Lisdoonvarna Spa Wells Heritage Centre

The Lisdoonvarna Spa Wells Heritage Centre sits in Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, within the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. Lisdoonvarna is often described as Ireland’s only surviving Victorian spa town, and the centre occupies the historic Spa Wells site where visitors have long come to take the mineral waters. It opened as a heritage centre in June 2018.

The waters here are naturally rich in sulphur and iron. They rise from springs in the Clare Shale, having travelled underground from Slieve Elva through the limestone of the Burren, and it is the breakdown of the mineral pyrite (sometimes called fool’s gold) that gives them their distinctive sulphur and iron content. From the mid-19th century the spa drew large numbers of health-seekers who came to drink and bathe in the water; a bath-house was built in 1875, and by 1895 the wells were welcoming over 20,000 visitors a year.

Today the heritage centre tells the story of the town and its wells through exhibitions and photographs, and visitors are welcome to sample the sulphur waters for themselves. There is a tea room serving local baked goods, a garden and a children’s play area, making it a family-friendly stop that suits a rainy day. Admission is free, and the centre is run by local volunteers. As opening hours can vary by season, it is worth checking ahead before you travel.