A-Z Placefinder
Towns of Clare
Ballyvaughan —County Clare
Ballyvaughan is on the N67 and is 39km (24 mls) from Ennis. This village and small port on the southern shores of Galway Bay is a convenient centre for exploring the fascinating surrounding countryside. It also has a lot to offer the visitor in its own right: sea fishing, pubs, restaurants, craft workshops.
From a medieval settlement in the 19th century Ballyvaughan grew round its harbour, built in 1829 for fishery purposes: imports of turf from Galway had become essential, while local exports - grain, bacon and vegetables - were also transported by sea. Steamers brought visitors from Galway, laying the foundation for a thriving tourism trade. Commercial use of the harbour has declined in recent years and it is now used for pleasure craft.
Starting or finishing point for the signposted Burren Way walking route through the Burren, nearby are Aillwee Cave, one of Ireland's premier showcaves and the internationally accredited Burren College of Art based at the 17th century stone building on the former Newtown Castle estate.
