the BURREN - Sea View House Doolin

Transcription

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The Burren Code
Support the principles of the Burren Code to help safeguard
this important landscape:
• Leave the limestone pavement as you find it*
• Preserve natural habitats and leave wildflowers
undisturbed
• Take care not to damage monuments, walls and buildings
• Respect landowners, their property and their livestock
• Park and camp in designated areas
• Leave no trace of your visit, take nothing but memories
* Limestone Pavement is listed as a “Priority Habitat” in the
European Habitats Directive, 1992, and is protected by law.
Cód na Boirne
Tabhair tacaíocht do phrionsabail Chód na Boirne ar
mhaith leis an tírdhreach tábhachtach seo a chosaint
• Fág an cosán aolchloiche* mar a fhaigheann tú í
• Caomhnaigh na gnáthóga nádúrtha agus ná cuir isteach
ar bhláthanna fiáine*
• Bí cúramach agus ná déan dochar do shéadchomharthaí,
do bhallaí ná d’fhoirgnimh
• Bíodh meas agat ar úinéirí talún, ar a maoin agus ar a
mbeostoc
• Páirceáil agus campáil sna limistéir shonraithe
• Ná fág rian ar bith de do chuairt; ná tabhair leat ach
cuimhní
* Tá Cosán Aolchloiche liostaithe mar “Ghnáthóg Tosaíochta”
i dTreoir Eorpach Gnáthóga, 1992, agus tá cosaint dlí aici.
2
The content of the Burren Explorer is based on research and
submissions from Dr. Carleton Jones, Brendan Dunford,
Mary Angela Keane, Paddy Maher, Liz Fitzpatrick, John Doorty,
PJ Curtis, Tina O Dwyer, Carol Glesson, Eimer McCarthy and
Natacha Del Fiol.
Photography and Images: Burrenbeo, Shannon Development,
Clare Champion, Burren College of Art, Burren Perfumery,
John Kelly Photography
Cartography: Walking and Cycling Trails by Shannon Development
Design: David Rice at OpticNerve.ie
Editing: Siobain O’Brien
Proof Reading: Margaret O’Brien
Produced by the Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark (Carol Gleeson)
and the Burren Explorer Group (Frances Connole, Orla Vaughan and
Fintan O’ Donnell).
Published: April 2013
Version: 3
Printed by: D2 Print
To download a PDF of this booklet, visit www.burren.ie
Discalimer: Every care has been taken to be as comprehensive and
inclusive as possible in the compilation of the Buren Explorer. Where
errors and omissions are brought to our attention, future editions of
the Burren Explorer can be amended accordingly.
Please direct your comments and feedback to info@burren.ie
Note on place name spelling: The official ordnance survey
place-name spelling, used on all signage and maps, is used in
the main text of this guide. Local spellings may be used in other
contexts, for example where business names use the local spelling.
Contents
3
Introduction
4
Geology & Landscape
6
Geology—Did you know?
8
Archaeology & Landscape
10
Historical Structures
12
Historic Buildings Timeline 13
Flora of the Burren
14
Fauna of the Burren
16
Agriculture & Land use
18
Burren Culture
20
Burren Folklore
22
Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark
24
Burren Ecotourism
26
The Burren Food Trail
28
Walking in the Burren
30
Burren Walking & Cycling Trails
31
Burren Towns & Villages
47
Music, Festivals & Events of the Burren 81
4
Introduction
The Burren
Land of the Fertile Rock
Fáilte go dtí An Bhoireann
Welcome to the Burren
Your Burren Explorer will give you a taste of
the history, local culture and traditions in
the Burren, as well as comprehensive listings
on what to do, eat, dining and details of
many cultural festivals, events, live music
sessions in the town and villages that make
up this special karst region of North Clare.
From the traditional music events in spring
and the Burren in Bloom festival in May, to
the summer events like weekly Teach Cheoil
traditional Irish concerts in Corofin and
Ceili’s in Kilfenora. Even winter events such
as Russell Music Weekend in Doolin and the
Ballyvaughan Christmas Markets, the Burren
is a place that is as beautiful and lively in
winter as it is in spring, summer or autumn.
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The Burren has an extensive and varied
selection of accommodation, including
family-run bed & breakfasts where one can
get a real taste of home cooking and inside
information on the local culture and traditions
of the area. Hotels, guesthouses, self-catering
accommodation, as well as quality hostels,
caravan and camping sites ensure that every
type of traveller is catered for.
The great variety of places to eat and drink,
from traditional pub food to restaurants and
cafes, over 20 visitor attractions, spectacular
scenery, beautiful beaches, outdoor
activities to suit all capabilities, as well as an
abundance of archaeological and historical
sites of interest, will ensure that your visit to
the Burren is as action-packed or as relaxing
as you choose.
We hope that this Explorer will help you enjoy
your holiday more and also help to protect
this special environment, as well as contribute
to the economic and social development of
the people and cultures of the Burren.
Further information on the Burren can be obtained at
any of the nine dedicated Burren information points in
the region highlighted in the Burren Explorer Map.
6
Geology &
Landscape
340–317 million years ago during the
Carboniferous Period, the Burren formed the
floor of a shallow tropical sea, much like the
modern-day Caribbean.
The warm, shallow tropical seas supported
a prolific and diverse range of marine life,
including corals and many types of shellfish.
When the dead bodies of the marine life
decayed, they created a limey mud. Over
time and with deeper burial the limey mud
compacted to form limestone rock, hence
the limestone rock, which forms the present
day Burren region, was born.
Limestone has a special relationship with water
as it will dissolve very slowly in the presence
of mildly acidic rainwater and melting ice.
When this happens to a large exposed area
of limestone what emerges is called a Karst
geological region. When bare limestone
mountains and hills become exposed to wind,
rain and ice they become ‘karstified’.
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After millions of years of earthquake
movements the limestone beds rose up
from the tropical seas and surfaced to form
mountains. The landscape of the Burren was
then shaped by erosion and the smoothing
movements of massive ice sheets, called
glaciers. During the last great Ice Age, which
ended 12,000 years ago, these glaciers moved
from north to south across the Burren
region.
The front of these glaciers behaved like
massive bulldozers and when they finally
melted away they left behind large boulders
on the surface of the limestone called
Erratics. Underground erosion by the melting
ice water also created many caves, a feature
which makes the Burren a popular place for
subterranean explorers called speleologists.
This text was supplied by Paddy Maher, Ruan, Co. Clare.
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Geology—
Did you know?
Burren rock pavement is very rare and is
specially protected
The bare limestone rock pavement of the
Burren is dissected by “clint and gryke”
structures. The grykes, formed by water
dissolving away limestone along joints are the
vertical fractures seen running through the
solid limestone. The clints are the limestone
blocks surrounded by these fractures. This
Limestone pavement is protected by European
legislation because of its international
importance and, like the rare flowers, it is
important that it is not disturbed or damaged.
Magical disappearing lakes
The disappearing lakes of the Burren are
called Turloughs. These are seasonally dry
karst lakes which form in hollows in the
limestone. They fill and drain with water
through a series of holes and cracks in the
floor of the Turlough which are linked to
cave systems. Some of these lakes can fill
very quickly and they can be observed to
shrink and swell in a matter of hours.
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The longest cave system in Ireland
A cave in the Burren called Poulnagollum is
Ireland’s longest cave. It runs for over 15km
and is 140 meters deep. It can be found on
the eastern slopes of Slieve Elva Mountain,
near the town of Lisdoonvarna.
The largest Stalactite in Europe
Discovered in 1952, the Great Stalactite at
Pol na Ionain known today as
Doolin Cave measures 6.54
metres (20 feet) in length.
It is now recognised as being
the longest stalactite in
Europe.
This text was supplied by Paddy Maher,
Geologist, Ruan, Co. Clare.
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Archaeology &
Landscape
It’s believed that the first full-time
inhabitants of the Burren were farmers who
arrived around 3800 BC. The most visible
remains of their former presence are the
megalithic tombs they built, such as the
portal tomb at Poulnabrone.
Throughout the era known as the Neolithic
period (c. 4000–2400 BC), these farmers
raised their herds on the gentle southern
slopes of the Burren. The Burren was good to
them, but we have evidence, including largescale tree clearance, that by the end of the
Neolithic period and into the Early Bronze
Age (c. 2400–2000 BC), an increasing
population may have put considerable
pressure on the Burren’s resources.
The Burren contains eighty wedge tombs
(all of which date to this period) and
represents the densest concentration of
tombs in Ireland (wedge tombs were the last
type of megalithic tomb to be built).
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The unique environment of the Burren
has also ensured that the much more
ephemeral remains of these peoples’ farms
and field walls are still visible as low
grass-covered mounds over 4,000 years
after they were built!
After this boom time in the Final Neolithic/
Early Bronze Age, the population focus
may have shifted off of the Burren and
towards southeast Clare. The Burren
was not completely abandoned however,
and spectacular finds such as the large
gold Gleninsheen gorge demonstrate the
significant activity on the Burren in the
Bronze Age (1500–600).
Pollen evidence for a regeneration of trees on
the Burren during the subsequent Iron Age
(600 BC–400 AD) indicates an even greater
drop-off in farming and population that
lasted until the Early Medieval period
(400–1300 AD), when the trees were
re-cleared and the population of the Burren
increased once again.
The text was supplied by Dr. Carleton Jones, Archaeologist,
National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) and
author of The Burren and the Aran Islands—Exploring the
Archaeology.
12
Historical
Structures
A journey through the historic Burren takes
you to some of the best-preserved early
medieval landscapes in Ireland. There are
several great stone forts that functioned as
tribal centers of ‘túatha’ or petty kingdoms.
From perhaps as early as the sixth century,
early Christian followers began to establish
themselves in monastic communities and
hermitages and as many as nineteen churches
of the Burren túatha can claim
early Christianity ancestry.
Tower Houses were the strongholds of
ruling families and their cadet branches
in the Burren, namely the O’Brien’s and
the O’Loughlins in the fifteenth and
sixteenth centuries.
Historic Burren is a place of continuity
and change, and by the seventeenth century
it had begun to reflect a new interest by
the gentry class in more commodious living.
This is perhaps best expressed in the addition
in 1643 of a spacious, bright and heated
fortified house to a fifteenth- century
tower house and the development of
walled pleasure gardens and parkland,
at Lemaneagh.
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Historic Buildings
Timeline
EARLY
MEDIEVAL:
400–1300 AD
the great stone forts and cashels of
Caherballykinvarga, Cahercommaun,
Cahermore, Caherconaill and early
church sites—Oughtmama, Kilnaboy
and Kilfenora
HIGH
MEDIEVAL:
1100–1350
Kilfenora high crosses and
cathedral, Cistercians
abbey of Corcomroe
LATE
MEDIEVAL:
1350–1550
continuity of Caher tradition—Cahermacnaghten,
Cahermore, development of tower houses Gleninagh,
Ballynalackan, Newtown, Donnagore, modifications
to parish churches Carron, Drumacreehy, Noughaval;
dissolution of abbeys and churches
EARLY
MODERN:
1550–1700
continuity of tower house and ringfort
settlements; advent of fortified house
architecture; dispossession of Burren Gaelic
families and transplantation of families
into Burren during Cromwellian Settlement
This text was supplied by Liz Fitzpatrick, Archaeologist, NUIG.
14
Flora
of the Burren
Solitary, austere, and yet strangely beautiful,
the Burren is a place that makes your senses
come alive. It is a fertile, fragile, plant-rich
and sensitive landscape. Of all the natural
history interests that are intermingled and
interdependent on this limestone plateau, it
is perhaps the plants and flowers which have
caught the public imagination.
The total flora of the Burren is so rich it
constitutes about three quarters of the flora
of Ireland. However the lack of botanical
training does not detract from the sheer
joy of relishing the eternal rhythm of the
ever changing floral seasons in this rich
landscape.
The mystique of the Burren flora lays not so
much in the frequency of rare species, but in
the assemblage or co-habitation of certain
plants and the locations they choose.
