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The Burren is a 360 km square kilometre area of limestone rock situated in North County Clare. It has been likened by some people as being similiar to the surface of the moon, an analogy which does neither the Burren nor the Moon the credit they deserve. It is, in fact, an area of immense beauty, a mixture of curiously eroded limestone, lush pastures, ancient settlements, and an array of flora and fauna so diverse that no other location in the world can equal it. It is the only known location where one can find Mediterranean and Arctic alpine plants growing together in perfect harmony. Below is a Larger map of the Burren.

Natural Beauty

How was the Burren formed...

The Burren area was initially an subterranean sea-bed formed by the dead shells and fish being compressed into limestone rock under the intense pressure of the sea above. Due to tectonic shifts the sea-bed was forced above ground and since then has udergone intense erosion, including glacail erosion, the most recent of which occured about 15,000 years ago. The unique combination of limestone rock, fertile land, coast line and an ever-changing sky above is truly breath-taking. On the right is an arial shot of the area, taken by David Drew.

Mullaghmore

Mullaghmore is one of the best known features of the Burren. Apart form its stunning beauty it was also the focus of attention in a European court battle, led by the Burren Action Group, to prevent the Irish Office of 'so-called' Public Works building an Interpretive Centre on top of it!!! Luckily for humanity in general the European Court ruled that it was too precious to allow man-made development destroy its natural integrity. A lesser known feature of Mullaghmore is the shadowy spirit who sits peacefully on the mountain on sunny days, looking out for the mountain and the beautiful nature that surrounds it.

The Coastline

The coast line of the Burren stretches from Galway Bay ssouth towards Liscannor Bay. Travelling along this road will take oyu through the quaint villages of Kinvarra, Ballyvaughan Fanore, Doolin finall arriving at the Cliffs of Moher. On a sunny day this is an enchanting drive with the karst Burren rocky mountains on your left and the Atlantic Ocean on your right. There are ample opportunities to get out for a hike or a picnic.

The Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are known the world over as one of the most beautiful and enchanting sea-cliffs anywhere in the world. Standing at over 200 m in height it is possible to peer over the edge and realise just how small you really are. The Cliffs are home to thousands of puffin birds and recently daring surfers have begun taking on the giant swell at the base of the Cliffs. Sufferers of vertigo beware!!! Recent developments by the infamous OPW have resulted in restricted access as well as exhorbeant prices for car parking. Don't let such ridiculus authority ruin your visit however, the best views are to be had late in the evening J-)
The Aran Islands, a group of 3 islands just off the coast of North Clare are an extension of the mainland Burren formation and are visible from the Cliffs. The islands can be easliy reached by regular daily ferries from Doolin port.

Flora & Fauna

The Burren is far more than just a big rock. Due to the high degree of light from the naked limestone and the reflections from the sea, flowers thrive on the landscape.It is home to over 1,000 species of flowers and plants usually found thousands of miles apart. The blue flower on the right is the symbol of the Burren.

The Burren is an environmentally protected area. and is home to a wide range of wildlife, including the elusive Pine Marten (right), squirrels, badgers, stoats, frogs, lizards, butterflies and 70 species of snail.

Scenic Routes

Kilfenora - Ballyvaughan (via Lemanagh Castle)

Driving south out of Kilfenora, towards Ennis, turn left at Lemanagh Castle, home of Maire Rua. This winding road cuts straight through the Burren, and includes the enigmatic Corkscrew Hill from where the view of Galway Bay is totally awesome. The Poulnabrone Dolmen (right) is situated about 3km from Lemenagh.

Kilfenora - Kinvarra (via Carren)

This route also cuts straght through the Burren and passes by the Burren National Park.

Coast Road

From Kilfenora drive west to the pretty seaside town of Lahinch via the market town of Ennistymon. From there travel north along the coast passing the harbour town of Liscannor. The Cliffs of Moher are clearly signposted. Continue northbound, keeping the coast on your left, passing Doolin, famous for live traditional music, and heading for Ballyvaughan via Fanore. It is safe to say that this is one of the most inspiring coastal routes in the world. It's rugged natural beauty is unequalled by any man-made construction.

The Burren Way

The Burren Way is a hiking route through the heartland of the Burren. There are two routes, the first being 8km and the second, a marathon 32km. On a fine day this is without doubt the best way to explore the hidden treasures of the Burren.

The Burren region is a sparsly populated area when compared to most of the rest of Europe. However, there are numerous small towns and villages dotted around North Clare each with its own peculiarities and interesting features. The community spirit is alive and kicking in North Clare.

Towns & Villages

Kilfenora

Home of the Burren Interpretive Centre, this is the first stop for all Burren enthusiasts. Its wide open main street allows visitors to ramble easily around, enjoying the mix of heritage, craftshops, pubs and friendly locals. Set-dancing in Vaughans Barn draws a crowd on Thursdays and Sundays. Home also to the Kilfenora Ceili Band, whose 60 year history is commerorated in Linnanes Pub in the centre of the village. Across the road Nagle's Bar is a local favourite.->

Carren

A small and friendly community in the heart of the Burren. Cassidy's Pub is a good stop off point for some lunch and a pint of Guiness. The founder of the Gealic Athlitic Association (Irelands largest sporting organisation), Michael Cusack, was a native of Carren and he founded the GAA in 1888.

Ballyvaughan

Home of the world-renowned Ailwee Cave, a huge underground cavern visited by tourists all year round. Monk's seafood restaurant is worth a visit.

Fanore

Stop for a picnic or swim with a family of dolphins in the Atlantic Ocean and afterwards revive your spirits with a warm pint of Beamish in O'Donoghue's Pub.

Doolin

Made famous by the late Micko Russell's entertaining ceili music sessions at O'Connors Pub, this harbour town is hugely popular among european backpackers, and retains the comic wit of its local residents. Great for a session. Doolin, and the Burren in general, is also home to many small cottage businesses such as Doolin Pottery

Liscannor

Liscannor was always a small and pretty harbour town, but is now home to innumerable vacant holiday homes and the extremely plain "Cliffs of Moher Hotel". On the hill above Liscannor lies St.Brigids well, where you can rest to revive your drooping spirits with a well deserved pint in Murphy's Bar while you say a little prayer for man-kind.

Lahinch

Lahinch is home to a majestic beach (a favourite with surfers), the golf courses and the diverse range of pubs and nightclubs make this town one of the most popular among Irish tourists. Flanagans, the 19th and others provide entertainment with lively musio and live bands, A game of pool in the 19th on a busy night is a must.

Ennistymon

This lively market town has plenty to offer. At one stage it had over 40 pubs, all of which would be over-flowing on market day. Nowadays, the pub count is closer to 20, and one can enjoy impromto traditional music and sing-song sessions in many of them any night of the week.

Lickeen Lake

Lickeen Lake lies just a few kilometres from Kilfenora. It is an enormous lake, relatively speaking and its dept is as yet unknown. You can enjoy a days fishing on the lake assuming yu have a boat, or if not you can always hire one along with a licenceto fish for the day. If you're not into fishish yu can just stroll along the banks where you are bound to encounter the odd family of horses.

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