The Burren is rich in limestone caves but the Ailwee caves are the only commercially run caves, though speleologists may prefer to find their own holes(!). Discovered by a local farmer , Jack McGann, in 1944, when his dog followed a rabbit down the hole in the side of the mountain, the caves can now be accessed to over one third of a mile and your journey underground will take you past some magnificent stalagmite and stalactite formations, such as the “praying hands”.

The remains of bears have also been found there and the "beds" they hibernated on are still to be seen. A constant temperature year round of 40F means the cup of coffee available at the visitor centre will be all that more welcome.