Local Activities

Lots to do on Saturday!

The Outing takes place among some of the most beautiful landscapes of Ireland, if not the world. During your weekend with us, you'll be on the doorstep of some of the most rugged and incredible scenery Ireland can offer, as well as some of its top tourist attractions. We've worked with local attractions and businesses to get great deals for you, and will be running coaches from the front door of The Hydro Hotel to these activities and attractions during the day on Saturday. Of course, we'll also have you back again in time to hit the dancefloor!

Don't miss these opportunities to make the most of your outing to beautiful County Clare - get out there and see these for yourself! (And don't worry - we're prepared for Irish weather and have plenty of fun activities indoors on Saturday too, just in case!)


Doolin Cave

Roadford, Doolin, Co. Clare (www.doolincave.ie)

Phone: 065-7075761 Email: [email protected]
Special Price for The Outing guests: €10
(Regular Price: €15)

Doolin Cave is one of Europe's most compelling cave attractions. From the moment you descend over 80ft into the first tunnel, with your guide, you will enter a world carved by water. Donning your hardhat, you will follow the rough-hewn route of the early explorers who first discovered the cave. When you enter the stunning, cathedral-like dome that houses the huge stalactite, you will be briefly plunged into a world of primitive darkness. Then, in a flash, you will be awed as the subtly-lit stalactite appears before you. And, far below, a magical stream carries to the hills outside, the water that carved the primeval world around you. (The cave tour takes approximately one hour. Tours are limited to 20 people at any time.)

Doolin Cave

Burren Smokehouse

The Burren Smokehouse

Kincora Road, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare (www.burrensmokehouse.ie)

Phone: +353 65 707 4432 Email: [email protected]
Special Price for The Outing guests: €3
(Regular Price: €6)

The Burren Smokehouse is a family-run business that was set up in 1989 by Birgitta & Peter Curtin. We believe in Finest Quality Food Products, good customer care and a good group of team workers to ensure that we keep up our standards.
We carefully source our quality raw materials for the Burren Smoked Salmon, Trout, Mackerel, and Cheese. We control our own quality standards with backup of regular testing from independent laboratories and regular checks from organisations who certify us. The Smokehouse currently employs a staff of twelve, and ships within Ireland and to countries all over the world.


Cliffs of Moher Cruises

Cliffs & Aran Cruises, Doolin Pier, Co Clare (www.mohercruises.com)

Phone: 065 7075949 Email: [email protected]
Special Price for The Outing guests: €15
(Regular Price: €25)

Cliffs of Moher Cruises sail every day (April to October) from the Doolin pier in Co. Clare to the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher.
The Jack B is their new purpose-built 15m ferry boat, capable of carrying 67 passengers and 3 crew. She was named for the owners' parents, the late Jack and Biddy Garrihy. Jack B is capable of travelling at speeds of 15 knots. She has a comprehensive suite of state-of-the-art navigation equipment and is fully licensed by the Irish Department of Communications, Marine & Natural Resources.


Aillwee Cave

The Burren, Ballyvaughan, Co Clare (www.aillweecave.ie)

Phone: 065 7077036 Email: [email protected]
Special Discount for The Outing guests: 20% OFF
(Greater discounts available for groups of 10+ - contact us!)

Ireland's Premier Showcave – A very special place. At Aillwee Cave you are welcomed to its underground surprises. "Cave of beauty" expert guides will accompany you on a 30-minute stroll through the beautiful caverns, over bridged chasms, under weird formations and alongside the thunderous waterfall. Marvel at the frozen waterfall and explore the hibernation chambers of long-extinct brown bears. Summer opening hours are 10:00 a.m. with the last guided tour of the day going through at 6:30 p.m. Tours run every 15/20 minutes throughout the day. Don't miss out!

