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Aillwee

Aillwee Cave is a cave system located in the Burren region of County Clare, Ireland, near Ballyvaughan. It forms part of the limestone karst landscape that characterizes the area and is one of the best known caves in the country, attracting visitors for its geology and history.

Geologically, Aillwee Cave developed in Carboniferous limestone through dissolution by slightly acidic groundwater, creating a network

The site was opened to the public as a show cave in the 1970s and is now

Aillwee Cave is connected with broader interests in the Burren’s natural history. The surrounding area is part

of
passages
and
chambers.
The
cave
features
stalactites
and
stalagmites,
as
well
as
an
underground
stream
and
a
waterfall
in
the
lower
passages.
The
site
showcases
both
the
hydrology
and
speleothem
formations
typical
of
Irish
caves.
managed
as
a
tourism
and
education
venue.
Visitor
facilities
include
a
centre
with
exhibits
on
geology
and
archaeology,
a
café,
and
access
routes
through
the
cave.
The
site
is
also
associated
with
a
Birds
of
Prey
centre,
offering
demonstrations
and
educational
information
about
raptors.
of
the
Burren
and
Cliffs
of
Moher
Geopark,
and
the
cave
has
contributed
to
both
public
knowledge
and
conservation
efforts
related
to
karst
landscapes
in
Ireland.
Paleontological
and
archaeological
finds
in
and
around
the
cave
have
shed
light
on
Ice
Age
fauna
and
the
long
history
of
human
interaction
with
the
Burren’s
subterranean
environment.