15
These unique circumstances prevailing in
the Buren are most strikingly demonstrated
by the simultaneous occurrence of the
Mediterranean orchid Neotinea Intacta (the
Irish Orchid) and the artic alpine species
Dryas octopetala (Mountain Avens).
Equally interesting species are the southern
continental Helianthemum canum (Rockrose), the alpine Gentiana Verna (Spring
Gentian) and the northern—continental
Potentilla Fruitcosa (Shrubby Cinquefoil).
The Burren with its high oceanic climate
is never out of bloom, the plants rotate
with the seasons be it ferns or moss in late
autumn and winter, or the crescendo of the
spring and summer flora in this exotic rock
garden that runs riot with colour. Keeping
in mind the climate, the effects of glaciation
on the limestone, and the rotational grazing
cycles, we can look at the flora of the Burren
and its growth activity through a new lens,
which will reveal a truly splendid natural
rock garden in this quite special place.
This text was supplied by Mary Angela Keane, Historical
Geographer, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare and author of the book
called “The Burren”.
16
Fauna
of the Burren
The fauna of the Burren is a frequently
overlooked aspect of the area’s natural
heritage. Feral goats, foxes and hares are the
most common mammals encountered in the
Burren uplands, with rabbits once common
but now much less so.
One of the most renowned members of
the Burren’s faunal community is the pine
marten, not welcomed by many farmers who
consider the ‘marten cat’ a leading predator
of young lambs.
Woodmice and red squirrels are very
common in hazel woodland. Other
mammals found in the Burren include the
badger, and the stoat.
Over seventy species of land snails have
been recorded in the area, thanks to the
abundance of shell-building calcium
carbonate.
17
Seven of Ireland’s native bat species are
found in the Burren.
29 of Irelands 34 butterfly species are
found, with two more or less limited to the
area—the Pearl Bordered Fritillary and the
Brown Hairsteak.
Of the many bird species found in the
Burren perhaps the Skylark can be singled
out as being especially representative of the
area. It is a constant tuneful companion
during the summer on the high ground,
adding an extra dimension to the solitude
and beauty of the place
This text was supplied by Burrenbeo, Kinvara, Co. Galway
Visit www.burrenbeo.com for more information.
18
Agriculture &
Land use
To the surprise of many people, the Burren
has supported a rich tradition of farming
which spans almost six millennia. Pollen
records and archaeological excavations
suggest that Stone Age Burren farmers kept
cattle, sheep, goats and grew cereals. To
cultivate their land, these farmers gradually
removed the existing pine hazel woodland,
an act that would later contribute to the
extensive loss of soil from the Burren, and
the exposure of the skeletal ‘karst’
landscape we cherish today.
Generations of farmers have shaped the
Burren in a very profound way by building
megalithic tombs and giant stone cairns to
bury their dead, churches to worship their
god, circular forts to protect their livestock,
and thousands of miles of stone walls to
manage their herds. These structures today
represent a stunning archaeological legacy.
19
One unique surviving feature of Burren
farming is the tradition of winterage. This
system involves herding cattle onto the
warm, dry Burren hills in winter when
water and food are plentiful. ‘Outwintering’
livestock graze back rough grasses and scrub,
allowing the Burren’s rich flora and fauna to
prosper unhindered the following summer.
Today, only a few hundred farmers remain
to uphold the Burren’s ancient farming
traditions. Please respect these farmers, their
livestock and property during your visit.
This text was supplied by Dr. Brendan Dunford, BurrenLife,
Carron, Co. Clare, author of Farming and the Burren.
Visit www.burrenlife.com for more information.
20
Burren
Culture
Somewhere among great rocks on the scarce grass,
Birds cry, they cry their loneliness.
Even the sunlight can be lonely here,
Even hot noon is lonely
From W.B. Yeats play, The Dreaming of the Bones
Almost three hundred years before the poet
W.B. Yeats set his play amid the broken
tombs of Corcomroe Abbey in 1916, Oliver
Cromwell’s son-in-law Henry Ireton who
led a military attack on Clare (1649–52)
described the Burren in a letter thus: “It is a
country where there is not wood enough to
hang a man, water enough to drown him,
nor earth enough to bury him in which last
is so scarce that the inhabitants steal it from
one another.”
As inexplicable, exotic and unchanged
in most ways as the Burren remains as a
landscape, it has always provided for diverse
and challenging artistic interpretation.
Whether finding the loneliness and
barrenness or the company and abundance
of its desert-like landscape their inspiration,
it seems inevitable that artists of all
disciplines, especially visual artists, writers,
craft workers, and musicians continue to be
drawn to the Burren.
Many artists make their home here. Like no
other place, the Burren and its people seem to
allow for the artist to live an artistic life.
21
But this is not just recent. In the 13th century
the famous O’Daly family of poets conducted
a bardic (poetic) school in Finnevarra (You
can see a simple obelisk-like monument to
them on the south side of the seashore). On
the far shore, the Flaggy Shore, Seamus Heaney
may have been revisiting their tradition in his
poem, Postscript.
Traditional music remains the most
accessible form of cultural expression in the
Burren. As the late philosopher and Burren
native John O’Donohue suggested, “The
secret music of nature is concealed in stone.”
Enjoy the music in the many pub sessions and
céilí (dances) you are likely to encounter in
the villages and towns. You are certain to also
find the work of locally based painters and craft
workers in the many craft shops and galleries
in the region. You will find that the cohesive
response of the artist in the Burren, is one of
protection and preservation.
This text was supplied by John Doorty, Ennistymon,
Co. Clare, author of ‘A place called Doolin’.
22
Burren
Folklore
Visitors to the Burren cannot but be
enthralled by the many natural wonders
of its craggy, limestone terrain and by the
richness and glorious abundance of its flora
and fauna. Yet underneath this stony outer
physical world lies another world, an unseen,
enchanted, timeless world of magic and
mystery, of myth and of legend.
From this ‘other-world’ of the imagination
sprang a brilliant tapestry of folk-tales, sagas
and ghost stories, through which countless
generations of Burren inhabitants down the
centuries strove to give form and voice to their
interpretation of a world beyond their physical
world and of their dreams, imaginings and
flights of fancy.
Many customs and rituals including
Bealtaine (May) and Lunasa (August)
Fires, Pattern Day celebrations, Pilgrimages
to Sacred Places, visits to Holy Wells and
healing men and women for various cures
remain with us today. Here in the Burren
one can still sense the hidden power and
energy that shaped the inner lives of
generations of its inhabitants.
23
It is not too late to sense that special energy.
To perhaps hear the clamour of warriors
engaged in battle by their Great Stone Forts,
or glimpse in the misty moonlight the
Fairy Hosts dancing about their Raths and
Tumuli. To glimpse a spectral sunken village
in some haunted lake, to taste from one of
the Seven Streams of Teeskagh, those rivers
of milk that once flowed from the magic
Cow of Glasgeivnagh Hill or to hear the
Anvil of Lon the first smithy, ring out over
the barren plains the high Burren around
Mohernacartan (Lon’s Fort).
Or one could simply sit and listen to the
magical fairy music that sings its melody still
on the secret streams of the deep Burren, It
tells the oldest story ever told. All we have to
do is listen.
This text was supplied by PJ Curtis, author of ‘The Lightning
Tree’, ‘The Music of Ghosts’, ‘Nothing to Worry About’ and
‘The Road of Souls’.
24
Burren &
Cliffs of Moher
Geopark
The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark
is about people and organisations working
together to ensure a cared-for landscape, a
better-understood heritage, more sustainable
tourism, a vibrant community and
strengthened livelihoods.
Global Geopark status is a UNESCOrecognised award earned by unique regions
worldwide. The status is awarded to special
regions with outstanding geology and local
culture – regions that support sustainable
development, research, education and
cultural heritage by working closely with
local communities and agencies.
UNESCO and the Global Geoparks Network
(GGN) develop common-sense quality
standards and provide a useful structure for
cooperation and exchange between Geoparks
around the world.
25
This is especially useful for regions that
combine the preservation of their natural
landscape into effective ways of achieving
strong local economic development, usually
through nature-friendly tourism.
The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark
aims to strengthen our local economy and
support local communities by working
together to create a sustainable tourism
destination celebrated for high standards
in visitor experience, conservation and
learning.
For more information on the Burren and
Cliffs of Moher Geopark please visit
www.burren.ie. Follow us on Facebook.
26
Burren
Ecotourism
Burren Ecotourism represents a growing
collective of local tourism-orientated
organisations that have committed to
the promotion of responsible travel to
the Burren in a way that conserves the
environment and improves the well-being of
local people. The businesses represented by
Burren Ecotourism offer a range of holiday
and visitor options designed to cater for any
and all visitors – from families to foodies,
adrenaline junkies to slow strollers, there are
multiple options for everyone. You will find
opportunities to interact with the landscape
through walking, cycling, climbing, painting,
kayaking and more.
The Businesses represented by Burren
Ecotourism have completed extensive
ecotourism training. Most are independently
certified and have subjected their
environmental and ecotourism policies to
external inspection and audit.
27
Burren Ecotourism’s objective is to ensure
that visitors have a fantastic holiday
experience while also being assured that
they have made minimal environmental
impact and have helped contribute to the
preservation of the Burren. This means that
you can experience an array of extraordinary
natural resources safe in the knowledge that
these resources are being catered for.
This text was supplied by Burren Ecotourism. For more
information visit www.burrenecotourism.com
28
THE BURREN
FOOD TRAIL
The fertile valleys of the Burren have long
been known for their quality food produce,
particularly for the production of beef
and lamb thanks to a unique and ancient
system of farming. In recent years, this
food tradition has expanded through the
emergence of many award-winning chefled restaurants and high quality artisan
food producers, as well as an increase in
practising market gardeners and growers.
We invite you to join us and get involved in
our Burren food story. We are passionate
about our food, growing and producing it
locally for you to enjoy. The Burren Food
Trail is more than a listing of quality food
establishments in the area – it aims to
uncover for you the path that your food takes
from field to plate. You can decide for yourself
how to follow the trail – stop at every point or
else dip in and out along the way, according
to your taste, interest and location.
Make the most of your visit to the Burren
& Cliffs of Moher Geopark by taking in one
of the many special food events that are
organised by members of Burren Ecotourism
on a weekly basis throughout the year – what
about a summer solstice twilight supper,
a cosy evening of cheese, wine and storytelling, a kayaking picnic, a vegetarian
harvest banquet.
29
The members of the Burren Food Trail are
bound by their commitment to building a
sustainable future for the region. Each of the
featured restaurants offers a Burren Food
Trail Signature Dish to savour. Each member
has achieved recognised quality awards and
standards, and has also signed up to the
Burren Food Trail Customer Promise: you
will find staff who are knowledgeable about
the regional food story, menus which state
the source of local produce, information on
local food events and markets as well as a
commitment to maximise the use of local
ingredients in all prepared food.
THE BURREN FOOD TRAIL is a joint initiative of the Burren
& Cliffs of Moher
Text supplied by The Burren Food Trail. For more information
visit www.burrenecotourism.com/food
30
Walking
in The Burren
The Burren Way is a 123km linear walking
train (including the East Burren Loop, the
Carron Loop and links to Lisdoonvarna and
Ballyvaughan) located in the Burren area
of North Clare. The Way brings you inland
from Lahinch on the Western side of Clare
to Doolin on the coast of the Burren and via
the town of Lisdoonvarna on to Ballyvaughan
to the North, it then crosses the heartland
of the Burren through the villages of Carron,
and Corofin on the eastern side of the Burren.
The Way follows a mix of mainly Green roads,
pathways, old roadways and minor roads.
Just south of Corofin the route links with the
Mid Clare Way and forms an attractive loop
walk on the eastern side of the Burren. It is
best accessed at one of the six key trailheads,
which provide information map boards and
car parks. These are located reasonably close
to other services and facilities, such as shop,
accommodation and restaurants. Please refer
to the maps provided.
This text was supplied by Eimer McCarthy,
Rural Recreation Officer with CLDC.