Aillwee Cave

Poulnabrone Dolmen

Poulnabrone Dolmen

The Burren, Co Clare (www.burrenforts.ie)

Phone: 065 7089 999 Email: [email protected]

Poulnabrone Dolmen is just 1km north of Caherconnell Stone Fort. It was excavated in 1986 by Dr Anne Lynch of Duchas, and among the discoveries were the remains of 16-22 adults and 6 children. The Dolmen is among the most famous landmarks in the Burren. The Dolmen is surrounded by the characteristic Burren limestone pavement where a patient visitor may find examples of the famous Burren Flora. By visiting Caherconnell, you will have the opportunity to learn something of the people who built this magnificent structure and to learn about the other less frequently visited but no less remarkable sites the Burren


Lahinch Surf School

Main Street, Lahinch, Co Clare (www.lahinchsurfschool.com)

Phone: 065 7082061 / 087 9609667 Email: [email protected]
Special Outing Group Rate: 10+ people: €32, 16+ people: €30
(Regular price: €35)

Lahinch Surf School is based at the beach hut on Lahinch promenade on the west coast of Ireland and provides a safe, relaxed and affordable introduction to the exhilarating sport of surfing. Along the two mile long beach in Lahinch, the Irish Surfing Specialists caters for novice, intermediate and experienced surfers. 5 miles further south, you will find Spanish Point, another perfect surfing beach. Both are some of the best places in Europe to learn surfing with the advantage of the slower rolling Atlantic waves. John McCarthy, Former Irish Surf Champ and his crew of hardcore surfduddde instructors, invites you and your friends to come and experience the thrill and excitement of surfing at Irelands best known Surf School. Catch your own wave!

Lahinch Surf School

Clare Kayak Hire

Clare Kayak Hire

Lahinch, Co Clare (www.clarekayakhire.com )

Phone: 085 1485856 Email: [email protected]

Clare Kayak Hire is based in Lahinch, Co Clare. Specialising in kayak tours on the river in Lahinch, and tours from the Falls Hotel, Ennistymon, all year round. White Strand is a great spot for sea kayaking for all the family and groups and all the gear you need is provided.


Ben's Rock Climbing / Surfing Clinics

Ben's Rock Climbing & Surfing Clinics

Sea Park, Lahinch, Co Clare (www.bensrockclimbingclinic.com)

Phone: 086-8448622 Email: [email protected]
Special Outing Rate: 2 hour session (surfing/climbing): €30
(Regular price: €35)

Ben's Rock Climbing clinic, in the beautiful Burren, provides quality climbing instructing for all levels of climber from the complete novice to advanced levels. With a large number of new climbing walls developing around the country there is an ever increasing interest in trying out the real thing. All equipment is provided along with experienced instructors who can set the standard of climb at a suitable level for you know matter what your age, ability or confidence when it comes to heights. Whether you wish to climb or try an abseil of the amazing cliffs in the heart of the Burren, Bens Rocks will get you up and going even in the wet weather.
Ben's Surf Clinic is based in lahinch, offering top quality surf lessons for all www.benssurfclinic.com.


Burren Walks

Corkscrew Hill, Ballyvaughan, Co Clare (homepage.eircom.net/~burrenhillwalks/)

Phone: 065 7077168 Email: [email protected]

Burren Hill walks provide a unique walking experience exploring the geology, botany and archaeology of the Burren. The walks range from gentle rambles to rigorous hill climbs and are provided all year round. Nature will be right at your feet with these walks!


Burren Outdoor Education Centre

Turlough, Bell Harbour, Co Clare (www.burrenoec.com)

Phone: 065 7078066 Email: [email protected] Special Outing Rate: (Rock-climbing/Caving): €30
(Regular price: €35)

The Burren Outdoor Education Centre, established in the early 1980s is a purpose built and fully equipped centre situated amidst curved limestone hills and exists to provide quality outdoor education experiences to all participants through exploring potential and achievement, group work and support, and the promotion of life-long learning. A range of activities are available all year round at the Burren Outdoor Education Centre including caving, kayaking, snorkelling, body boarding, orienteering, hill walking, rock climbing and team challenges. There will never be a shortage of fun so why not give it a try!

Burren Outdoor Education Centre

Aran Islands / Cliffs of Moher Cruises

Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher Cruises

Doolinferry & O'Brien Line, Doolin, Co Clare (www.obrienline.com)

Phone: 065 7075555 Email: [email protected]
Special Rate for The Outing guests: €15
(Regular price: €25)

Take a legendary cruise to The Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher with O'Brien Line's Doolinferry, (Est. 1970). Travel on the largest and most comfortable ferries with over 40 years of service, M.V. Tranquillity & M.V. Queen of Aran. The Aran Islands offer something special for all. For the adventurous, explore medieval ruins such as the amazing ring fort of Dun Aengus on Inishmore, or O'Brien's castle on Inisheer. Nature lovers can enjoy the tranquil beauty of Inishmaan. Bicycle hire, Mini-bus, and Pony & Trap tours available on each island. The Cliffs of Moher Cruise is a stunning 1 hour journey along the 6km of coastline from Doolin Pier. Don't forget the cameras!


