiday in Ballyvaughan memorable.
Please come and join us!!
For more information, contact the local
Tourist point at (065) 7077464
www.ballyvaughanireland.com
Email: [email protected]
This is a community led project by the Ballyvaughan
Development Group.
May Eve at Hylands Burren Hotel
Stories and folklore with Irish music
Wednesday 30th 6.30pm
Eddie Lenihan
With traditional music and dance
Illustrated talks on the historical and botanical richness
of the Burren at the Burren College of Art 8.30pm
A wildflower and Lichen walk Keelhilla (Slieve Carron) National Nature
Reserve
Wednesday 21st Led by Sharon Parr and Stephen ward
A wildflowers walk in the Burren National Park
Wednesday 28th Led by Stephen Ward
The Burren - A Rocky Place
Tuesday 6th – George Sevastopulo
Dawn Chorus walk
Meet at Spar Village Store – Sunday 11th meet at 5.15am
Leader Gordon D’Arcy
Champagne Breakfast* afterwards at Hyland’s Burren Hotel 7.30am
Through the Burren with
Raymond Piper and Richard Hayward
Thursday 8th – Paul Clements
History and Folklore tours of Ballyvaughan village
Each Tuesday in May, meet at Church car park10.30am
Guided Tours by Jim Hyland
Orchids of the Burren
Tuesday 13th Susan Sex
Burren Marathon Walk*
Meet at the Burren Coast Hotel
Saturday 24th at 9.00am
Afterwards at the Burren Coast Hotel
Jazz with Freddie and the Dreamers 5pm -7pm
An exploration of the Bat population of Co. Clare
Followed by Bat walk
Thursday 15th - David Lyons
In touch with mystery, the Holy Wells of the Burren
Tuesday 20th - Tony Kirby
The Burren- Flowers of summer
Thursday 22nd - Mary Angela Keane
Other Events
Burren Circuit. Vintage and Classic Cars Run
Meet at Mooney's Service Station
Monday 5th May at 12am
A historical journey through the Burren
Tuesday 27th - Bill Mc Inerney
Burren Journeys. A guided circuit of the Treasures, Sights and Sites
of our iconic landscape
On the Tuesday 6th, Thursday 8th, Tuesday 13th and Thursday 15th
Departing Spar Supermarket at 11.00am, return approximately 4.00pm
The living Burren
Thursday 29th - Brendan Dunford
Village Family Fun Sports Day
May 4th 12.30pm Community Field, all welcome
Walking in the Burren
Guided tours*
Burren Hill Walks: Shane Connolly (065) 7077168
Burren Wild walks; John Connelly (087) 8779565
Heart of Burren walks: Tony Kirby (087) 2925487
Burren College of Art
Burren Law School*
East meets west - A clash of cultures
A contemporary and Brehon perspective
Director: Senator Ivana Bacik
Friday 2nd – Sunday 4th
Burren College of Art Workshops*
Monday 12th – Friday16th
Painting in the Burren Landscape
Tutor: Trevor Geoghegan
Botanical Painting
Tutor: Susan Sex
Digital Photography
Tutor: Martina Cleary
Information at: www.burrencollege.ie
Guided Walks of the Burren
All walks start at 2.00pm Meet at Spar duration approximately 3hours
Walks suitable for families and children who enjoy walking and natural history. Please bring weather proof clothing and suitable footwear providing
ankle support
A wildflower and Lichen walk Keelhilla (Slieve Carron) National Nature Reserve
Wednesday 7th Led by Sharon Parr and Stephen Ward
A wildflowers walk in the Burren National Park
Wednesday 14th Led by Stephen ward
Burren in Bloom Grand Finale
Buds of May Barbecue Music and Dance*
Burren House, Whitethorn Restaurant
Saturday 31st May at 7.30pm
* Fee Applies