Aillwee Cave

Welcome to Aillwee Cave, a subterranean wonderland hidden beneath the karst landscape of the Burren in County Clare. This cave is one of the most significant geological and archaeological sites in Ireland, offering a window into…

The story of Aillwee Cave began with a simple walk in 1944. A local farmer named Jack McGann was out on the mountainside with his dog when the dog spotted a rabbit. …

As we move deeper into the cave, we come to one of its most remarkable features: the hibernation pits of the brown bear. During the excavation of the cave floor in the 1970s, researchers discovered shallow depressions in the clay. …

In this gallery, we are surrounded by the true artistry of nature: the calcite formations. Stalactites hang from the ceiling like frozen needles, while stalagmites rise from the floor to meet them. …

The sound you hear ahead is the roar of one of Aillwee's underground waterfalls. This is a dramatic reminder that the cave is still an active, living system. …

As we continue, the character of the cave changes abruptly. We leave the naturally eroded passages and enter a perfectly straight, 250-meter tunnel. …

After emerging from the cave, the experience continues on the surface. The Aillwee site is home to one of Ireland's premier Birds of Prey centres, where over 35 different raptors reside. …

Our journey through Aillwee Cave has taken us from the dawn of geological time to the modern-day conservation of the Burren’s unique ecosystem. We have followed in the footsteps of Jack McGann, felt the phantom presence of…

Our journey through Aillwee Cave has taken us from the dawn of geological time to the modern-day conservation of the Burren’s unique ecosystem. We have followed in the footsteps of Jack McGann, felt the phantom presence of…