Aillwee Cave
Aillwee Cave
4
10:00 - 18:00
Monday
10:00 - 18:00
Tuesday
10:00 - 18:00
Wednesday
10:00 - 18:00
Thursday
10:00 - 18:00
Friday
10:00 - 18:00
Saturday
10:00 - 18:00
Sunday
10:00 - 18:00
About
A warm welcome awaits everyone at this Multi Award Winning destination attraction. Aillwee is simply unmissable when visiting The Burren and County Clare! Unlock many secrets of The Burren through unique underground and overground experiences. Be educated, engaged and entertained on your day out at Aillwee Burren Experience! Accompany the guides to the surprising Burren underworld @ Aillwee, unlocking an intriguing, timeless story. Closely appreciate the silent and majestic Birds of Prey @ Aillwee. Daily interactive Flying Displays reveal varied Raptor species that delight and excite. The Farm Shop @ Aillwee is a ‘Hidden Gem’. Watch traditional, sustainable farmhouse methods used in creating the unique Award-Winning Burren Gold Cheese. Taste several varieties and creamy, buttery Fudge too! Sampling, of course, is encouraged! Enjoy an accessible, easy-going hike through the mature, eight-acre, native Holly, Ash and Hazel Woodland @ Aillwee.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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4.0
1,353 reviews
Excellent
559
Very good
434
Average
239
Poor
86
Terrible
35
Ann M
Kuwait1,011 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
Very good part of a long day trip. The guide was great and tons of cool stories in this 35 minute tour. It is very well lit for those of scared of dark places. The local scenery around is out of a book.
Written 27 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tony Dunne
Dublin, Ireland38 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Must visit if travelling in this part of the country .
The tour of the caves was very interesting and the guide was very professional and knowledgeable, brought a comfort and relaxed feel to the tour , putting all at ease & been patient .. roughly 45 mins long .
The birds of prey show was so informative and a great insight into these birds of prey.
Everything was done with a comfort and in relaxed safe way , encouraging people to come forward to allow birds to rest on a supplied glove .
There were shops to visit to pick up some memorabilia of the tours . Walks to go on also .. you will certainly need a few hours set aside to enjoy this experience.
The tour of the caves was very interesting and the guide was very professional and knowledgeable, brought a comfort and relaxed feel to the tour , putting all at ease & been patient .. roughly 45 mins long .
The birds of prey show was so informative and a great insight into these birds of prey.
Everything was done with a comfort and in relaxed safe way , encouraging people to come forward to allow birds to rest on a supplied glove .
There were shops to visit to pick up some memorabilia of the tours . Walks to go on also .. you will certainly need a few hours set aside to enjoy this experience.
Written 12 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CynthiaC
Charlotte, NC3 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
The combination of birds-of-prey area with the cave tour. Both were well done, informative and serve good causes of conservation and local history. We also arrived while cheese was being made in the gift shop. The nature walk was a plus.
Written 5 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Fergal M
2 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
The tour guide was extremely rude and disrespectful. His name was Stephen. When our 4 year old and 2 year old made any noise he would stop talking in a passive aggressive way. He asked us to move to the back of the group. And at the end made a comment that he apologised for all the noise but there was nothing he could do about it. We even tried to hold back with the kids so our child didn’t interrupt his ‘lectures’, at which point he got annoyed that we were too far back. This is supposed to be a family tour and is not a lecture at trinity college. They need to be able to cater for small families or else make it clear young children are not welcome.
Written 27 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jason E
185 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
First the pricing needs to be looked at. You SHOULD NOT have to book the cave and bird centre as one ticket, it can make it very expensive. There should be a ticket for the cave and then an add on extra if you want to go to the birds of prey.
On the whole the cave is enjoyable and our guide was very nice and very knowledgeable, the trip lasts about 45 minutes and that’s because of all the stops. The bird of prey demonstration is by far the highlight. The show and it’s birds and handlers are fantastic and shouldn’t be missed.
On the whole the cave is enjoyable and our guide was very nice and very knowledgeable, the trip lasts about 45 minutes and that’s because of all the stops. The bird of prey demonstration is by far the highlight. The show and it’s birds and handlers are fantastic and shouldn’t be missed.
Written 26 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Caoimhe O Sullivan
2 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We went for the cave tour all exited and happy when things took a dramatic turn.We we’re taking the walk through the cave and our tour guide called STEPHEN said we would stop 8 times throughout our tour.At our first stop he was talking about the history of the cave and my sister who struggles to pay attention and stay quite all the time just whispered something to my mom very quietly and he stopped talking folded his arms and said is she okay we said she was fine because she was .Everyone was too afraid to open their mouth .It took from the whole experience.We would not recommend it.
Written 17 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ciarrai2014
County Kildare, Ireland657 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
This is a must do experience. It really gives you a sense of how old the world is and how short a time we actually spend here. Great guided tour
Written 12 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kat T
4 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Had a fantastic afternoon here. The Bird display was really well done, perfect amount of education and interaction to keep all the kids (and big kids) interested. The caves themselves were also really well done. The guide was friendly and the tour was just the right length of time. Well worth a visit.
Written 3 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Fintan L
7 contributions
Jul 2022
Aillwee cave I think aillwee cave is great and dark and cool it's a bit scary for the young ones great suvineras
Written 30 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Globalcitizen-123
Rosanna, Australia40 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
We booked tickets online for the caves and the bird show. The site was well signposted and there was plenty of parking. The cave tour was very informative and moved along quickly but with plenty of time to take photos and take it all in. Our young kids on the tour enjoyed it.
