Customer Testimonials

Hi Tina

We enjoyed ourselves immensely and felt that you did a great job of customizing our trip to, admittedly, very exacting specifications.

I wanted to especially point out what a nice visit we had in in Killarney. The room was quite luxurious, and you managed to book us in the room with what had to be the best view in the whole place.

Our visit to the Cliffs of Moher was the highlight of the trip. We found a place to park along the road north of the visitor center, followed a hiking path, and were able to walk along the top of the cliffs for almost two miles literally by ourselves. Amazing and beautiful.

We also greatly enjoyed bicycling around the Dingle Peninsula.
Thanks again for everything. The personal itinerary guidebook was easy to use and very helpful-- especially the abandoned castle ruin at the beach on the Dingle peninsula that wasn't in the regular tourist guides. When we start planning our next trip to your lovely country we will certainly call you first.


Philip Cox, Idaho, USA

Read more of what our customers have to say...

Call us now to talk through
your Vacation options!

  • USA & Canada Toll-Free
    1877 298 7205
  • UK FreeFone
    0800 096 9438
  • International
    +353 69 77686
Aillwee Caves - Ireland

Call us now to talk through
your Vacation options!

  • USA & Canada Toll-Free
    1877 298 7205
  • UK FreeFone
    0800 096 9438
  • International
    +353 69 77686

My Tour Wishlist

You can build up a wishlist and send this to us by clicking "Add To Wishlist" beside our tours or attractions


Aillwee Caves Add To Wishlist

« Back

This stunning creation of nature was formed by the melt waters of a prehistoric ice age. The cave, carved out of limestone, cuts one third of a mile into the heart of the mountains. Cave Description The story of Aillwee Cave began millions of years ago when streams sinking underground on Aillwee Mountain started dissolving channels through the lines of weakness in the limestone.

About one million years ago the ice age began and from then until fifteen thousand years ago Ireland's climate alternated between artic coldness and warmer periods, freezing and melting, freezing and melting over the centuries. This melting water roared and crashed it's way through the Aillwee Cave greatly enlarging the passage and bringing with it large quantities of sand and silts which are still present in the inner cave. Aillwee is one of the most ancient caves in the Burren and perhaps in Ireland.

The cave was discovered by Jack McGann, a local herdsman, in 1940. One day, Jacko was looking after his sheep at the foot of Aillwee Mountain with his dog. The dog gave chase to a rabbit, following it up the mountain and into a small opening in the rocks. Jacko explored this opening with nothing but a candle to guide his way, finding his way right as far as the Great Cascade.

The cave was left alone for 33 years after this. In 1973, Jacko talked to group of cavers and told them of his find. The group, from Bristol University, under the leadership of Dr. Tratman, explored the caves as far as was possible. A massive fall of boulders sealed the passage beyond the Cascade chamber. In 1975, the land surrounding the cave was sold to two local families interested in opening the cave to the public. December saw the entrance tunneled lowered a little to make access easier and rails, lighting, cabling and pathways were laid as far as the Cascade. This section now remains visually much as it appeared to Jacko and the first explorers.


Call us now to talk through
your Vacation options!

  • USA & Canada Toll-Free
    1877 298 7205
  • UK FreeFone
    0800 096 9438
  • International
    +353 69 77686