Activities
Activities and leisure options are extensive! All of them can be enjoyed against the dramatic natural backdrops around . But also those who are not so eager to engage in the many active and passive pursuits available will enjoy the peace and tranquility, the flora and fauna and the ever changing Irish skies.
Walking & Hiking
The village is growing in popularity as the focal point for such renowned walking tours as the 'Burren Way', which leads to Lahinch across the Burren mountains as well as to the Burren National Park.The green roads are the old Burren roads and are perfect to explore this landscape on short and long walks. The Ballyvaughan/Fanore Walking Club walks every sunday, visitors are welcome to join. Guided walking tours through the Burren region with experienced guides can also be arranged locally by us.
Discovering the Flora and Fauna of the Burren
The Burren offer an abundant diversity of flowers and plants, never planted by man. Many of these are botanists delight. Among the most exotic and unexpected is the Mountain Aven,whose main habitat is northern Scandinavia and the Spring Gentian, whose natural home is in the slopes of the Alps. A near neighbour is the Maidenhair Fern, a stranger from the Mediterranean cosily nurtured in the sparse damp
soil in the warm shelter of the Fissures.
Cycling
Cycling on the small burren roads offers much better impressions and views of the remarkable landscape than you'd get through a car window! Cycles can be hired locally!
Angling
is very popular from the pier and from various other spots all along the coast.
More
to see:
The Burren College of Art located close to Newtown castle. Providing Time, Space and Inspiration for artists in the unique Burren landscape was the founding principle of the Burren College of Art. The Gallery mounts regular exhibitions of student work and exhibitions curated by students as part of their educational programmes. 
Ailwee Cave is one of the very few of the many thousands of ancient caves beneath the karst-landscape of the Burren and only 10 mins. from Ballyvaughan. Spectacular bird displays 3 or 4 times daily. Another cave opened for visitors is Doolin Cave, 30 mins. away.
Poulnabrone Dolmen , the most famous of all Irish dolmens is only 10 mins. away. Caherconnell Stone Fort, situated 1km south of Poulnabrone dolmen offers you the opportunity to visit an exceptionally well - preserved example of the stone forts or stone ringforts, which are to be found in the Burren.
Mullaghmore National Park
Mullaghmore mountain is the sublimely beautiful heart of the Burren - rich in heritage and natural beauty and famous for its flora and wildlife. Geological evolution over millions of years has arranged this landscape in such a way that today it is recognised as one of the most distinctive landscapes in Europe.
Corcomroe Abbey is just one of the many medieval ruins in the area. The remains of the cistercian abbey dates from the 14th or 15th century. The excellent masonry features delicate floral ornamentation
Kilmacduagh Abbey & Round Tower in Co.Galway, is less than 30 mins away, as well as Dysert O'Dea (famous Castle, Abbey, High Cross, Battle Field) near Corofin