For more information go to www.shannonregiontrails.ie
Burren
Walking & Cycling Trails
THE BURREN WAY
32
BLACK HEAD Loop Walk
33
CARRON Loop Walk
34
DROMORE WOOD Loop Walk
35
Ballyvaughan WOOD Loop Walk
36
CAHER VALLEY Loop Walk
37
TEMPLECRONAN Loop Walk
38
LOUGH AVALLA FARM Loop Walk
39
FANORE TO Ballyvaughan Trek
40
CARRON TURLOUGH Loop Walk
41
MULLAGHMORE Loop Walk
42
West Clare Cycleway
43
Dolmen Cycleway
44
The Burren Cycleway
45
Doolin Cycle Hub
46
31
THE
BURREN WAY
32
0
5km
Distance
123km
10km
Black Head
Kinvara
Bell Harbour
Ballyvaughan Turlough Hill
Aillwee
Caves
ecarran
4
Fanore
Sliev
Slieve Elva
3
2
Carron
Burren
National
Park
Noughaval
Doolin
Cliffs of
Moher
Tubber
Kilfenora
Killinaboy
Liscannor
6
Ennistymon
1
Corrofin
Ruan
Liscannor Lahinch
Bay
Dromore
Nature
Reserve
Inagh
Miltown Malbay
Grade
Moderate to
difficult
To Suit
Average Fitness,
Casual Walkers
5
Lisdoonvarna
Estimated Time
4 days. Each
section represents
approximately a
half day’s walking
Terrain
Mix of green road,
pathway, minor
roadway, grassy/
rocky track, with a
steep climb and a
steep descent
Trailhead
A number, all
Indicated on map
Kilnamona
Ennis
Trailhead 1: Lahinch
Located on the coast, Lahinch is 3km
west of Ennistymon on the N67.
Trailhead 4: Ballyvaghan
The village of Ballyvaghan is located on
the N67 and is 39km from Ennis.
Trailhead 2: Doolin
Doolin village is located on the R479,
off the N67, and 8km from the Cliffs of
Moher.
Trailhead 5: Carron
The village of Carron is located
between Ballyvaghan and Corrofin
approximately 3km to the East of the
R480.
Trailhead 3: Lisdoonvarna
Trailhead 6: Corrofin
The town of Lisdoonvarna is located
approximately 34km north of Ennis on The village of Corrofin is located on the
R476 between Ennis and Lisdoonvarna
the N67.
and is approximately 13km from Ennis.
BLACK HEAD
LOOP WALK
0
0.5km
1km
Black Head
Lighthouse
Distance
26km
Murrooghtoohy
Doughbranneen
G len
Fanore
Bridge
Fanore
Beach
A
inagh Mountain
Caher
Riv
e
Caher
Murroughkilly
Ca Khyber Pass
he
r
y
lle
Va
START
FINISH
Caherbannagh
Formoyle Fermoyle
Chapel
Trailhead
Fanore, Co Clare
Fanore
R477
Lisdoonvarna
Ballyelly
Liscoonera
Derreen
B
r
To Suit
Higher than
average level of
fitness
Terrain
Green laneways,
tracks, and
mountain paths
Coolsiva
Aghaglinny
Grade
Hard
Caherbullog
Cathair an
Caher Ard Rios
Valley
Nature
Reserve
Poll an Phúca
R477
Ballyvaughan
Caherdoonfergus
Estimated Time
5–6hrs
Cappanawalla
Ascent
220m / 480m
33
Cathair
Fhiodhnaigh
C
Lios
Mac
Sioda
Derrynavahagh
Faunarooska Coolmeen
Castle
D
Faunarooska
A-B: From the mapboard, exit the car
park, turn left, follow the purple arrow.
After 1km, at a junction with a sandy
roadway, turn right. After 500m uphill,
at a stone stile cross into a field and
join the Green Road. After 5km, the
loop leaves the road, turns right and
uphill to join a well-worn path along a
stone wall. Follow this path for 2km to
reach a stone stile. Continue straight.
Slieve Elva
right to a metal gateway, joining
a sand road. After 1.5km the road
descends to join a surfaced road. After
1km at a 3-way junction, turn right.
C-D: Follow the purple arrows up a
steep stony road. After crossing the top,
the descent takes you down to join a
surfaced road. Turn right and, almost
immediately, left. Follow the roadway
for 500m to a junction with a green
road. Veer right and climb onto the
B-C: For the next 1km the path ascends shoulder of Slieve Elva and down to a
steeply to a stone stile. Cross the stile, surfaced road. Turn right.
turn left, and follow the stone wall on
D-A: Enjoy the descent toward the
your left for 500m to another stone
coastline for 3km. At a 3-way junction,
stile. Follow the waymarkers carefully turn right onto a sandy road. Taking
as the loop veers from the wall, swings care of traffic, walk along the main
R477 for 200m to Fanore beach.
Poulacapple
CARRON
LOOP WALK
34
Glen of
Cla
b
Ballyvaughan
0
0.5km
E
1km
Ascent
100m
Coskeam
243
Estimated Time
3–4hrs
Rannagh East
Tomb
Aghaglinny
Grade
Hard
D
Well
Termon
F
C
Termon Cross
Well
Crughwill
G
START
FINISH
Turloughs
A
To Suit
Higher than
average levels of
fitness
Terrain
Minor roads,
animal tracks and
green lanes
B
Carron
Distance
9km
Fahee
Trailhead
Cassidy’s Pub,
Carron Village, Co.
Clare OS Sheet 51,
R278 988
ckans Mts
Kno
Kilfenora
A-B: Leaving the trailhead at Cassidy’s
Pub, follow the green (and purple)
arrows downhill past the church and
Primary School. The green arrows are
for the shorter Templecronan Loop.
After 600m, turn right onto a laneway
towards Templecronan Church.
B-C: Follow the green and purple
arrows to the end of the laneway
where both loops enter a field via
a stone stile. The two loops diverge
here—follow the purple arrows as the
loop turns left. (Note: You are quite
close to the site of Templecronan
Church here—if you visit it, remember
to return to this junction.)
C-D: The loop now joins a tractor trail
and ascends onto the western shoulder
of Termon. At the top of the ascent
the loop joins a stone wall which is a
feature of this beautiful landscape.
D-E: Keeping the long stone wall on
your left, the loop crosses a number of
smaller stone walls to reach the top of
the Clab Valley and turns sharp right.
DROMORE WOOD
LOOP WALK
Ascent
30m
0
35
0.5km
Distance
6km
Estimated Time
1.5–2hrs
Ruan
Grade
Easy
C
Ri
Trailhead
Dromore Wood,
Ruan, Co Clare Map
Ref: OS 58 R353863
Dromore
Woodland
Nature
Reserve
46
Terrain
Laneways,
lakeshore and
wooded tracks
us
rg
To Suit
Medium level of
fitness
ve
rF
e
D
E
Lough
Garr
B-C: Emerging onto the tarred roadway
again, the loop veers right continuing
in the direction of the reserve entrance
before turning left into woodland
just before the same entrance. You
will leave the Mid-Clare way here.
After meandering through woodland
- running parallel to the boundary
wall - you exit the woodland and join a
laneway where you turn left.
B
The Castle
Lough
Dromore
Lough
A-B: From the car park follow the
purple National Loop arrow along the
tarred roadway back in the direction
of the main vehicle entrance to the
reserve. After 500m the loop swings
right into woodland.
O’Brien Castle
START
FINISH
A
C-D: Shortly afterwards, the loop
rejoins the Mid-Clare Way and wanders
along the wooded edge of the reserve
for almost 1km. The loop then leaves
the Mid Clare Way again to follow
the Castle Nature Trail (one of two
established loop walks in the reserve).
D-E: This 1km section of the loop takes
you onto the shore of Lough Garr and
Dromore Lough - at the end of which
you rejoin the Mid-Clare Way for the
final section back to the trailhead.
E-A: The final 400m of the loop passes
by the imposing O’Brien Castle and
along a bridge/boardwalk to reach the
trailhead.
Ballyvaughan WOOD
LOOP WALK
36
R477
Fanore
0
0.5km
Ballyvaughan
Bay
N67
Galway
Lough
Rask
1km
START
FINISH
A
Ballyvaughan
Lisnanard
Distance
8km
Estimated Time
2–2.5hrs
Grade
Easy
D
To Suit
Medium level of
fitness
B
Knocknagreagh
Tenarussa
Newtown
Newtown
Castle
Terrain
Surfaced roadway,
green roads, tracks,
cross country
Trailhead
Ballyvaughan,
Co. Clare
The
Wood
N67
Lisdoonvarna
Dangan
C
Ballycahill
Visitor
Centre
Aillwee
Aillwee Caves
A-B: From the trailhead , follow the
various purple arrows across a series
of stone stiles and wooden sections
to exit into a field which takes you on
to a surfaced roadway where the loop
turns.
B-C: Follow the surfaced roadway
for approximately 300m to reach
the Main N67—turn left, and almost
immediately, turn right onto a minor
road. Follow this road to its conclusion
at a metal gate into a field. Cross the
stile and follow the purple arrows
across the fields, and through a path
cut through a wooden area, and sandy
roadways to exit close to the entrance
to Aillwee Cave where you turn left.
C-D: Now follow the roadway for
approximately 2km to reach a
T-junction where you turn left.
Pass through a gateway and join a
green road. Follow this green road
for approximately 300m to exit at a
double gate. Continue straight as the
green roadway changes to a surfaced
roadway and eventually reaches a
T-junstion where you turn left on to a
minor surfaced road.
D-A: After approximately 400m on
this surfaced road you join the N67
Galway road where you turn left for
the last trek back through the village of
Ballyvaghan to the trailhead.
CAHER VALLEY
LOOP WALK
Ascent
300m/340m
0
0.5km 1km
Fanore
Bridge
Fanore
Beach
Estimated Time
3.5–4hrs
B
Caher
Khyber Pass
Ca
he
r
A
To Suit
Medium level of
fitness
Caherbannagh
C
Formoyle
Terrain
Minor roads and
green roadways
Fermoyle
Chapel
R477
Lisdoonvarna
Trailhead
Fanore Beach Car
Park, Co Clare
inagh Mountain
y
lle
Va
START
FINISH
G len
Caher
Riv
e
r
Distance
14km
Grade
Moderate
37
Caher
Valley
Nature
Reserve
Fanore
Ballyelly
Caherbullog
Poll an Phúca
Liscoonera
Faunarooska
Castle
D
Faunarooska
A-B: From the mapboard at Fanore
Beach, exit the car park, turn left
following the red arrow. Follow the
road for approximately 500m to reach
a minor road. Turn right (leaving the
longer Black Head Loop as you do).
B-C: Follow this minor road past St.
Patrick’s Church (on your right) and
with the Caher River running on your
left. This river has the distinction of
being the only one in the Burren to
remain over ground! Follow the red
arrows for approx 4km to reach a
junction with a roadway on your right
at Fermoyle. Turn right here.
Coolmeen
Slieve Elva
C-D: Having turned left, follow the red
and purple arrows along the roadway
for 500m to reach a Y-junction where
you veer right onto a grassy and climb
onto the shoulder of Slieve Elva and
down to reach a surfaced road at
Ballelly. Turn right (and downhill) here.
D-A: Enjoy the descent toward the
coastline for 3km and reach a 3-way
junction where you turn right onto a
sandy roadway which joins the R477 at
Fanore National School. Be mindful of
traffic as you walk along the main R477
for 200m and re-enter Fanore beach
carpark.
TEMPLECRONAN
LOOP WALK
38
0
0.5km
Ascent
150m/40m
B
Distance
5km
Teampall
Chrónáin
Termon
Cross
Tobar
Chrónáin
C
Estimated Time
1.5–2hrs
Grade
Easy
To Suit
Medium level of
fitness
Terrain
Minor roads, sandy
tracks, green lanes
Crughwill
Carron
An Carn
Research
Station
Clogbaun
Bridge
Poulmoneen
START
FINISH
Ca
stl
eto
w
ve
r
A
Trailhead
Cassidys Pub/
Restaurant, Carron
Village, Co Clare
n
Ri
A-B: Leaving the trailhead at Cassidy’s
Pub, follow the green (and purple)
arrows downhill past the church and
Primary School. The purple arrows are
for the longer Carron Loop. After 600m,
turn right onto a laneway towards
Templecronan Church. At the end of
the laneway, the loop enters a field via
a stile and the loops diverge here. The
Carron Loop (purple arrows) turns left
– but you veer right.
