If you are travelling the Wild Atlantic Way and wondering what things to do in Clare besides visiting the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren is a good place to explore for a few days at least. Although there are some rural bus services that visit the region, you are better off renting a car or booking a guide/driver; this will offer you far more flexibility, make your trip more relaxing and if guided, provide an extra level of service. In more recent times, theyve featured in numerous movies and TV-shows. There you can also visit the Botany Bubble which houses the national Collection of Burren flora. Click here for the Burren way map. Its possible to visit a section of the caves yourself an amazing experience! However, the park is home to diverse scenery, taking in woodlands, farms, lakes, turloughs, cliffs, and meadows. It is one of the oldest caves in Ireland. One of the most popular attractions in the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher stretch for around 8 km, towering up to 200 metres above the wild Atlantic Ocean. Need more reasons for visiting the Burren? Walk through the beautiful Burren landscape. 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However, if you want more of a challenge, try the linear Red Route, which is slighter shorter but more difficult. The Burren Centre is delighted that we have been awarded 200,000.00 for the fit-out of our exhibition space. Take a map or even a guide. The Burren is an amazing, formed around 340 million years ago. It is suggested that they were built for personal security from wild animals and raiders and not defensive security. Get advice on what to see and do in North Clare at our main reception. Underneath the limestone pavements there are huge caves and rivers that suddenly flood when it rains. The walk starts on the Atlantic coast in the village of Lahinch and ends in the inland village of Corofin. The Burren offers plenty for the cultural seeker such as traditional Irish music, art galleries and literary heritage. If you are interested in learning more about the geology of the Burren, check out their website. It is home to many artists and craftsmen and women. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the Burren famous for? Three quarters of Irelands native species are found in this area. Our goal is that the new exhibition can be as sustainable and resilient as possible for the challenges that lie ahead, taking into account that the tourism industry has been one of the hardest hit by Covid-19. Its not hard to imagine how this starkly desolate beautiful place may have inspired the worlds he created within Middle Earth. You can also get the. Youll be given a free guided tour, taking a sneak peek at the goings-on behind the scenes. Corofin is well known for its traditional music, walking, fishing and many other activities. Everyone has heard of the Cliffs of Moher. This fascinating little caf/perfumery uses locally sourced & foraged ingredients for its organic scents and cosmetics. Every spring and early summer wildflowers sprout from every available crack in the rocky plateau. This Is Hands-Down The Most Picturesque Place to Glamp In Northern Ireland. The limestone erodes easily horizontally and vertically with rain water forminga distinctive pattern known as karren, while the cracks are known as grykes. Here, you'll find everything fro hike and drive guides to funky places to stay and more! This ringfort is preserved in its original state and thought to have been inhabited from 400-1200 A.D. It is the home of the Burren National Park visitor centre. Whether shopping for yourself or for gifts, our craft shop features a wide range of hand-made local goods; such as, clothes, accessories, arts and crafts, soaps, CDs and books on the Burren. At this. Its worth bearing in mind that youll need to pay to enter some of the attractions, but there are plenty more that are free. Probably Irelands most iconic landscape, the Cliffs are 30 minutes from the Burren National Park. See our list of what we think you might find interesting. Northwest Business Park The Burren is an amazing geological wonder composed of limestone pavements which wereformed around 340 million years ago. Ennistymon is a lively town, close to Lahinch, with many shops which retain their traditional shop fronts and doors. They also have a beautiful castle rising out of a headland that resembles the famous Eilean Donan castle of Scotland. In fact, cattle and livestock have managed to survive, and indeed thrive on the nutritious grasses grown in the Burren for centuries. Carran (or Carron)village lies in the centre of the Burren overlooking one of the regions largest Turloughs (disappearing lake). ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Famed for its craggy landscape made up of huge slabs of limestone known as Karst, the Burren is a wonder to behold. Sorry there is currently no listings for Corofin. Probably Irelands most iconic landscape, the Cliffs are 30 minutes from the Burren National Park. North of Lahinch you have the famous Cliffs of Moher. Above, youll find a Burren map with each of the attractions we mentioned earlier plotted out (just click a blue dot to see what it is). As Irelands smallest national park, the Burren covers 15km or 5.7 mi. There are also some campsites here for the not so fainthearted who are prepared to brave the force of nature that comes off the Atlantic here. , located in Kilfenora, provides information on the secrets of the Burren. By continuing to browse our site, you agree to our. But best of all, youll get to smell the process in action. There are three islands: Inis Oirr, Inis Mor and Inis Meain, and each is home to a plethora of unique attractions (like Dun Aonghasa and the Wormhole). Pulnabrone Dolmen is a Neolithic portal tomb dating back to several thousand years BC as is quite amazing when you realise its antiquity (older than Stonehenge). Nowadays, he spends his time writing about traveling through the places he once explored, normally while sipping a pint. The aim is to provide information on the National Park and to promote conservation through awareness and education. And remember, no buggies here you have to walk it! Although some of the park