Today was packed with adventure, beginning deep underground and ending high above the sea. We started at the Aillwee Burren Caves, flew with falcons at the Birds of Prey Centre, and sampled cheese and fudge from the valley below. From there, we made our way to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher—one of Ireland’s most iconic natural wonders—before making an impromptu stop at the quiet, haunting ruins of Kilmacduagh Monastery. The day closed with a perfect slice of cheesecake from Weir’s Restaurant, handmade by Una herself—easily the best cheesecake we’ve had on this trip.

Ended the day with the BEST cheesecake from Weir's Restaurant

Aillwee Burren Caves

Our day began beneath the limestone hills of the Burren at the Aillwee Caves—one of the most visited caves in Ireland. Guided through dark tunnels, we passed underground waterfalls, eerie rock formations, and the skeletal remains of a long-extinct bear. The chill and silence of the cave made the experience feel both ancient and mysterious, like stepping into a hidden world untouched for millennia.

The Aillwee Burren Caves extend approximately 300 meters (about 1,000 feet) into the heart of the mountain and reach a depth of around 30 meters (98 feet) below the surface at their deepest accessible point. While it’s not the largest cave system in Ireland, its geological features and accessible pathways make it one of the most visited and well-preserved.

Hidden beneath the stark beauty of the Burren lies Aillwee Cave — a place carved by water and time. Once shelter for bears and refuge for early humans, its dark chambers now echo with stories of ancient geology, forgotten creatures, and the silent power of the earth. In the captions below, follow our descent into this subterranean world and uncover the wonders beneath the limestone.
The Aillwee Cave was discovered in the 1940s by a local farmer.
He kept it secret for nearly 30 years.
The name “Aillwee” comes from “Aill Bhuí,” meaning “yellow cliff.”
The cave cuts deep into the heart of the Burren.
It was formed by an underground river millions of years ago.
Inside are dramatic stalactites and stalagmites.
Some formations are over 6,000 years old.
Bones of brown bears were found deep inside.
Ireland once had wild bears—long since extinct.
The cave likely served as a bear den in the Ice Age.
Ancient scratch marks can still be seen on cave walls.
The air inside stays cool and damp all year round.
A waterfall flows quietly in the dark cave interior.
Guided tours explore about a third of the cave system.
Myths say the cave was once a portal to the Otherworld.
Locals once believed fairies lived in caves like this.
The Burren landscape above feels as ancient as the cave below.
In legend, the cave was a hiding place for outlaws.
Some say Druid rituals once took place near the entrance.
The silence in the cave feels ancient and heavy.
The cave system may extend much farther—still unmapped.
Above the cave, eagles now fly in the Birds of Prey Centre.
The Aillwee Cave is one of the oldest caves open to the public in Ireland.

Birds of Prey Centre

Back above ground, we explored the Birds of Prey Centre next door, where eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls soared and swooped during the flying demonstration. It was a thrilling show of precision and power, with handlers sharing fascinating facts about each bird. Seeing these majestic creatures up close—and watching them glide just inches overhead—was one of the most unforgettable parts of the day.

High in the Burren hills, the Birds of Prey Centre brings ancient skies to life. Here, falcons, hawks, owls, and eagles soar just overhead — their silent wings and sharp eyes a living link to Ireland’s wild heart and deep-rooted falconry traditions. The captions below trace our experience among these majestic birds and the stories they carry on the wind.
The centre showcases eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls.
Birds are flown daily in spectacular free-flight demonstrations.
The displays highlight each bird’s natural hunting style.
Many birds have been rescued or rehabilitated.
The centre focuses on conservation and education.
You can get very close—just a few feet away—from some birds.
Falcons are among the fastest creatures in the animal kingdom.
The staff shares fascinating facts about each species’ diet.
Birds from around the world call this centre home.
Owl species here include barn owls and eagle owls.
The setting is atop the Burren—a dramatic backdrop.
Golden eagles sometimes appear in demonstrations.
Audiences are taught how birds of prey see their world.
Guided talks explain the birds’ role in the ecosystem.
The centre offers hands-on interaction with a trained owl.
Raptors here are part of scientific breeding programs.
The flight arena showcases birds’ speed and agility.
You can learn about moulting, flight, and hunting techniques.
The centre supports wildlife rescue across Ireland.
Each bird wears banding for identification and tracking.
The centre helps foster respect for these majestic species.

Cheese and Fudge Tasting

After the flight display, we visited the farm shop at the foot of the hill for a sampling of Aillwee’s famous cheeses and house-made fudge. While “tasting” may be putting it lightly—we made several enthusiastic rounds—it was a flavorful way to connect with local tradition. The cheese was sharp and creamy, and the fudge was sweet enough to demand restraint we didn’t have.

Cliffs of Moher

From there, we traveled to the windswept Cliffs of Moher, where dramatic sea views stretched endlessly in both directions. Towering above the Atlantic, the cliffs felt impossibly vast—especially as gusts of wind threatened to steal our breath (and our hats). Despite the crowds, the experience still felt deeply personal, standing at the edge of the island and looking out toward the horizon.