B-C: Follow a well worn track to a stile.
Cross it and turn right and follow the
green arrows to Temlecronan Church.
The loop exits the back of the church
grounds and joins a sandy track.
Continue to follow the green arrows as
the loop takes you past Tobair Chronain
(a Holy Well), through a field, and joins
a walled roadway where you turn left.
C-A: Toward the end of the roadway
you enter a ‘stone’ field, rejoin the
Carron Loop, and exit onto a surfaced
road near a small Research Station.
Turn right here and follow the road
for a short distance to reach an old
laneway on your left. Turn left onto
the laneway and follow the green and
purple arrows back to the trailhead.
LOUGH AVALLA FARM
LOOP WALK
Ascent
150m/120m
Distance
6km
Estimated Time
2.5–3hrs
0
0.5km
G l a s ge
i
Hill
gh
a
n
v
St. Patrick’s Well
Grade
Hard (typical
underfoot Burren
terrain)
To Suit
All levels of fitness
39
Lough Avalla
Jetty
Farm
C
Poulnalour
Terrain
Minor roads,
farm tracks and
laneways, open
Burren ground
B
Holy
Well
Trailhead
Mullaghmore
Crossroads, Burren
National Park, Co
Clare
START
FINISH
A
Mullaghmore
Crossroad
A-B: From the mapboard at the
trailhead follow the purple arrows
along the sandy roadway. After 1 km
you reach a junction with a farm
laneway on your right. Turn right.
Follow this laneway for 500m to reach
a metal gate and, almost immediately
a small wooden gate on your left with
a sign to a holy well. Turn left here.
and following the line of high ‘cliffs’
(on your left) as the loop takes you on
a tour through a mix of stone fields,
scrub and pastures. After the jetty,
turn left.
C-A: Continue to follow the purple
arrows as you are taken uphill again
for one last glimpse of this spectacular
location – and the farm that lies tucked
within. After 300m you rejoin the farm
laneway at the gate to the Holy Well.
B-C: From here, the waymarking
changes from tall black post to
standing stone slabs. Follow them as
This time follow the laneway back to
the loop passes the Holy Well and takes
the sandy roadway, turn and enjoy the
you from a tree-lined path into rocky
1km back to the trailhead.
Burren landscape. Ascend to reach
a stone cairn before sweeping right
FANORE TO
Ballyvaughan TREK
40
0
1km
Distance
21km
2km
Estimated Time
5 – 6hrs
ck
Bla Head
Grade
Difficult to Hard
Lighthouse
To Suit
High levels of
fitness
Caherdoonfergus
Murrooghtoohy
G le n
Fanore
Beach
Murroughkilly
Khyber Pass
Ca
he
Caherbannagh
R477
Lisdoonvarna
ey
all
rV
A Fanore
B
inagh Mountain
Caher
Ri
ve
r
Caher
START
Coolsiva
G le n i n a g h
Fanore
Bridge
Aghaglinny
Formoyle
Fermoyle
Chapel
Ballyelly
Ballyvaughan
Cathair Mór
Cappanawalla
Cathair
Fhiodhnaigh
Cathair an
Ard Rios
C
Caher
Valley
Caherbullog Nature
Poll an Phúca
Faunarooska Coolmeen
Castle
Faunarooska
Slieve Elva
Reserve
Derrynavahagh
D
Lios Mac
Sioda
Lios na
gCat
Lios Mac
Taidgh
Poulacapple Rathborney
Church
Gregan
Church
N67
A-B: From the mapboard at Fanore
Beach, exit the car park, turn left
following the brown arrow. After 1km
turn right at the junction with a sandy
road. After 500m uphill, cross a stone
stile into a field, joining the Green
Road. After 5km, the loop turns right,
uphill to join a path along a stone wall.
Follow this wall for over 2km to reach
a stone stile and metal gate (on your
left). Continue straight.
B-C: For 1km the path ascends steeply
to a stone stile at Gleninagh Pass. Cross
the stile, turn left, and follow the stone
wall on your left for 500m to another
stile. Follow the waymarkers carefully
as the loop veers right from the wall,
FINISH
Lios na Ard
N67
Doughbranneen
Terrain
Green roads,
minor roadways,
woodland tracks
Trailhead
Car Park Fanore
Beach
Newtown
Castle
Aillwee
Caves
R480
and swings right to reach a metal
gate joining a sand roadway along the
shoulder of Cappanawalla. After 1.5km
the sand roadway descends to join a
surfaced road. After 1km you reach a
3-way junction. Continue straight.
C-A: Follow the brown arrows for 5Km
to reach the N67. At this junction and
300m later watch for a stone stile on
your left. Turn left through the stile.
D-A: Follow the boundary of a field.
Then follow the woodland track
to reach a minor roadway at the
Community Pitch. Follow the road on
your left past the Primary School and
join the N67 at the bridge. Turn right
for the short trek to Ballyvaghan.
CARRON TURLOUGH
LOOP WALK
o
0.5km
Estimated Time
1-1.5hrs
Crughwill
Grade
Easy
To Suit
Medium levels
of fitness, buggy
friendly
Trailhead
Opposite Cassidys
Pub, Carron
F
Research
Station
Clogbaun Bridge
Carron
An Carn
START
FINISH
Turlough
E
Poulmoneen
A
Fairy Fort
Hostel
B&B
B
v
Ri
er
Terrain
Short section of
regional road,
mostly minor
country roads
1km
Cillín
Castleto
w
Distance
5km
41
n
Fulacht Fia
D
Turlough
(Seasonal Lake)
Cahersavaun
C
cave
Castletown
Tullycommon
A-B: With Cassidy’s pub at your back,
travel left passing Clare’s Rock Hostel
on your right. The loops turns left,
along a windy road to a junction,
where you turn left again. This straight
flat road takes you along the shores
of the Turlough on your left, with
mountainous farmland on your right.
B-C: At the next junction, turn left and
follow this road to the cross signposted
Burren Perfumery. Keep left, and you
will pass the National University of
Ireland Galway field research station
on your right.
C-D: At the t junction, with Carron
National School on your left, take
the left turn for a short climb on
a pedestrian footpath back to the
trailhead opposite Cassidy’s pub.
MULLAGHMORE
LOOP WALK
42
0
0.5km
e
Glasg
Slieve Roe
1km
ill
hH
g
a
Lackareagh
i vn
Estimated Time
2.5hrs
Loch Dá Éan
Grade
Very difficult
Glenquin
St. Patrick’s Well
Glenroe
Lough
Gealáin
Mullaghmore
Crossroad
mo
re
gh
Lough
Avalla
197
To Suit
High fitness levels
lla
Templepatrick
Correen Friary
M
u
Gortlecka
Coolreash
Lough
Killnaboy
START
FINISH
Knockaunroe
Rinnamona
Aglish
Killnaboy
From the trailhead, follow the Blue
arrows which take you right from the
trailhead, and then left across the
Crag road, through a stile and to the
shores of a little lake and around the
mountain.
Distance
5.5Km
Terrain
Remote/upland
Trailhead
at lay by on the
right at Gortlecka
Crossroads, near
Mullaghmore,
in the Burren
National Park, Co.
Clare. GR: R 304 945
West Clare
Cycleway
0
5km
43
10km
Trailheads:
The cycleway starts and ends at
Killimer.
Services:
Killimer, Kilrush, Kilkee, Miltown
Malbay and Lahinch.
Distance:
70km
Time:
Approximately 1.5 - 2 days
Difficulty:
Moderate to Difficult
Traffic:
Busy out of Shannon Airport to Ennis.
Light along the coast road towards
Killadysart - Killimer - Kilkee - Lahinch
Terrain:
Relatively flat with occasional short
climbs alond the route
To Suit:
Suitable for people of medium levels
of fitness.
Minimum Gear:
Helmet, bike, mobile phone, fluid,
snacks, waterproofs and a rucksack.
44
0
Dolmen
Cycleway
5km
10km
Trailheads:
The cycleway starts and ends in
Lisdoonvarna.
Services:
Lisdoonvarna, Kilfenora
and Ballyvaughan.
Distance:
45km
Time:
Approximately 1 day
Difficulty:
Moderate to difficult
Terrain:
Hilly, low gears recommended.
Experience the Burren countryside at
its best. Traffic:
Generally light except during mid
tourist season.
To Suit:
of fitness.
Minimum Gear:
The Burren
Cycleway
0
5km
45
10km
Trailheads:
The cycleway starts/ends at
Lisdoonvarna
Services:
Lisdoonvarna, Lahinch, Ballyvaughan
and Doolin
Distance:
69km
Time:
Approximately 1.5 days
Difficulty:
Moderate to difficult
Traffic:
Generally light but can get busy during
peak holiday season.
Terrain:
Hilly, low gears recommended.
Breathtaking scenery with a mix of
coastal and inland routes.
To Suit:
of fitness.
Minimum Gear:
46
0
Doolin
Cycle Hub
5km
The North Clare Cycle Network,
with the town of Doolin – centre of
traditional Irish Music in Clare – as
its hub, offers four new cycle routes
varying in distance from 18km to 47km
with numerous shorter alternatives. Each cycle offers wonderful views of
the local countryside with stunning
coastal panoramas. There are
numerous stop-off points along with
the routes with excellent restaurants,
pubs and other facilities and services.
Loop 1
is the shortest tour (18KM – takes 1.302.00 hours), it goes from Doolin south
towards the Cliffs of Moher.
Loop 2
(26/39KM, takes 3 to 4 hours) visits
the south west corner of North Clare
taking in some amazing coastal views.
Loop 3
(43 KM, takes 4 to 4.30 hours) guides
cyclists inland towards Kilfenora and
the Burren Region.
Loop 4
(21/47KM, takes 4.30 to 5 hours) takes
cyclist north from Doolin along the
coast road with spectacular views of
the Aran Islands.
Burren
Towns and Villages
47
Ballyvaughan, Baile ua Bheacháin
48
Bellharbour, Bealaclugga
50
Boston, Móinín na gCloigeann
51
Carron, An Carn
52
Corofin, Coradh Finne
54
Crusheen, Croisín
56
Doolin, Dubh Linn
57
Ennistymon, Inis Díomáin
60
Fanore, Fán Ór
62
Gort, An Gort
64
Kilfenora, Cill Fhionnurach
66
Kilnaboy, Cill Inghine Baoith
68
Kilshanny, Cill Seanaigh
69
Kinvara, Cinn Mhara
70
Lahinch, An Leacht
72
LISCANNOR, Lios Uí Chonchubair
74
Lisdoonvarna, Lios Dún Bhearna
76
New Quay, An Ché Nua
78
Ruan, An Ruán
79
Tubber, Tobar
80
48
Ballyvaughan
Baile ua Bheacháin
O’Beahan’s residence
Nestled on the southern
shore of Galway Bay against
a backdrop of the majestic
Burren hills, Ballyvaughan
is one of the most beautiful
and popular villages in
the Burren. It draws large
numbers of visitors every
summer to enjoy its range
of pubs, hotels, shops,
restaurants and craft
workshops. Once a sleepy
port, Ballyvaughan’s recent
revival owes much to its excellent location,
which is very convenient for exploring the
fascinating surrounding Burren countryside.
