About Kilfenora
Cill Fhionnúrach - Church of the Fertile hillside
Kilfenora has it all…. the Pope as Bishop, a 10th Century Cathedral with 12th Century high crosses, the most famous céilí band in Ireland, the Burren Interpretative Centre, rare Ring Forts, Holywells, Castles, a 200 acre lake for trout fishing and boating, craft work, choice accommodation, good food, friendly people, dancing, fun and music sessions. All you have to do is visit Kilfenora and it will all be shared with you. Visit www.theburrencentre.ie for further information.
Kilfenora is a small village in County Clare in Ireland, just south of The Burren. It is situated at the southern tip of the Burren. It supposedly derives its name from its location, the church of the fertile hillside, although another explanation for the name is given in Cill Fionn abhrach, the church of the white brow or meadow. The official Irish name, as used on the roadsigns, is Cill Fhionnurach but no such person as a St. Fionnuir has ever been associated with Kilfenora. Other names for the town or diocese were Fenebore, Kilfenoragh, Finneborensis, and Collumabrach.
Kilfenora has been a focal point for the farming community in North Clare for thousands of years. The Celts are believed to have converged at Cathair Bhaile Cinn Mhargaidh (the town at the head of the market) for fairs. As Kilfenora grew around the monastic settlement it became a place where farmers could converge to sell their livestock and crops and enjoy the social contact of a visit to a market town. Fair days were commonplace in Kilfenora up to the 1960s but the establishment of marts in other towns in Clare and Galway soon took their toll on this way of life.
The Kilfenora Ceili Band is one of Ireland's most famous ceili bands. A group of musicians had come together in 1907 with the intention of raising funds for the local church and to play at local houses or cross road dances. They went on to become a household name in Ireland and beyond. The members of the band changed over the years but their special brand of traditional dance music was extremely popular. The 1950s was the golden era of ceili dancing in Ireland. In the 1960s the band played regularly in England. Huge crowds turned out to hear them. They won three All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil titles in a row. In July 1992 the local population gathered to pay tribute to the Kilfenora Ceili Band as they celebrated 85 years in existence. The event was broadcast live on RTE radio. The great tradition of bands in the parish stretches back to the 1800s with fife and drum, brass and reed and ceili bands all having their glory years.
Clare Accessible Transport
Burren Connect Project are working with Clare Accessible Transport to provide environmentally sustainable public transport options for people living in and visiting the Burren.
Please visit www.catconnects.ie to access public transport timetables and other information.
Vaughans Barn
Description
One of the most famous music centres in the west of Ireland, traditional Irish music and set dancing at Vaughan's pub and (previously thatched) barn attract visitors from all over the world. In the family since about 1800, John and Kay Vaughan have worked hard since the mid-70s to ensure that visitors to this attractive old pub have the best possible time.
The Burren Centre
Description
In the picturesque village of Kilfenora, The Burren Centre gives the visitor an introduction to the visual delights and ancient mysteries which await to be discovered in this unspoiled corner of Ireland. This walk through time will take you back through the aeons to a time when this area lay beneath a warm tropical sea. Follow the story of the formation of the Burren's lunar landscape where man hunted bear, and wolves roamed the forests.See how, thousands of years ago, man left his mark on the landscape in the form of Dolmens and burial chambers. They still stand today, stone sentinels at the gates of our civilisation's history. Take the journey with us, watch history unfold in front of your eyes, listen to the sounds and feel the atmosphere of thousands of years ago.
The Boghill Centre
Description
The Boghill Centre is a residential activity centre situated off the beaten track, in a natural bog land setting between Lisdoonvarna and Kilfenora in the North of County Clare at the foot of the Burren. Although it is only two miles from Lisdoonvarna and four miles from Kilfenora it has a quiet and secluded atmosphere, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Boghill Eco workshops
Description
Our series of Eco Experience weeks will centre around Cob building.
We plan to have a variety of useful things made out of cob from ovens to tool sheds to our planned Ecological Living Centre.
If you are wondering what on earth cob building is......
Cob is an ancient building material that has been used for construction since prehistoric times. It is made by mixing clay-based subsoil with straw, sand and water. This earthen mixture is then ladled onto a stone foundation and trodden onto the wall by workers in a process known as cobbing. Cob buildings can and do survive for hundreds of years.
Not only do you get the chance to discover how to make your own home in an aesthetically, sculptural, environmentally friendly material but you get to have loads of fun mixing the stuff with your bare feet!!!
Other activities on this workshop include: Creating kinetic sculptures for our new sculpture trail, wild and free action painting in the landscape, playing in the pottery with our very own Boghill clay, delicious vegetarian cookery, organic gardening, yoga and many more besides.
Burren Tours
Description
When you are planning your holiday or business trip to Ireland, it’s worth considering having a local guide to point out the beauty and uniqueness of county Clare. You will surely enjoy the visit on your own, but with the help of a 'Burren Tours' guide your trip will become a special and memorable one. He will provide a local insight to a very scenic and historic part of Ireland. According to your available time, interest and group size we will tailor the tour to suit you. Whether you want to walk, hike or if you travel by car or coach we will accompany you and help you see the real beauty of the Burren.
Vaughans Bar
Description
One of the most famous music centres in the west of Ireland, traditional Irish music and set dancing at Vaughan's pub and (previously thatched) barn attract visitors from all over the world. In the family since about 1800, John and Kay Vaughan have worked hard since the mid-70s to ensure that visitors to this attractive old pub have the best possible time. The pub is homely, with an open fire in the front bar and a garden set up with tables at the back. Kay still personally supervises the food and her traditional Irish menus (seafood chowder, bacon & cabbage, beef & Guinness stew) are based on local ingredients.
Linnanes Bar
Burren Centre Tea Rooms
Murphys B&B
Description
Kilfenora village is suitated in north Clare. It is known for its traditional music and dance.There is a 12th century cathedral and crosses.The Burren display center is nearby. Nice beaches and golf course within easy reach.
KILFENORA HOSTEL
Description
Kilfenora Hostel has 46 beds in 9 rooms with each room en-suite. There is a large dining room, kitchen, common room with TV and internet access. There is also an outside decking area with a BBQ and fire pit.
Kilcarragh
Description
Kilcarragh is a lovely bungalow set in beautiful gardens on the main road. Private car parking is available and a hearty breakfast awaits you. Ideal base for touring the Burren, Cliffs of Moher and many popular tourist attractions.
Ballybreen House
Description
Ballybreen House is a unique farmhouse bed and breakfast located in a stunning area that is known as the Burren. Ideal base for touring the Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, Lahinch, castles and other heritage attractions.