We also went to the bird show which was very good and interactive with kid participation.
There’s a couple of shops on site selling gifts, cheeses and Irish foods. There’s is also a coffee spot which sells ice-cream.
Overall it’s well worth a visit for young and old alike. Expect to spend 2/3 hrs on site if you attend both caves and the bird show.
We also went to the bird show which was very good and interactive with kid participation.
There’s a couple of shops on site selling gifts, cheeses and Irish foods. There’s is also a coffee spot which sells ice-cream.
Overall it’s well worth a visit for young and old alike. Expect to spend 2/3 hrs on site if you attend both caves and the bird show.
Written 22 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
net86
Ireland92 contributions
How much time would you spend here and with birds of prey? We are staying in the area for 1 night with a 4 and 6 year old but also want to see the cliffs etc so trying to figure out how to fit everything in
Lizzie49Colin
Skibbereen, Ireland25 contributions
Hi the Ailwee Cave tour last around 30 to 40 min max. The birds of prey would take overall 1 hour and 15 min depending what time is the show on. So overall from the time you park and go around both places it would take you a good 2 hours if you are taking your time especially with young kids. You have plenty of time to do both in the morning and go to the cliffs in the afternoon. Do remember to book your slots online beforehand. Hope this answer has helped.
Lisa B
Dublin, Ireland501 contributions
Hello,
Are there many steep inclines in the cave and are there any steep/hilly walks to get around from the caves to the birds?
Thanks
Lizzie49Colin
Skibbereen, Ireland25 contributions
Hi there aren't any steep inclines in the cave but the path in the cave does go a bit up and down but nothing drastic. The biggest problem is height. It does get a bit low in parts which can be tricky for someone really tall but nothing too bad. There is a walking path from the cave to the birds but it is a bit steep. You can also drive from the cave to the birds no pb. There is a car park in both places. Hope this can help
Nualain
4 contributions
Hi,are the Ailwee caves buggy friendly/suitable for a toddler(22 months) to walk ? Also would the same toddler enjoy the Birds of Prey centre ?
Thank you
Jenz85
Dublin, Ireland87 contributions
I wouldnt recommend bringing a buggy, it would be very awkward. My 3yr old got frightened and stayed outside with his grandad.
Birds of Prey was a great experience, my 10yr old is afraid of birds and although she stayed for a few mns she wanted to leave after a bird flew over her a little too close. Honestly both are very safe, friendly experiences. We would come back.
HollyVI
Chicago, IL1 contribution
Is it possible to visit the cheese shop without purchasing entry to cave or birds of prey?
Ihave8kids
Point Pleasant, NJ21 contributions
Yes, you pay for the cave and birds separately in a different building. It is possible to park and visit the cheese shop with no fee. THe cheese was yummy and the staff were lovely.
samanthawadding
County Kerry, Ireland
whats the economic value of the aillwee caves to the county?
DrVC
Limerick, Ireland22 contributions
It is a popular tourist attraction on the Wild Atlantic way. It is therefore of real value to the local economy and Irish tourism in general. If you are looking for statistic Tripadvisor is not the forum where you should be asking such a question.
Do I need to book or just turn up?
Fionn246
2 contributions
Hi Lightning 7. There's no need to book. We are open every day at 10am daily with regular guided tours every 15 minutes throughout the day.
Kiwi110610
Vernon, CT354 contributions
Hello,
I am a plus size woman who would love to do this but some reviews say some of the spots inside are narrow...I don’t mind closed in spaces but I certainly don’t want to get stuck...any other larger people have done this tour??
Fernphoto
38 contributions
Should not be an issue. the path way is wide ti accomidate plus size. Unless your short there is a couple places where u may have to watch your head.
ChrisandJeff2012
Los Angeles, CA7 contributions
Hi! Is the Hawk Walk appropriate for a 5 year old accompanying two adults? Thanks!
pucfada
Ennis, Ireland70 contributions
5 is a bit young as you need to stay still, you might find their show sufficient as the birds of prey fly over the audience very near to you head and they pick one or two kids from the audience to do a landing on the hand so that could be a better option. I
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Aillwee Cave | Ballyvaughan | UPDATED January 2023 Top Tips Before You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Aillwee Cave
- Aillwee Cave is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 - 18:00
- We recommend booking Aillwee Cave tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 Aillwee Cave tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Aillwee Cave:
- (0.50 km) Romantic Escape at Wood Smoke Cottage, Ballyvaughan - Hot Tub & Sauna
- (1.81 km) Hazelwood Lodge
- (1.78 km) Cappabhaile House
- (2.83 km) Ballyvaughan Lodge
- (2.23 km) The Waters Country House
- Restaurants near Aillwee Cave:
- (2.80 km) The Wild Atlantic Lodge
- (3.17 km) Tea and Garden Rooms
- (3.27 km) Monks Ballyvaughan
- (2.24 km) Burren Fine Wine and Food
- (2.63 km) The Larder
- Attractions near Aillwee Cave:
- (3.21 km) Burren Birds of Prey Centre
- (7.70 km) Heart of Burren Walks
- (9.91 km) Mountain View Horse Riding Centre
- (3.21 km) Burren Exposure
- (4.64 km) The Burren