With stunning views of the Burren hills and
Galway Bay, Ballyvaughan is home to the
famous Ailwee Caves and the Burren College
of Art. For further information visit
www.ballyvaughanireland.com
Places to Stay
Gregans Castle Hotel
+353 65 707 7005
Rusheen Lodge
+353 65 707 7092
Hylands Burren Hotel
+353 65 707 7037
Drumcreehy House
+353 65 707 7377
Dolmen Lodge
+353 65 707 7202
Burren View
+353 65 708 3083
Ballyvaughan Lodge
+353 65 707 7292
Loughrask Lodge
+353 65 707 7151
Things to Do
Cappabhaile House
+353 65 707 7260
Newtown Castle
Gentian Villa
+353 65 707 7042
Burren Cycling club
+353 86 2579682
Logues Lodge
+353 65 707 7003
Burren Hill Walks
+353 65 707 7168
Oceanville B&B
+353 65 707 7051
+353 65 707 7037
The Creggs
+353 65 707 7234
Meadowfield Guesthouse
Monks Seafood Restaurant and
Pub
Molls Self Catering Cottage
+353 65 707 7083
Ailwee Caves
Ballyvaughan / Fanore
Walking Club
Ben Rock Climbing Clinic
+353 65 707 7036
Burren Walking Lodge
Ballyvaughan Cottages
+353 87 2428161
Ray’s Country Cottages
+353 65 707 7071
West Coast holidays.ie
Burren Wee Cottages &
Bungalow
Rent an Irish Cottage
+353 61 335 799
+353 65 707 7031
Trident holiday homes
+353 1 201 8440
Places To Eat
Burren Fine Wine and Food
Gregans Castle Hotel
Aggies Coffee Shop
Hylands Burren Bar and
Restaurant
L’Arco Italian Restaurant
Food of the Arts Café,
Burren College of Art
An Fulacht Fia
The Soda Parlour and
Coffee House
Tea & Garden Rooms
+353 65 707 7200
+353 87 777 9714
+353 86 844 8622
+353 65 707 7059
Crafts and Local Produce
+353 66 979 2184
Ballyvaughan Farmers’ Market
The Gallery at Burren College
of Art
Quinn’s Craftshop
+353 61 411 109
Imagine Ireland
+353 65 689 1106
353 87 763 3241
+353 65 707 7005
353 65 707 7052
+353 65 707 7037
+353 65 708 3900
+353 65 707 7200
+353 65 707 7052
Clareville House Kitchen Garden
Celtic Caprine Creations Handmade Goat Milk Soap
Clare Celtic Clocks
+353 86 803 8477
+353 65 707 7980
+353 65 707 7939
Glan Aran Handknits
+353 21 4822304
Burren Gold cheese
Leueen’s Wild Flower Studio and
Gallery
+353 65 707 7036
Transport
+353 65 7078955
C&T Hackney
+353 87 698 7470
Mary & Oliver Mc Namara
+353 87 288 0634
Puncture Repairs & Taxi service
+353 65 707 7290
+353 65 707 7200
Useful Numbers
+353 65 707 7300
Ballyvaughan Gardai ( Police)
+353 65 707 7002
Medical Centre
+353 65 707 7035
Service Station
+353 65 707 7204
+353 65 7077157
+353 85 7261315
Monks Seafood Restaurant and
Pub
Aillwee Cave tea Room
+353 65 707 7036
Logues Bar and Lounge
+353 65 707 7003
Pizza Cabin
+353 87 428 7701
+353 65 7077059
St John the Baptist Church
The Launderette
‘+353 65 7077061
Post Office
+353 65 707 6131
Tourist Office
Recycling: Opposite Holiday
Cottages
+353 65 707 7464
Glass bottles/jars;
Beverage Cans
50
Bellharbour
Bealaclugga
The mouth of the bell or rocks
Bellharbour has a rich ecclesiastical history.
The ruins of the Cistercian Corcomroe
Abbey and the ruins of three early Christian
churches of Oughtmama are located in this
area. Its many holiday homes attract large
numbers of visitors to the Burren each year.
Bellharbour is home to the famous concertina
player and composer Chris Droney.
Places to stay
+353 61 411109
Places to Eat
Daly’s Bar
+353 65 707 8048
Things to do
Corcomroe Abbey
Burren Outdoor Education
Centre
Burren Wild Tours
+353 65 707 8066
+353 87 877 9565
Boston
Móinín na gCloigeann
The little bog of the skulls.
Boston is a tiny village near the
eastern edge of the Burren. To
the south lies Lough Bunny,
a calcareous lake of 480 acres
and one of the deepest in the
Burren. It contains a wide
variety of wildfowl and plants.
Turloughmore is situated about
two miles from Boston Church,
and was famous for its racecourse
and fair day in the 18th century.
The ruins of Cluain Dubhain,
or Boston Castle and Skaghard
Castle are close to the village. Today the ruins
of the castle are a reminder of the past sieges
endured by its previous occupants.
Places to stay
Eiri Na Greine Self catering
+353 86 821 9441
Hogans Irish cottages
+44 1 244 500 501
Things to do
Cloondooan Castle Ruins
Skaghard Castle Ruins
51
52
Carron
An Carn
A heap of stones
(to identify a chieftain’s grave)
Carron village lies in the centre of the Burren
overlooking the region’s largest Turlough.
It is the only village in the high burren
and features the bare necessities of country
life - a church, school, Pub and Restaurant (Cassidy’s Croi na Boirne).
Carron is also the birthplace to Michael
Cusack, founder of the Gaelic Athletics
Association (GAA), whose original
homestead has been fully restored and a
contemporary visitor centre developed.
Carran is a walkers paradise, with three
nationally recognised walking trails, and a
choice of accommodation (B&B, self catering
and hostel) it is also home to the (nearby)
Burren Perfumery, Cusack’s Centre and
Caherconnell Fort.
Places to Stay
Things to do
Clare’s Rock Hostel
+353 65 708 9129
Maghouhy House
+353 65 708 9136
Jones Self Catering
+353 65 708 9129
Father Ted’s House (Glanquin
House)
Clare Farm Heritage Tours
The Burren Perfumery and Floral
Centre
Michael Cusack Centre
+353 65 708 9109
AdVenture Burren
+353 65 708 9102
Poulnabrone Dolmen
Burren Outdoor
Education Centre
Burren Wild Tours
Places to Eat
Cassidy’s Pub
Burren Perfumery Organic Tea
Rooms
+353 87 921 4694
+353 65 708 9944
+353 65 708 9102
+353 65 708 9944
353 87 224 4569
+353 65 707 8066
+353 87 877 9565
Useful Numbers
Saint Columba Church
Recycling: Opposite Graveyard
+353 65 707 8026
Glass bottles/jars;
Beverage Cans
54
Corofin
Coradh Finne
The weir of Finnia (an ancient fording
place on the river Fergus)
Corofin is a village steeped in folklore,
music, song and dance. Known locally as the
Angler’s Paradise, Corofin
lies on the south-eastern
edge of the Burren, a few
miles south of the Burren
National Park.
Corofin’s reputation
amongst anglers is due
to its proximity to Lough
Inchiquin and other lakes,
which offers excellent coarse
and game fishing.
Corofin is also home to
the Clare Heritage Centre,
which offers an insight into
Irish life in the 1800’s, and
the Genealogical Centre,
which caters for visitors
wishing to trace their Irish
roots.
For more information visit www.corofin.org
Places to Stay
Things To Do
Corofin Camping and Hostel
+353 65 683 7683
Corofin Country House
+353 65 683 7791
Kincora B&B
+353 65 683 7001
Lakefield Lodge
+353 65 6837 675
Marian Darcy B&B
+353 65 682 7757
Eiri na Greine - self catering
Burren Experience Guided Walks +353 86 821 9441
Imagine Ireland
+353 86 8219441
+353 1 660 9038
+353 87 205 9957
+353 65 683 7061
+353 65 708 8132
+353 87 8364780
+353 65 6891 106
Inchiquinn Country House
+353 86 823 1675
The Pottery Shop
Curraghkyle House
+353 65 683 7876
Ballyportry Castle
Shamrock & Heather
Ceol Na Coillte Cottage
Places to Eat
Cambells Bar at Inchiquinn Inn
Bofey Quinn’s Bar and
Restaurant
+353 65 683 7713
+353 65 683 7321
Henry Golf Tours
The Clare Heritage and
Genealogical Centre
Dysert O Dea Castle and
Archaeology Centre
The Farmyard
+353 65 683 7613
+353 65 683 7955
+353 65 6837401
+353 65 679 8030
Burren Life Balance Retreats
+353 65 682 7749
Corofin Acupuncture
+353 86 174 1345
Fishing Information & Boat Hire
+353 65 6837 675
+353 65 683 7020
Useful Numbers
Library
+353 65 683 7219
St Brigid’s Church
+353 65 683 7178
Medical Centre
+353 65 683 7604
Public Library
+353 65 683 7219
Lakefield Service Station
+353 65 683 7366
Rocheford Pharmacy
Corofin Acupuncture &
Sports Injury Cllinic
Post Office
+353 65 682 7932
Garda Station (Police)
+353 65 683 7622
Tierneys Bros Service Station
+353 65 683 7686
Glass bottles/jars;
Beverage Cans
Recycling: Gort Road
+353 86 174 1345
+35 65 682 7662
Crusheen
Croisín
56
The little cross
A village on the Galway / Ennis road, north of
Inchicronan Lough. On an island in the lough
are the ruins of an Augustinian abbey founded
by the O’Briens. (Inchicronan means ‘St
Crónán’s Island’.) The area around Crusheen
has a number of monuments (wedge tombs,
ruined castles, churches). There are also
several small local lakes suitable for the coarse
angler. The village has a particularly pleasant
thatched pub, Fogartys, with two open fires.
Visit www.crusheen.com or
www.crusheenns.com for further information.
Places to Stay
An Ti Glas self catering
Transport
+353 85 705 6561
+353 87 645 4120
+353 65 682 7549
Things to Do
Crusheen Singer’s Session
+353 65 682 7322
Irish Cottage Candles
+353 87 9840 184
Useful Numbers
Places to Eat
The Ballyline Bar and Restaurant
O’Connor Cabs
+353 65 682 7128
St Cronan (Catholic Church)
+353 65 682 7113
Garda Station
+353 65 682 7122
Service Station
+353 65 682 7117
Post Office
Recycling: O’Malley’s Shop
nearby Tulla Road
+353 65 682 7196
Glass bottles/jars;
Beverage Cans
Doolin
Dubh Linn
The dark pool
Doolin lies on the
south-western extremity
of the Burren and is
internationally renowned
as a centre for live Irish
music, played in its many
hugely popular pubs.
It has a wide range of
accommodation, and good
quality restaurants.
