Welcome to Kilfenora
Kilfenora is a historic village located just off the Wild Atlantic Way on the west coast of Ireland in County Clare.
It is a gateway to the fabulous landscape of the Burren, with its limestone paving, distinctive hills and one of the most extensive cave systems in Europe. This complex and unique environment allows plants and flowers, not normally found together in the same country, to share the same rock crevice.
Castles, iron age forts and ancient tombs – some of the finest to be seen – are also among the treasures surrounding Kilfenora in this unspoiled corner of Ireland. Kilfenora is also famous for its musical and dancing tradition, built up over centuries. You can see pictures and video here from our annual traditional music festival.
A warm welcome awaits you in Kilfenora, in its local pubs and shops and at the Burren Centre and Tearooms.
Five fascinating facts about Kilfenora
- It’s the smallest city in the world – because we have a cathedral (built 1189). We are called the City of the Crosses because of our unique array of ancient celtic crosses
- One of the oldest music ensembles in the world was founded here in 1909 – the celebrated Kilfenora Céilí Band – still going strong
- The pope is the bishop! (Read about that here)
- Kilfenora was where some of the most famous scenes in cult TV series Father Ted were filmed
- Kilfenora is home to the Burren Centre – Ireland’s first interpretive centre, and THE place to learn about the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO geopark
