We promise, you will never forget the delicious taste of Linnalla Pure Irish Ice Cream. The small farmhouse-based production in the foothills of the Burren is a short drive from Doolin and our Lodges.
Linnalla Pure Irish Ice Cream produces some of Ireland’s best dairy ice cream in lots of different flavours, using only milk from their cows. A visit to their farm, the Café, and the Ice Cream Shop should be high on your list when visiting the Burren region this summer.
Irish People love Ice Cream – But why is Irish Ice Cream so good?
Local, fresh ingredients, including milk from Irish cows, are the key to an unforgettable taste of Irish Ice Cream.
Irish dairy products are renowned worldwide, and this is reflected in the ice cream, which mainly uses milk and cream from grass-fed cows. The use of milk and cream from grass-fed cows is a key element, as the cows’ diet influences the flavour and richness of our dairy products.
Many Irish ice cream makers prioritise local sourcing, using fresh fruits, berries, and other ingredients from Ireland. You can even find some unique flavours like Guinness, whiskey, brown bread and other creative takes.
The Ice Cream of the Burren
Linnalla Pure Irish Ice Cream is a true farm-to-cone experience, crafted with care by the family of Roger and Bríd Fahey on their family farm. The farm is located on the stunning Finavarra Peninsula, surrounded by the waters of Galway Bay at the edge of the Burren. This coastal location provides not only a breathtaking setting but also a uniquely rich environment for farming.
Roger is the sixth generation of his family to farm this land; his ancestors have been here since the 1830s. Today, he milks 80 native Burren shorthorn cows with the help of his son Padraig. These heritage cows are prized for their rich, creamy milk, which is the key to making exceptional ice cream.
More about Linnalla Pure Irish Ice Cream
The Fahey’s make Linnalla Pure Irish Ice Cream using milk and cream from the farm’s own herd of native Burren shorthorn cows. This creamy, flavourful milk forms the foundation of every batch of ice cream produced on-site.
The ingredients used in their ice cream are sourced from a wide variety of places. Some are grown on the farm itself, such as blackcurrants, rhubarb, and apples. Others are foraged locally, including wild gorse, blackberries, sloes, and hazelnuts. Certain ingredients, like vanilla, chocolate, citrus fruits, and other exotic additions, must be imported, as they cannot be cultivated in Ireland’s climate.
Seasonality plays a key role in the creation of Linnalla’s flavours. In spring, visitors may find ice creams made with rhubarb, wild gorse, elderberry, or sea buckthorn. Summer brings a vibrant array of fruits like raspberries, strawberries, plums, and damsons. By autumn, the harvest includes wild sloes, blackberries, hazelnuts, apples, pumpkins, and more. The majority of ice-cream is egg and gluten free!
Linnalla is also proud to be part of the GEOfood programme, which connects food with the local environment and culture. Several of their ice creams—such as blackberry, strawberry, raspberry, sloe, and sea buckthorn—are officially recognised as GEOfoods, as they are made using ingredients grown or foraged within the Burren region. The milk and cream used in every tub come directly from their own cows, and the farm-grown or locally gathered elements give each flavour a distinct sense of place. When visiting the Burren, one can quite literally taste the landscape through Linnalla’s ice cream.More information can be found on the Burren Geopark website.
Farm Tours at Linnalla
The Linnalla Farm is a working farm and open to visitors attending a guided Farm Tour. Roger and Bríd take visitors on a journey to explore a true “cow to cone” experience.
For those eager to learn more about life on an Irish dairy farm in the lowland Burren, Linnalla offers guided farm tours twice a week during the summer season. It’s an ideal activity for families, food lovers, and anyone curious about traditional farming in this remarkable landscape.
Tours begin at Café Linnalla, where guests are welcomed by Roger and Bríd. The tour starts with a short introduction to the history of the farm, the surrounding Flaggy Shore area, and the unique geology and flora of the Burren.
Roger then leads the group on a walk to the farmyard, where visitors can see the cows and calves up close. Along the way, he shares insights into the challenges and rewards of farming in this coastal environment, explaining the sustainable methods he uses to suit both the land and the animals.
There’s plenty of time to ask questions, take photographs, and soak in the peaceful rural surroundings. The tour concludes back at the café with a well-earned refreshment and a generous scoop of Linnalla’s handcrafted ice cream.
Farm Tour details
- When: Mondays and Saturdays at 4:30pm
- Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours
- Season: Available June to September
- Location: Café Linnalla, Finavarra, County Clare
- Price: €30 per adult / €25 per child
- Includes: A drink and a large scoop of farm-fresh ice cream
- Group Size: Minimum 4, maximum 10 people
- Booking: Pre-booking is essential
- To book: Email info@linnalla.ie or call/text +353 87 785 7569
Important: Wear comfortable flat footwear; boots or wellingtons are recommended.
Café Linnalla – Taste the Magic of Pure Irish Ice Cream
“One of the Top 10 Places to Eat in the West of Ireland.” Wrote The Telegraph! Café Linnalla is part of the Burren Food Trail and is located on the Flaggy Shore. It was also voted one of the fifty secrets of the Wild Atlantic Way!
Café Linnalla is a charming dessert house serving fresh ice cream made on-site. From a simple, delicious cone or tub to an indulgent, generously topped sundae, there’s an ice cream favourite for everyone.
Alongside the ice cream, the café offers a selection of teas, coffees, and an assortment of freshly baked treats, including cakes, muffins, and desserts. With breathtaking views over Galway Bay, Ballyvaughan Bay, and the Burren, it’s the perfect spot to relax, enjoy something sweet, and soak in the serene beauty of the west coast of Ireland.
Opening Hours
Summer (1st April – 31st October): 11am – 7pm 7 days a week
Directions – How do I get to Linnalla?
By Car or Minibus:
Visitors can drive directly to Café Linnalla. On-site parking is available for both cars and minibuses. Alternatively, guests may choose to park at the nearby beach and enjoy a walk along the beautiful Flaggy Shore to reach the café.
By Public Transport:
Daily bus services operate between Galway and Doolin, with a stop in New Quay (Bell Harbour).
- From Galway to Doolin, the bus arrives in New Quay at approximately 10:00am.
- From Doolin to Galway, the return service departs New Quay at around 2:30pm.
By Boat:
Those arriving by boat can moor at the quay in New Quay. From there, it is a short 2km walk to the café. Pick-up from the quay can also be arranged upon request.
By Bicycle:
Cyclists are very welcome at Café Linnalla. A dedicated cycle park is available on-site for secure bicycle storage while you enjoy your visit.
GPS – Latitude: N 53 08.989 Longitude: W 9 07.111
Decimal Degrees (WGS84) – Latitude: 53.149818 Longitude: -9.118521
Degrees, Minutes & Seconds – Latitude: N53 08 59 Longitude: W9 07 06
More information and updates about the Linnalla Farm and Café can be found here.
What else can I do in the Burren?
- Explore Caherconnell Fort and the magic of Sheepdog Demonstrations
- Take a self-guided walk, trail or drive around Doolin and the Burren region
- Get active on one of many Burren Walking and Hiking Trails
- Discover caves, wildflowers, local food and more
- Visit the Burren Perfumery
What do we think about Linnalla Pure Irish Ice Cream?
It’s delicious and a must-try when visiting the Burren. As you may know, we are proud of our regional products and can’t recommend them enough to our guests. While our Burren Food Trail Breakfast Buffet obviously can’t include Ice Cream. We certainly recommend a visit to Café Linnalla and the farm for a refreshing stopover when visiting the Burren.