Popular all year round,
most of the activity in
the village focuses on
the original areas of ‘Fisherstreet’ and
“Roadford”. Doolin is an excellent base for
exploring the Cliffs of Moher, Doolin Cave
(Poll an Ionain) as well as the Burren and
its Atlantic coastline. Doolin is also popular
as the departure point for the Aran Islands
Ferry, and Cliffs of Moher Cruises. For more
information visit www.doolin-tourism.com
57
Places to Stay
Doonmacfelim house
+353 87 125 0303
St Anthony’s B&B
+353 65 707 4357
Trildoon House
+353 65 707 4870
Doll’s Cottage
+353 86 609 5233
Hotel Doolin
+353 65 707 4111
Lane lodge B&B
+353 65 707 4747
Tir Gan Ean Hotel
Rainbow Hostel
+353 65 707 4900
Dunroman house
+353 65 707 4774
Aran View House Hotel
+353 65 707 5726
+353 65 707 4025
+353 86 361 3719
+353 65 707 4420
Suantrai House
+353 65 707 4896
Rainbow Hostel
+353 65 707 4415
Fisherman’s Rest
+353 65 707 4673
Doolin Hostel
+353 65 707 4421
Roadford House
+353 65 707 5050
Flanagans Village Hostel
+353 65 707 4564
Half Door B&B
+353 65 707 5959
Fisherstreet House Hostel
+353 65 707 4421
Ballinalacken Castle
Aille River Hostel
+353 65 707 4260
Cullinan’s GuestHouse
+353 65 707 4183
O’Connor’s Farmhouse
+353 65 707 4498
Doonagore Farmhouse
+353 65 707 4170
Riverdale Farmhouse
+353 65 707 4257
Emohruo Farmhouse B&B
+353 65 707 4171
Dubhlinn House
+353 65 707 4770
Doolin Activity Lodge
+353 65 707 4888
Ashbrook Lodge
+353 65 707 4100
Churchfield B&B
+353 65 707 4209
Daly’s House
Doolin Cottage B&B
+353 65 707 4242
+353 65 707 5875
+353 86 172 8667
+353 65 707 4762
Glasha Meadows B&B
+353 65 707 4443
Atlantic Sunset
+353 65 707 4080
Harbour View
+353 65 707 4154
Horseshoe House
+353 65 707 4006
Killilagh House
+353 65 707 4392
Nellie Dee’s
+353 65 707 4020
Ramblers Rest
+353 65 707 4401
Riverfield House
+353 65 707 4113
Danaher’s Doolin View B&B
Sea View House
+353 87 2679617
Toomullin House
+353 65 707 4723
Seascape B&B
+353 65 707 4451
Twin Peaks
+353 65 707 5777
Riverside Cottage
+353 65 707 1167
Pairc Lodge
O’Connor’s Riverside Caravan &
Camping Park
Nagle’s Doolin Camping &
Caravan Park
Trident Holiday Homes
Westcoast Holidays
+353 65 707 4752
+353 65 707 4498
+353 65 707 4458
+353 1 201 8440
+353 61 335 799
Doolin Coastal Cottages
+353 65 707 4115
Cliff View
+353 65 707 4209
The Wishing Well
+353 65 707 4723
Quality Holiday Homes
+353 21 477 7384
Doolin Cottages
+353 65 707 4187
Atlantic View Cottage
+353 65 682 8282
Dream Ireland Holiday Homes
+353 64 66 41170
Doolin Haven
+353 65 707 4413
+353 1 244 500
501
+353 65 707 4061
Hogans Cottages
Aran View House & Apartments
The Cliffhouse
Fuschia Cottage
Go Ireland
+1 345 947 0892
+353 65 707 5050
1850 66 8668
Doolin Sunset
+353 87 623 4869
Whitethorn Lodge
+353 65 707 5050
Ireland at Home
+353 404 64608
Ballyvara House
+353 87 230 7151
Doolin Holiday Village
+353 87 2239638
Places to Eat
Stone Cutters Kitchen
+353 65 707 5962
Celtic Jewellery
+353 65 707 4638
Roadford House Restaurant
+353 65 707 5050
Magnetic Music Shop
+353 65 707 4988
McGann’s Pub
+353 65 707 4133
The Traditional Music Shop
+35365 707 4407
McDermott’s Pub
+353 65 707 4328
Doolin Dinghy
+353 65 707 4449
Magnetic Music Café
+353 65 707 4988
Doolin Craft and Food Fair
Hotel Doolin
+353 65 707 4111
The Clare Jam Company
+353 65 707 4778
O’Connors Pub
+353 65 707 4168
Morrison Art Gallery
+353 65 707 5646
Bruach Na Haille
+353 65 707 4120
The Doolin Pantry
+353 65 707 5646
Fabiolas Patisserie
+353 86 660 2582
Brian Hackett Jewellery
+353 87 282 5616
The Doolin Café
+353 65 707 4795
Cullinans Restaurant
Aran view House Hotel
+353 65 707 4183
+353 65 707 4025
+353 86 361 3719
+353 65 707 4420
Doolin Cave Tea Rooms
+353 65 707 5761
An tOilean Restaurant
+353 65 707 5726
Doolin Deli Café
+353 65 707 4633
Ballinalacken Castle Restaurant
Things to Do
North Clare Sea Kayaking
+353 85 119 5489
Bicycle Hire at Rainbow Hostel
+353 65 707 4415
Doolin Pitch and Putt
O’Brien line & Doolin ferry
cruises
Doolin Cave & Visitor Centre
+353 65 707 4289
The Doolin Garden
+353 87 914 7725
Bicycle hire at Doolin Deli Shop
+353 87 656 9837
Doolin2Aran Ferries
+353 65 707 5949
Doolin ferries
+353 65 707 4455
+353 65 707 5555
+353 65 707 5761
Useful Numbers
Aran View Service Station
+353 65 707 5991
Tourist Information
+353 65 707 5646
Church of the Holy Rosary
Recycling: Behind McDermott’s
Bar
+353 65 707 4142
Beverage Cans;
Glass bottles/jars
60
Ennistymon
Inis Díomáin
River meadow
Ennistymon lies in the
southern extremity of
the Burren, and has a
long history as a market
town for the surrounding
Burren community. It
is a lively and bustling
town, with the majority
of the businesses still
family-owned and run.
Many of the shops retain their traditional
shopfronts and doors. The narrow street near
the bridge over the Cullenagh River
is the oldest part of the town. A
little below the bridge, the river
rushes over an extensive ridge
of rocks resulting in beautiful
cascades.
For more information visit
http://www.irelandmidwest.com/
clare/towns/Ennistymon.html
Places to Stay
Falls Hotel
+35 65 707 1004
Courthouse Gallery & Studio
+353 65 707 1630
Station House
+353 65 707 1149
West Clare Gallery
Grovemount House
+353 65 707 1431
Mount callan Farmhouse cheese
Hillbrook Farm
+353 65 707 1164
Ennistymon Farmer’s Market
Pairc an Fhia
+353 65 707 1134
Sunset B&B
+353 65 707 1527
Useful Numbers
Falls hotel Self Catering
+353 65 707 1004
Public Library
+353 65 707 1245
Byrnes Accommodation
+353 65 707 1080
Ennistymon Medical Centre
+353 65 707 1207
Mc Grotty’s Pharmacy
+353 65 707 1043
Places to Eat
O’Dwyers Pharmacy
+353 65 707 1990
Blue Frog Cafe
Currans Pharmacy
+353 65 707 2400
+353 65 707 2008
Byrnes Restaurant
+353 65 707 1080
Dentist
+353 65 707 1207
Falls Hotel Bar & Restaurant
+353 65 707 1004
Garda (police)
+353 65 707 2180
Oh La La - French Créperie
+353 65 707 2500
Post office
+353 65 707 1001
An Teach Bia
+353 87 786 3815
Kath Cleans
+353 65 707 1093
Franco Fast Food
+353 65 707 1244
O’Dea’s Service Station
+353 65 707 1021
Pitstop Pizzeria
+353 65 707 2399
Malones Service Station
+353 65 707 2839
M&M Auto Repairs
+353 64 707 1616
Health Centre
+353 65 707 1143
+353 65 707 1385
Our Lady & Saint Michael
+353 65 707 1063
+353 65 707 0937
Burren Vet’s
+353 65 7071155
Plastic Mineral
Bottles; Plastic
Glass bottles/jars;
Beverage Cans
Things to Do
Willie Daly Horse Riding
Falls Hotel Spa and Leisure
Centre
Ennistymon Historic Town Walk
+353 65 682 8366
Transport
ABBA CABS
+353 86 606 6996
The Taxi Company
+353 65 707 5000
Recycling: Ennis road
62
Fanore
Fán Ór
The Golden Slope
The village of Fanore lies along the western
edge of the Burren, affording spectacular
views of the Atlantic Ocean and Aran
Islands. The village is thought to be one
of the longest in Ireland, though most of
the daytime activity centers around its
spectacular beach and sand dune system. At
night, O’Donoghue’s pub and Vasco provides
sustenance to the weary traveler. The Caher
River runs through Fanore, dividing the beach,
and this is the only Burren river to run along
the surface from its source to the sea.
Places to Stay
Things to do
Rockyview Farmhouse
+353 65 707 6103
Aloha Surf School
+353 87 213 3996
Seacoast Lodge
+353 65 707 6250
Caher Bridge Garden
+353 65 707 6225
Annaly House
+353 65 707 6154
Fanore blue flag beach
Donour Lodge
+353 65 707 6001
Burren Guided Walks & Hikes
+353 65 707 6100
Orchid House
+35365 707 6975
+353 65 707 6020
Crumlin Lodge
Mc Cormack’s Caravan &
Camping park
Fanore holiday cottages
+353 65 707 6166
Vasco eco adventure
Ballyvaughan Fanore
walking club
+353 65 707 6164
Holiday Homes of Ireland
+353 87 241 0959
Peregringo
Imagine Ireland
‘+353 65 689 1106
Places To Eat
+353 65 707 6115
Useful Numbers
+353 87 777 9714
+353 65 707 6980
Crannagh Post Office
+353 65 707 6131
+353 65 707 7045
Beverage Cans;
Glass bottles/jars
Vasco Dine, Wine & Deli
+353 65 707 6020
Saint Patrick’s Church
O’Donohue’s pub
+353 65 707 6119
Recycling: Fanore Beach
64
Gort
An Gort
The field
Gort is in south Co.
Galway, on the eastern
extremity of the Burren.
It is a designated heritage
town, as it has some of
the finest examples of
traditional shop-fronts in
Ireland.
A busy town, Gort is well served with banks,
supermarkets and services. It is a popular
destination for visitors also as it lies close to
the famous Coole Park (Nature Reserve and
Heritage Centre), formerly the home of Lady
Gregory and cradle of the Irish literary revival,
and Thoor Ballylee (formerly the home of
the poet W. B. Yeats). The round tower of
Kilmacduagh lies a few miles west. For further
information visit www.gortonline.com and
www.galwayeast.com/wayfinding
Places to Stay
Things to do
Sullivans Royal Hotel
+353 91 631 257
Gort Golf Club
Lady Gregory Hotel
+353 91 632 333
Coole Park + visitor Centre
+353 91 631804
Woodlands B&B
+353 91 637 372
Thoor Ballylee – Yeats Museum
+353 91 631 436
Kilmacduagh Monastery
Gregory Museum &
Milleninium Park
Gort Heritage Centre
+353 91 630 237
Gort School of Arts and Crafts
+353 91 637 382
Naomh Colman B&B
+353 91 631 849
+353 91 631 572
+353 87 917 1037
+353 91 633 878
+353 86 824 4136
+353 91 630 584
Ealamar B&B
Suaimhneas B&B
Laurels B&B
Woodley House B&B
+353 91 63102
Imagine Ireland
Ireland at home
+353 65 689 1106
1850 668 668
+353 66 9791804
+353 91 631 267
+353 87 237 2695
+353 404 64608
Hogans Cottages
+44 1244 500 501
Lough Cutra Castle & Cottage
+353 86 222 9184
Go Ireland
Coole lodge
Places To Eat
Sullivans Royal Hotel
+353 91 631 257
O’Grady’s Bar and Restaurant
+353 91 631 096
Lady Gregory Hotel
+353 91 632 333
Gallery Café
+353 91 630 630
Khaja Indian Restaurant
+353 91 630 896
Kettle of Fish & Chips
+353 91 630 300
Main Chef Chinese Take Away
+353 91 632 226
Supermac’s fast food
+353 91 630 896
+353 91 632 244
+353 91 632346
Michael Kennedy Ceramics
Transport
+353 91 632 245
Gort Cabs
+353 91 630 900
Sheilas Cabs
Useful Numbers
+353 86 878 5241
Emerald Dry Cleaners
+353 91 631 703
Keehan Cleaners
+353 91 632 453
Service Station
+353 91 632 070
Howleys Service Station
+353 91 631 335
Quinn’s Pharmacy
+353 91 631 272
Gilmartin’s Pharmacy Ltd
+353 91 631 236
Daly’s Pharmacy
+353 91 630 330
Post office
Ballyhugh Veterinary Clinic
Animal Health Centre
+353 91 631 028
+353 91 631 725
+353 87 265 2715
+353 91 632 748
Garda Station (police)
Saint Colman Church (Roman
Catholic)
Public Library
+353 91 636 400
Gort Medical Centre
+353 91 632 311
Gort Health Centre
+353 91 631 325
Dr Tony Noonan-Dentist
Behind Supervalu
+353 91 631 220
+353 91 631 224
+353 91 631 276
Beverage Cans,
Glass bottles, Jars
66
Kilfenora
Cill Fhionnurach
Church of the fertile hillside
Kilfenora has it all…. the Pope as Bishop, a
10th Century Cathedral with 12th Century
high crosses, the most famous ceili band in
Ireland, the Burren Interpretative Centre,
rare Ring Forts, Holywells, Castles, a 200acre lake for trout fishing and boating and
Fr. Ted’s local Vaughan’s Pub. A choice of
accommodation, good food, friendly people,
Irish dancing, fun and music nightly. All you
have to do is visit Kilfenora and it will all be
shared with you. Visit www.kilfenoraclare.
com for further information.