includes lakes and bogs, the Burren is generally characterised by the exposed limestone landscape that is often described as lunar-esque and otherworldly. There are around 80 wedge tombs of Neolithic origin in the region, hundreds of ancient sites and ring forts and a couple of very well preserved burial sites such as the Poulnabrone portal dolmen, from some 5800 years ago. Like most of Irelands national parks, the Burren is a relative national park newbie. Irelands first Interpretative Centre is the essential introduction to this world-famous UNESCO Geopark, and to thousands of years of history reflected in ancient tombs, forts, castles and distinctively natural farming practices. While she has travelled to more than 30 countries, she has fallen in love with the rich Irish culture and sweeping landscapes of Ireland. Here you can get a cavern tour and even learn to fly your own bird on the Hawk Walk! As well as the caves, theres a lovely little cafe, and also a bird of prey centre. Afterwards, head to the tearoom for a freshly baked pastry and a cup of organic tea. Distinctive pattern on the limestone pavements in the Burren. In the summer months there are busses to the National Park from the visitor centre. Even if you dont think you need it, sunscreen is a good idea. This town just across the border on County Galway. Youll find the Burren in County Clare in south-west Ireland, where its home to several little towns and villages and hundreds of things to see and do. Formed over a million years ago, before the last great advance of ice, these caves were formed when rainwater seeped through grikes vertical fissures in the soft stone. Inside youll learn all about how its done and see the tools that are used. Jutting out atop a hill, its hard to miss, and the surrounding countryside takes in rolling hills and the Atlantic Ocean. Initially formed during the Lower carboniferous period, the Burren was once a sea bed roughly 350 million years ago made of compressed sediments. Its an amazing sight, set amid the moody limestone karst of the Burren you can find out more about it at the Clare Museum in Ennis. Both trails are under 3km and shouldnt take more than a half hour. It ranges from the sea level to 300 meters. If you are there at the right time you may be lucky enough to see the Puffins! Hiking in the region, you can easily spot fossils embedded in the rock such as fossil corals, ammonites and sea urchins and more. Or perhaps you may prefer 18 holes on the famous championship links golf course in Lahinch. These are crisscrossed with fissures known as grikes, brought about during a long, slow period of glacial activity. The Burren National Park Information Point is on the ground floor of the Clare Heritage Centre on Church Street in Corofin, County Clare. Moody and mysterious, the rugged landscape seems out of this world at times, but there are a fair few things we do know about it. The Burren Centre, located in Kilfenora, provides information on the secrets of the Burren. Mullaghmore is the name of the Burrens most iconic peak. The Burren National Park itself is located in the southeastern part of the Burren and is a lot smaller than the Burren region at only about 15km2.The Burren national Park was established in 1991 as a Government effort to ensure nature conservation and public access. While the boundaries arent really known, estimates put the area at anywhere between 250 and 560 square kilometres. In fact, youll find Father Teds House right here in the Burren. Or perhaps you may prefer 18 holes on the famous championship links. Doolin is another cool place to visit. Learn how your comment data is processed. Theres plenty to see below the Burren, with numerous cave systems tunneling deep underground. The Burren National Park covers a smaller area of around 1,500 hectares. The Burren perfumery makes products inspired by the area and native natural ingredients (which are not anymore sourced from the area). Starting from the pretty lighthouse, youll follow a green road through a valley of boulders, through an Iron Age fort, up the limestone steps, past Neolithic tombs, and along cliff edges until you reach the top, overlooking the entire region of the Burren, Galway and out to Connemara. F91 E285 There is everything for everyone in this area. A portal tomb is generally defined as having at least two upright stones balancing a third monolith called a capstone, forming a table. With the surrounding limestone slabs and fields of hardy wildflowers, its almost magical. The Burren is a must see destination in Ireland, check this useful guide with the best Ireland Itinerary. Here are some curious facts: At 15 sq km, the Burren is the smallest of Irelands 6 national parks. Host to many omnipresent stone-built monuments. A small little village with a few tourist attractions such as the Doolin Cave where you can get to see the greatest stalactite of Northern hemisphere. The Poulnabrone Dolmen is a fascinating site and one of the best preserved and largest examples of a portal tomb in the world. It was established in 1991, making it Irelands 5th national park (though Wicklow, the 6th, was established the same year). We were fortunate to be one of the 18 tourism businesses who got together with a clear vision - that the Burren would become a premier internationally-recognised region ensuring the future economic and social growth and sustainable development of its communities. A fascinating and educational attraction, theres also a visitor centre, as well as a farmyard nature trail. The map includes everything from the Aran Islands and the National Park to Father Teds house and much, much more. Alternatively, cover the distance in a long day of non-stop spectacular scenery that ranges from cliff top views out to the Ocean, to mountain passes amid the mysterious limestone pavements. They are passionate about the Burren and sharing its magic with visitors. You can enjoy a Burren guided walking tour or take one of the self guided walks along the way. Another interesting thing about the Burren is what goes on beneath the surface of the limestone. The word Burren comes from the Irish word Boireann, which roughly translates to rocky place or the great rock. over to the Aran Islands from here which is a great activity. The Burren is today recognised as one of the best Glacio-karst landscapes in the world. Whether you love wildflowers, are an amateur photographer looking for exotic shots, a hiking and outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for something a bit different, a visit to the Burren region or Ireland is sure to fascinate and inspire. 