The Cliffs of Moher rise like a jagged wall from the Atlantic, timeless and untamed. Legends speak of lost lovers and magical sea creatures, while the cliffs themselves have starred in films from *Harry Potter* to *The Princess Bride*. Each caption below offers a glimpse into the wild beauty, myth, and cinematic fame that make this one of Ireland’s most iconic places.
The Cliffs of Moher rise up to 214 meters (702 feet) above the Atlantic.
Stretching for 8 kilometers, they dominate the coast of County Clare.
The name “Moher” comes from an old fort once standing where Hag’s Head is now.
Standing at the edge, it feels like the end of the earth.
Birds outnumber people here—over 30,000 nest on the cliffs.
Puffins, razorbills, and guillemots fill the air with their cries.
O’Brien’s Tower was built in 1835 to impress tourists—even then.
On a clear day, you can see the Aran Islands and the Twelve Bens of Connemara.
The cliffs have appeared in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
In the film, Harry and Dumbledore arrive at the cave by crashing sea.
The Princess Bride used the cliffs as the “Cliffs of Insanity.”
Inigo Montoya scaled these rocks to duel the Man in Black.
In Leap Year, Amy Adams’ character proposes atop the windswept cliffs.
In the 1993 Three Musketeers, Milady de Winter throws herself from these cliffs to avoid execution—fiction echoing the real-life tragedies here.
The sea stacks below are shaped by time, tide, and wind.
But not all stories are beautiful—some are tragic.
The cliffs have long been a place where people come to end their lives.
Memorial signs and helpline numbers line the quieter paths.
Local volunteers walk the cliffs watching for signs of despair.
Some say the cliffs “call” to the sad and the lost.
There’s an eerie stillness when you’re completely alone at the edge.
In Irish myth, this was once the domain of sea witches.
The Hag of Hag’s Head is said to have fallen chasing the hero Cú Chulainn.
Her face is carved in stone at the southernmost point.
The cliffs are older than the Atlantic Ocean itself.
The rocks here date back more than 300 million years.
Every footstep echoes with geologic time.
On foggy days, it feels like you’ve entered another world.
Visitors have reported hearing whispers on the wind.
Drone footage can’t capture the soul of this place—you must feel it.
The path near the edge is worn by pilgrims, poets, and tourists.
The cliffs are Ireland’s most visited natural attraction.
Yet when you’re out there alone, it feels completely yours.
The cliffs are always changing—erosion never sleeps.
Entire ledges have collapsed over the decades.
And yet they endure, watching the sea carve away at the land.
At sunset, the cliffs glow orange and gold.
At sunrise, they stand black against the pale light.
On stormy days, the waves explode into mist hundreds of feet high.
There’s a magic in the rhythm of the ocean below.
The cliffs remind us how small we really are.
And yet—how deeply we can feel in the face of such beauty.
The wind carries both stories and sorrow.
It’s impossible to visit and not leave changed.
The Cliffs of Moher don’t just meet the ocean—they meet your soul.
The cliffs don’t just take your breath—they keep a piece of it with them.
Many people leave here speechless—and a little humbled.

Kilmacduagh Monastery Ruins

Our final stop before dinner was a spontaneous one: the haunting ruins of Kilmacduagh Monastery. The round tower, still standing tall, watches over crumbling stone churches and ancient graves. The place was nearly empty and eerily quiet, with only the wind and the crows for company. It was the perfect contrast to the busy cliffs—a hidden gem that felt like stumbling into history.

Amid quiet fields, the ruins of Kilmacduagh whisper of saints and stone. Founded by Saint Colman in the 7th century, this sacred site once thrived with prayer and learning. Its leaning round tower and crumbling cloisters invite you to step into Ireland’s spiritual past. As you read the captions below, let the ancient stones speak of monastic life, legend, and the enduring peace of this holy place.
Kilmacduagh means “church of Duagh’s son,” honoring Saint Colman.
Saint Colman founded the monastery in the 7th century.
Legend says his belt could not be burned or cut—a relic of great power.
The round tower here leans dramatically—it’s Ireland’s “leaning tower.”
It stands over 100 feet tall and leans more than two feet off center.
The tower was used for refuge during Viking raids.
Kilmacduagh was once the seat of a powerful diocese.
The site holds ruins of a cathedral, several churches, and stone crosses.
In its prime, Kilmacduagh was a major religious center in Connacht.
Locals believe no man will ever die from lightning here—thanks to St. Colman’s blessing.
The monastery was repeatedly attacked by raiders in the 13th and 14th centuries.
The silent ruins feel more like a memory than a monument.
You can still see intricate stonework carved centuries ago.
Wildflowers and sheep now roam where monks once prayed.
Some say the site still carries a spiritual charge—quiet, but deep.
The round tower survived centuries of storms, war, and neglect.
Kilmacduagh stands as a ghost of Ireland’s early Christian roots.
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