Ballyvaughan is located along the N67 road 39km from Ennis Co. Clare.  This village is situated on a picturesque quay on the southern shores of Galway Bay and is a convenient centre for exploring the beautiful  surrounding countryside.

The village offers the visitor sea fishing, pubs, restaurants, craft workshops and is an ideal base for exploring the West of Ireland. From a medieval settlement in the 19th century Ballyvaughan grew round its harbour, built initially in 1829 for fishery purposes.  Local produce - grain, bacon and vegetables - were also exported from Ballyvaughan by sea while 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.

Santa Claus and Christmas Comes to Town

Ballyvaughan Christmas Market in County Clare was the first Christmas market in Ireland’s country’s history. Mixing the German origins of Christmas markets with historically rich Irish culture has produced a unique holiday experience that is growing in size and popularity. Every weekend in December, the 40 stalls in the market provide German and Irish food, arts, and crafts. There are a variety of Christmas workshops available to children and adults, mostly involving the cooking of Christmas treats. County Clare makes its celebrations even more distinctive by incorporating the striking coastal landscape into its traditions. Ballyvaughan is particularly famous for Aillwee Cave, millions of years old and full of geological wonders. This natural landmark has been included into Irish holiday tradition by making the cave the designated spot for children to visit Santa Claus every year.