Places to Stay
Things to Do
Kilfenora Hostel
+353 65 708 8908
Vaughans Barn Set Dancing
+353 65 708 8004
Boghill Centre
+353 65 707 4644
+353 65 708 8042
+353 86 608 2830
+353 65 707 4053
+353 65 708 8139
+353 87 969 7546
+353 65 708 8040
1850 668 668
+353 66 9791804
+353 65 708 8061
The Burren Centre
+353 65 708 8030
Boghill Centre
+353 65 707 4644
+353 65 708 8931
+353 87 6855 491
Kilcarragh House B&B
Burren Forest Manor B&B
Maire Rua
Fair Green Cottage
Go Ireland
Burren Farm Cottages
Ballynagowan
(Smithstown Castle)
Murphys B&B
+61 749 387 753
+353 65 708 8040
Places to Eat
Vaughan’s Pub
+353 65 708 8004
Linnane’s Bar
+353 65 708 8157
Burren Centre Tea Rooms
Caherconnell Mountain Haven
café
+353 65 708 8030
+353 65 708 9999
Burren Tours
Caherconnell Fort and Sheep
Dog Demonstration
Kilfenora Cathedral and Crosses
Lickeen Lake (fishing)
Burren National Park Walk
E-Whizz Electric Bikes
+353 65 708 9999
+353 65 708 8098
+353 65 682 7707
+35387 292 5487
+353 87 627 7000
Burren Free Range Pork
+353 86 8815 974
Airmid soap
+353 86 867 4320
Transport
Grab a cab
+353 87 318 3702
Kilfenora cabs
+353 87 778 1835
Useful Numbers
Post Office
Connole’s garage &
Service Station
St Fachanan
+353 65 708 8180
E-Whizz Electric Bikes
Recycling: Across from Linnane’s
Pub
+353 87 627 7000
Beverage Cans;
Glass bottles/jars
+353 65 708 8008
+353 65 708 8006
Kilnaboy
Cill Inghine Baoith
68
The church of the daughter of Baoith
Kilnaboy lies between Corofin and Kilfenora.
As you travel from the south you are greeted
by the remains of its 11th century medieval
church and round tower.
Across the way is the former
Post office which is currently
the home of “X-PO”, which
has been re-opened as a
Community and cultural centre
for the Parish of Kilnaboy.
Mullaghmore lies a few miles to
the east of Kilnaboy village while
at Roughan Hill can be found a
replica of the World famous Tau Cross. Castles
in this parish include Leamaneh which was
the home of the infamous Maire Rua as well
as Inchiquin castle. The Parish of Kilnaboy
has over 300 items of antiquity alone and is
a favourite place for both the Botinist and
Burren rambler alike.
Places to Stay
Things To Do
Fergus View Guesthouse
+353 65 683 7606
Clare farm Heritage Tours
Inchiquin View
Heart of Burren Walks
Tigh Eamoin
+353 65 683 7731
+353 65 683 7143
+353 86 376 0892
+353 65 683 7606
Lakeside Cottages
+353 65 683 7734
Father Ted’s House Farm Walk
Burren House
Places to Eat
Father Ted’s House
(Glanquin House)
Medieval Church
Leamaneh Castle
+353 87 921 4694
Useful Numbers
+353 87 921 4694
The Herbal Hub
+353 65 708 9944
+353 65 682 7707
+35387 292 5487
+353 86 8899 168
St Joseph’s Church
+353 65 683 7178
O’Donoghues Auto Repairs
+353 65 682 7842
Kilshanny
Cill Seanaigh
The Church of Senan
“The Lovely Green Vales of Kilshanny” lie on
the southern fringe of the Burren. They are
home to historical sites such as the Abbey
of St. Mary and St. Augustine, the Carn
Connachtach (a Bronze age burial site),
Smithstown Castle and holy wells dedicated
to St. Augustine, St. Senan, St. Cravan and
Iníne Baoith.
The small village
features a
church, a school,
a pub and a
community hall.
It is also home
to the popular
Kilshanny
cheese.
Places to Stay
Grove Cottage
+353 65 707 4397
Places to Eat
Kilshanny House
+353 65 707 1660
Useful Numbers
St Augustine’s Catholic Church
+353 65 707 4142
69
70
Kinvara
Cinn Mhara
The head of the sea
Kinvara is a popular fishing
village which has a long tradition
of trading by the sea with the
people of Connemara. This legacy
is celebrated in the village every
August when the Cruinniú na
mBád (Gathering of the Boats)
festival takes place.
Kinvara also hosts the Cuckoo
Festival every May. Famous for
its music sessions which occur
spontaneously in any one of the
10 pubs in the village. It is also
home to Dunguaire Castle and the Burrenbeo
Centre. Visit www.kinvara.com for further
information.
Places to Stay
Merriman Hotel
+353 91 638 222
Doorus House Youth Hostel
+353 91 637 512
The Conneely’s Guesthouse
+353 91 637 206
Clareview House
+353 91 637 170
Dunguaire House B&B
Mountain View B&B
Villa Maria B&B
The Arches B&B
Breacan Cottage B&B
Dungory B&B
Fallons B&B
Kinvara Guesthouse
Kinvara Inn B&B
Mountscribe House B&B
Aira Lodge B&B
Burren Yoga and
Meditation Centre
Kinvara holidays
Go Ireland
Tigh Cluide Isidore
Kinvara Holiday Breaks
Fuchsia B&B
The Meadow
+353 91 638 251
+353 91 637 275
+353 87 249 0648
+353 91 638 117
+353 91 637 127
+353 87 978 6217
+353 91 638 266
+353 91 638 728
+353 87 260 2228
+353 91 638 088
+353 91 638 562
+87 743 8310
+353 91 638 135
Frank Sanford Paintings
Ronnie Graham Irish Bog Wood Sculpture
New Line Studios
Kinvara Smoked Salmon Ltd
Murphys Store
My Hand Crafted Jewellery
The Secret garden
+353 91 638 922
+353 87 298 1237
+353 91 638 275
+353 87 258 1158
+353 91 637 515
+353 86 0753 531
+353 91 637 558
‘+353 85 120 0309
+353 91 637 489
+353 91 637 760
+353 91 635 777
+353 91 847 818
+353 86 333 4026
Transport
JF Cabs
+353 91 637 676 /
+353 87 570 933
+353 87 660 8551
+353 86 0649 545
Kinvara Cabs
+353 87 055 3393
+353 87 923 4669
Useful Numbers
+353 91 637 378
+353 87 961 4287
1850 668 668
+353 86 825 3582
+353 91 637 275
+353 87 249 0648
+353 91 637 265
+353 87 136 1544
+353 91 637 245
Dove Chauffeur Drive
The Washing Well launderette & dry cleaners
Kinvara Pharmacy
Bicycles Repair
Kinvara Vetinary Clinic
Mick O’Hara (veterinary)
Ruth Mitchell (veterinary)
Post Office
Places to Eat
Dunguaire Castle Banquet
+353 61 360 788
The Pier Head Bar & Restaurant
+353 91 638 188
The Merriman Hotel Bar
+353 91 638 222
Keogh’s bar
+353 91 637 145
Tide Full Inn
+353 91 637 400
The Gentian Restaurant
+353 91 637 934
Strawberry Hedgehog Cafe
+353 91 638 129
Things To Do
Irish seaweed Treatment
Kinvara Farmers market
Christopher Banahan portrait artist
+353 91 637 760
Burrenbeo trust
+353 91 638096
Dunguaire Castle
Burren yoga and
Meditation Centre
+353 61 360 788
+353 87 923 4669
Kinvara Clinic
+353 91 638 773
+353 91 637 397
+353 91 638 587
+353 91 637 293
+353 87 256 2774
+353 86 201 0802
+353 91 638 532
+353 91 637 101
+353 91 637 123
Market Square Surgery
+353 91 638702
+353 91 637 102
St.Colman’s Church
+353 91 637 154
St Joseph
+353 91 637 154
Topaz Service Station
+353 91 637 135
Great Gas Service Station
Mobile Tyre Aware - Mobile Tyre
Service
Recycling: Near Esso Service
Station
+353 91 637 629
+353 87 352 2920
Beverage Cans,
Glass bottles, Jars
72
Lahinch
An Leacht
from Leacht Uí Chonchubair, or
O’Connor’s Cairn
A traditional family seaside town, with a
large inviting golden sandy beach, world
famous links golf course and
spectacular water sports,
particularly surfing.
Good accommodation and
varied entertainment are
some of the attractions that
make it an ideal holiday
location.
It is also an excellent base for
fishing, walking, cycling and
pony trekking.
Visit www.lahinchfailte.com
for further information.
Places to Stay
+353 65 708 1007
The Claremont Bar
Sancta Maria Hotel and
+353 65 708 1041
Restaurant
The Emperor Chinese Restaurant +353 65 708 2760
Vaughan Lodge
+35365 708 1111
The Shamrock Inn
+353 65 708 1700
Sancta Maria Hotel
+353 65 708 1041
Lahinch Hostel
The Atlantic Hotel
+353 65 708 1040
+353 65 708 1450
+353 87 687 1988
+353 65 708 1049
Cois Farraige
+353 65 708 1580
Mulcarr House
+353 65 7081123
Moher View
+353 65 708 1206
Things To Do
Castleview Lodge B&B
+353 65 708 1648
Ocean Scene Surf School
+353 65 708 1108
+353 65 708 1270
Lahinch Bikes
+353 86 844 8622
Moy House
+353 65 708 2800
Lahinch Seaworld
+353 65 708 1900
Lahinch Lodge
+353 65 708 1242
Lahinch Surf School
+353 87 960 9667
Westcoast Lodge
+353 65 708 2000
Lahinch Golf Club
+353 65 708 1003
Ocean View Park Camping
+353 65 708 1626
Lahinch Golf & Leisure Hotel
+353 65 708 1100
+353 65 707 2437
+353 86 849 4916
+353 65 708 1055
Green Room Surf School
+353 65 708 1100
+353 65 708 2771
+353 87 983 3018
+353 86 844 8622
Ben Rock Climbing Clinic
+35386 844 8622
Baymor House B&B
+353 65 708 1298
Clare Kayak Hire
+353 85 1485 856
Cliff Walk B&B
+353 65 708 1602
Lahinch Surf Experience
+353 85 1155 743
Dun Na Ri
+353 65 708 1737
Slaney House
Dream Ireland
+353 65 708 1165
+353 65 708 2017
+353 87 137 3409
+353 64 6641 839
Self Catering Holiday Homes
+353 65 682 1519
Craglea Lodge
Tudor Lodge
The Siding B&B
Rail Road View
Crag Shore B&B
West Coast Holidays
Go Ireland
Lahinch Holidays
+353 61 335 799
The Blue Cove Restaurant
+353 65 708 1626
Kettlers Restaurant
+353 65 708 2681
Pearl Garden Chinese Restaurant +353 65 708 6857
Basmati Restaurant
Bens Surf Clinic
+353 65 708 6944
Kenny’s Lahinch Art Gallery
Morrison Art Gallery
Celtic T-Shirts
Outdoor Market at Seaworld
+353 65 708 1400
+353 65 708 2839
+353 87 241 8810
+353 65 707 1436
+353 86 0700 640
+353 65 708 1900
1850 668 668
+353 65 707 1145
Places to Eat
Transport
Hartigans Cabs
+353 86 278 3937
Tom & Sue Garrihy
+353 86 251 6173
Vaughan Lodge Restaurant
+353 65 708 1111
+353 65 708 1100
Useful Numbers
Randaddys Restaurant & Café
+353 65 708 1900
+353 65 708 1222
Barrtra seafood Restaraunt
+353 65 708 1280
+353 65 708 1001
The Atlantic Restaraunt and Bar
The Shamrock Inn
Bar & Restaurant
The Cornerstone Bar
+353 65 708 1049
Post office
Church of The Immaculate
conception
Clancy Garage & Service Station
+353 65 708 1277
Dr Mc Govern
+353 65 708 1442
Danny Mac’s
+353 65 708 1020
Medical Centre
+353 65 708 1234
Kenny’s Bar
+353 65 708 1433
Tourist Office
+353 65 708 2082
O Looney’s Bar
+353 65 708 1414
Pharmacy
Waves Restaurant
+353 65 708 1414
The Spinnaker Bar
+353 65 708 1933
Joe’s Café
+353 65 708 6113
+353 65 708 1999
Glass bottles/jars;
Beverage Cans
Glass bottles/jars;
Beverage Cans
+353 65 708 1700
Recycling: Lahinch Promenade
2 Ocean View, Caravan Park
+353 65 707 1063
+353 65 708 1241
74
LISCANNOR
Lios Uí Chonchubair
O’ Connor’s Ring Fort
The name Liscannor is synonymous in
Ireland with stone: numerous small quarries,
usually worked by the farmer who owns the
land, abound in the area. Liscannor is the
closest town to the famous Cliffs of Moher,
which are among the highest sea cliffs in
Europe, and it was the birth-place of John
P. Holland (1841-1914), who is credited
with inventing the submarine as a means
of warfare. Liscannor has its own share of
field monuments in the vicinity to interest
the archaeologist, such as the 15th century
Kilmacrehy church and, in particular, a fine
example of a holy well (St. Brigid’s Well)
which as a place of significance possibly dates
back to pre-Christian times. It has some
excellent pubs serving fresh seafood from
local fishermen.