16 Things to do before vacation that dont involve packing! The Burren region of roughly 560km2 of area is located in the northern part of county Clare, in the west coast of Ireland, stretching partly into county Galway. Home to a wealth of incredible attractions, from Poulnabrone Dolmen to the Aran Islands (yes, theyre in Galway, but theyre part of the Burren), theres endless things to see here. makes products inspired by the area and native natural ingredients (which are not anymore sourced from the area). It takes in a wealth of attractions, including the Cliffs of Moher, ancient ring forts and tombs, castles, ruins, and much more. Ireland, 2021 Wilderness Ireland | Registered in Ireland 531225, Cookies & Privacy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap | Site Credits, The national park is located an hour south of Galway City, an hour north of Limerick and Shannon Airport, and. The terrain isnt wet so you could probably get by with trainers, but the uneven footing and the potential for putting your foot into a gryke or hole is always there. It really is worth spending a good amount of time in the area to fit in as much as possible. By Dawn Rainbolt, Marketing Executive The family-run smokehouse also has an on-site shop, so you can take some home with you at the end. Instead you can play Pitch and Putt with the whole family. Even more interestingly, the cave is known to make a strange gurgling noise suspiciously reminiscent of Gollums iconic cough. Set up in 1989, the Burren Smokehouse is part of a recent trend of producing local, high quality cuisine and culinary experiences. A small little village with a few tourist attractions such as the, where you can get to see the greatest stalactite of Northern hemisphere. Featuring three immense standing stones, covered by an even larger capstone, its believed to date back to the neolithic period. If you have a question that we havent tackled, ask away in the comments section below. There are a wide variety of things to do and places to see in close proximity to The Burren Centre. From short 20 minutes Burren looped walks to long distance trail walks like the Burren way which is 117km long, which starts in Lahinch and ends in Corofin. Doolin Cave is another must-visit, just a few kilometres from the Cliffs of Moher. Its proximity to Galway and the Burren attractions makes it a great location to stay. Well, this region and the whole of Co. Clare is one of the most vibrant cultural areas in Ireland. The melting of this ice had a dramatic effect on the landscape moving and depositing sediments and large boulders (Glacial Erratics) as well as chipping away and eroding at the limestone beds. Armed with a Masters Degree in Tourism Marketing and a love of writing and photography, she is Wilderness Ireland's Marketing Executive since 2017., Dawn Rainbolt | More By This Author As the story goes, JRR Tolkien had made several trips to the Burren when he was working on his famous trilogy The Lord of the Rings. Eons of Irish History and Lore in the Burren. This report is based on the findings of additional stakeholder engagement and consultation undertaken following approval of a Town and Village Renewal grant. For a full list of flora found in the Burren, view the. Here hangs the Great Stalactite, the largest in Europe at a whopping 7.3 metres long and an estimated 10-tonnes. The substantial stone tombs were used to burial the dead. Safe, paved cliff top paths allow you to walk along them, with incredible views out to sea and across to the Aran Islands. The Park also features the range of the Burren flora and display many archaeological features, from field walls to wedge tomb. The best time to appreciate this phenomenon is during spring in April through to June. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"It’s free to visit the Burren National Park, and it's open all-year-round. In the section below, weve popped in the most FAQs that weve received. Its a private house, but it is possible to book afternoon tea, and even a tour. There is a small heritage and a holy well tucked under the cliff. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What can you do at the Burren? A warm welcome awaits you as you try our enticing menu from snacks to 3 course meals, and take-aways, coffees, teas and soft drinks prepared in our kitchen. Following a figure of 8, the Burren scenic drive is a fantastic way to see the area if you only have a day to explore. Excavations carried out in the 1980s revealed 33 human skeletons, including male and female adults and children. They are passionate about the Burren and sharing its magic with visitors. While in Ireland visit these great attractions and family friendly destinations such the Scattery Islandand the Ring of Kerry. is a Neolithic portal tomb dating back to several thousand years BC as is quite amazing when you realise its antiquity (older than Stonehenge). However, the Burren as we see it today is largely a result of the last glacial period, during which it was covered in ice. The views are spectacular from the cliffs and the visitors centre there provides an interesting visitor experience. The Burren National Park is located in the centre of County Clare, on the western part of Ireland; it is fairly rural, approachable by a number of small, winding roads. It is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and is open to the public from April until the end of September. Many other water sports such kitesurfing, windsurfing, scuba and snorkling are all possible things to do in Lahinch too. Well, this region and the whole of Co. Clare is one of the most, itself is located in the southeastern part of the Burren and is a lot smaller than the Burren region at only about 15km. The Information Point provides information on the formation, management and flora and fauna of the Burren National Park.