Lahinch Beach

Lahinch, Co Clare

Phone: 057 9121777

Lahinch Blue Flag beach is very popular with both tourists and locals. The flooding tide is suitable for surfing, sea kayaking and kite surfing. Lahinch Beach has full-time lifeguards on duty for July and August from 11am to 7 pm daily and has been awarded the Blue Flag award. This award is an exclusive eco-label awarded to more than 3,000 beaches and marinas in 28 countries in the Northern Hemisphere. It symbolises high standards in the following areas: Environmental education and information, Environmental management, Water quality, Safety and services.

Lahinch Beach

Burren Birds of Prey

Hawk Walks at the Burren Birds of Prey

Burren Birds of Prey, Aillwee Cave, Ballyvaughan, Co Clare (www.birdofpreycentre.com)

Phone: 065 7077036 Email: [email protected]
Special Outing Rate: €50 for groups of 3+
(Regular price: €70)

A once in a life time opportunity to interact with one of nature's top predators awaits you, all in the unique setting of Aillwee Mountain, Co Clare. On arrival, you will be greeted by your instructor and given a brief but informative introduction to falconry and the Harris Hawks that you will be handling. These are the world's only social raptor and are perfectly suited to working with the public.
Once comfortable with your hawk, you will set off to the Hazel Woods and into the depths of the spectacular Burren region. Your instructor will coach you on how to release and call your hawk back. Finish off with a walk through the woodland paths for an unforgettable 45 minutes of wonder and exhilaration as the hawk flies to and from you.


North Clare Looped Walks

North Clare Looped Walks

North Co. Clare (www.shannonregiontrails.ie)

There's a lovely selection of circular walking routes right across Ireland's Shannon Region for walkers of every ability. These loop walks are shorter walks ranging from 1hr to 4hrs and they start and finish at the same trailhead. From the likes of Ballyvaughan Wood Loop, an area of scenic attractions where stone-grey hills and the valleys beneath reveal many prehistoric remains to Carron Loop Walk, an unspoilt village of Carron lies in the heart of the Burren at one of the highest points in the Burren Mountains and overlooks the largest turlough (disappearing lake) in Western Europe. There's a loop for everyone! (A brochure is available here on the available walking trails)


Cliffs of Moher (Atlantic Edge Exhibition)

Liscannor, Co Clare (www.cliffsofmoher.ie)

Phone: 065 7086141
Special Outing Rate: €3
(Regular price: €6)

The Cliffs of Moher are Ireland's most visited natural attraction. A unique experience is always encountered at the Cliffs including stunning views of the dramatic Atlantic coastline along 600m of pathways. The Eco Friendly Visitor center is set into the hillside and offers an all-weather experience. The Atlantic Edge Exhibition is the ideal way to learn about the Cliffs of Moher. The O'Brien's Tower built in 1835 by local landlord Cornelius O'Brien stands near the highest point of 214m. The views from the top are spectacular. The Aill na Searrach wave view point is at O'Brien's Tower and this is the place where the 40ft wave raises its head several times a year. Surfers can be seen surfing the wave from this point.

Cliffs of Moher

Dysert O'Dea Castle

Dysert O'Dea Castle

Corofin, Co Clare (www.dysertcastle.com)

Phone: 065-6837401/ 086 1000295 Email: [email protected]

Typical 15th century Irish tower house, situated on the periphery of the Burren. It is 500m off the R476 & 11km from Ennis. The home of the O'Dea chiefs until 1692 was the scene of many sieges by Cromwellian forces, fell into ruin after O'Dea's lands were forfeited. The castle was restored in 1986-88 by the Dysert O'Dea development Association. The castle now houses an extensive museum of local artefacts from stone-age to the present day, an audio-visual presentation on the history of this unique area and various exhibitions gives the visitor a fine feel for the history and heritage of Dysert O'Dea and will serve as a primer for the history walk of wandering the open countryside.