Places to Stay
Places to Eat
Moher Lodge B&B
+353 65 708 1269
Puffins Nest Café
+353 65 708 6141
Logues Liscannor Hotel
+353 65 708 6000
Logues Liscannor Hotel
+353 65 708 6000
Cliff of Moher Hotel
+353 65 708 6770
Cliff of Moher Hotel
+353 65 708 6770
Castleview Farmhouse
+353 65 708 1590
Vaughans Anchor Inn
+353 65 708 1548
Harbour Sunset Farm
+353 65 708 1039
Joseph McHugh’s Bar
+353 65 708 1163
Sea Haven B&B
+353 65 708 1385
Bay fish & Chips
+353 83 112 3351
Cliff View Lodge
+353 86 328 5494
Zephyr Wine Bar & Restaurant
+353 65 708 1732
Atlantic View B&B
+353 65 708 1214
Egans Bar
+353 65 708 1430
Carrig House B&B
+353 65 708 1260
The Rock Shop Tea Room
+353 65 708 1930
Vaughan Anchor Inn
+353 65 708 1548
Imagine Ireland
+353 65 689 1106
Things To Do
Hogans Cottage
+44 1244 500 501
Moher Hill Open Farm
Trident Holiday Homes
+353 1 2018 440
+353 61 411 109
Go Ireland
Ireland at home
1850 668 668
+353 404 64608
Cliffs of Moher & Visitor Centre
Guided Nature Walk at
The Cliffs of Moher
St Brigid’s Well
Sandfield House Pitch & Putt
O’Callaghan Angling & Cruising
The Liscannor Ferry Company
The Rock Shop
+353 65 708 1071
+353 65 708 6867
+353 65 708 6141
+353 65 708 6142
+353 65 708 6141
+353 65 708 1603
+353 87 232 1076
+353 65 682 1374
+353 86 152 7755
+353 65 6822 915
+353 87 245 3239
+353 65 708 1930
Transport
Liscannor Cabs
+353 65 708 1783
Useful Numbers
St Bridgit Church
+353 65 708 1248
76
Lisdoonvarna
Lios Dún Bhearna
The lios at the fort by the gap
Lisdoonvarna is Ireland’s only Spa town. It
lies on the southern edge of the Burren and
became a popular health resort in the early
nineteenth century thanks
largely to its famous spa wells.
The Spa’s therapeutic mineral
waters contain magnesia,
iodine and iron. It is famous
also for its September Festival one of Europe’s largest singles
matchmaking festivals. It is
an excellent base for exploring
the Burren and sampling the
famous music and craic of
North Clare. It is also home to
the Burren Smokehouse as well
as numerous award-winning
restaurants, hotels and pubs.
Places to Stay
Places to Eat
Sheedys Hotel and Restaurant
+353 65 707 4026
Wild Honey Inn
+353 65 707 4300
O’Neills Town Home
+353 65 707 4208
Sheedy’s Hotel and Restaurant
+353 65 707 4026
Burren Castle Hotel
+353 65 707 4344
The Royal Spa Hotel
+353 65 707 4288
King Thomond Hotel
+353 65 707 444
The Roadside Tavern
+353 65 707 4084
Royal Spa Hotel
+353 65 707 4288
Ravine Hotel
+353 65 707 4043
Ravine Hotel
+353 65 707 4043
Rathbaun Hotel
+353 65 707 4009
Rathbaun Hotel
+353 65 707 4009
+353 65 707 4207
Lynchs Hotel
+353 65 707 4010
Irish Arms
+353 65 707 4207
Imperial Hotel
+353 65 707 4042
Hydro Hotel
+353 65 707 4005
Irish Arms Bar
Imperial Hotel &
Matchmaker Bar
The Golden China
Chinese Restaurant
Lynchs Hotel
Wild Honey Inn
+353 65 707 4300
The Ritz
+353 65 707 4018
+353 65 707 4018
Burren Castle Hotel
+353 65 707 4344
The Burren Hostel (Sleepzone)
+353 65 707 4036
King Thomond Hotel
Lisdoon Lodge
+353 65 707 5849
Hydro Hotel
Greenlawn Lodge
+353 65 707 4861
Burren Breeze
+353 65 707 4263
Crosswinds
Slieve Elva Farmhouse
+353 65 707 4469
+353 65 707 4369
+353 87 2959897
+353 65 707 4318
Roncalli B&B
+353 65 707 4115
St Judes B&B
+353 65 707 4108
Ballinsheen House
+353 65 707 4806
Woodhaven B&B
+353 65 707 4017
Caherleigh House
+353 65 707 4543
Cannville House B&B
+353 65 707 5785
Fernhill Farmhouse
+353 65 707 4040
Atlantic View B&B
+353 65 707 4434
Holly Anna’s B&B
+353 65 707 5714
Transport
O’Loughlin’s B&B
+353 65 707 4038
ABBA Cabs
+353 86 606 6996
Lisdoonvarna Holiday Cottages
+353 65 6891 614
Mick Johnston Cabs
+353 86 606 6797
Dream Ireland
+353 64 664 1839
Murphy’s Cab
+353 87 950 1218
+353 65 7074663
+353 87 2069019
The Ritz
Gowlaun B&B
Go Ireland
1850 668 668
+353 65 707 4042
+353 65 707 4944
+353 65 707 4010
+353 65 707 444
+353 65 707 4005
Things To Do
The Burren Smokehouse
+353 65 707 4432
Burren Painting Centre
+353 65 707 4208
Bingo
+353 86 222 2290
Spa Wells Health Centre
Mountain View
Horse Riding Centre
+353 65 707 4023
+353 85 845 2300
Burren Smokehouse
+353 65 707 4432
Doreen Drennan Art Studio
Anam Mhictíre Ilsa Thielan Photography
+353 87 930 3755
Peter Mooney Coaches
+353 65 7074244
Useful Numbers
Medical Centre
+353 65 707 4184
The Burren Pharmacy
+353 65 707 4104
Post Office
+353 65 707 4110
Garda Station ( police)
+353 65 707 4222
Library
+353 65 707 4029
Burke’s Service Station
David Flanagan Motor Repairs
& Service Station
Church of Corpus Christi
+353 65 707 4022
Gregg’s Laundry
+353 86 334 5690
Beverage Cans;
Glass bottles/jars
Recycling: Town Centre Car Park
+353 65 707 4109
+353 65 707 4142
78
New Quay
An Ché Nua
New Quay became the popular name for the
village of Burrin after a new quay was built in
the village in 1837. Aughinish Island, directly
across the channel from the quay is part of
the parish of New Quay but to reach it one
must travel into Co. Galway. Both The flaggy
Shore and Lough Murree are rich wildlife
habitats; Lough Murree being a freshwater
lake within metres of the sea. The Flaggy
Shore is celebrated
in a poem by Seamus
Heaney. The area is
rich in history with two
Martello towers; one on
Finavarra Point and one
on Aughinish island.
Nowadays the village is
a favourite stopping place for visitors, hoping
to sample delicious seafood at Linnane’s
Seafood bar and visit the Russell Art Gallery.
Places to Stay
Mount Vernon B&B
+353 65 707 8126
Burren Craft shop
+353 65 707 4309
Rhodesia Lodge
+353 65 707 8127
Linalla Ice Cream
+353 65 707 8167
The Russell Gallery
+353 65 7078 186
Places to Eat
Café Linnalla
Linnane’s Lobster Bar
+353 65 707 8167
+353 87 785 7569
+353 65 707 8120
Things To Do
The Russell Gallery
+353 65 7078 185
Useful Numbers
St Patrick Church
+353 65 707 8026
Ruan
An Ruán
79
The Alder
Ruan is a small village, and
was the first stop on the old
West Clare Railway which
was operational until 1961.
Situated close to Dromore
Lake and Woodlands
(covering close on 1,000
acres), the area has a rich
historical and archaeological heritage.
Dromore is renowned for its diversity of flora
and fauna. The five lakes of Dromore are
one of the country’s prime fishing areas. The
wood is a wildlife sanctuary and the animals
of the forest include badgers, pine martens,
squirrels and foxes. Two self-guiding nature
trails of approximately one hour exist within
the woodland, starting at the main car park.
An Information Centre opens from June to
September.
Visit www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/places/
ruaninterest.htm for further information.
Things To Do
Dromore Woodland
nature reserve
+353 65 682 2711
Useful Numbers
St Mary’s Church
+353 65 682 8638
Dalcassian Service Station
+353 65 683 7741
Post Office
+353 65 683 7636
Glass bottles/jars;
Beverage Cans
Tubber Road
80
Tubber
Tobar
Well
Tubber, or Tobar,
meaning Well in
Irish, is a small
scenic village located
on the edge of the
Burren. Tubber
enjoys varied
landscape, history
and tranquility and
has much to offer
the visitor who is looking to get away from it
all. An ideal base for discovering the famous
flowers of the Burren and it is a birdwatcher’s
and angler’s paradise.
Visit www.tubberparish.com or
www.tubberns.com for further information
Places to Stay
Bunnahow Lodge
Rockforest Lakeside Cottage
+353 91 633 130
+353 87 3177 573
+353 91 633 217
Burren Jewellery
+353 91 633 217
Music, Festivals &
Events of the Burren
81
February Horse Racing, Memorial Weekend,
Traditional Festival
March Half Marathon & 10K, Cycling Challenge,
5 Mile Run, Easter Egg Hunt, Easter Bunny
April 10 Mile Run, Music Festival
May Bloom Festival, Literary Weekend, Tolkien
Symposium, Triathlon, The Festival of Finn, Writers
Weekend, Father Ted Festival, Fleadh na gCuach,
The Cuckoo Festival, Slow Food Festival
June Summer Festival, Cycling, Law School,
Folk Festival, North West Clare Show
July Marathon Challenge, Triathlon,
Agricultural Show
August Annual Exhibition, Irish Craft Beers & Food
Festival, Traditional Boat Festival
September Walking Festival, Lady Gregory Autumn
Gathering, Match Making Festival
October Festival of Traditional Music, Food Fayre,
Winterage Festival
December Christmas Markets, Santa’s Worshop
A taste of The Burren
festivals and events
82
January
February
March
Point to Point
Horse Races,
BellHarbour
Kinvara Rock
& Road Half
Marathon &
10K, Kinvara
Corofin
Traditional
Festival, Corofin
Russel Memorial
Weekend, Doolin
Stephen
Roche Atlantic
Challenge, Lahinch
Cliffs of Moher
5 Miler, Liscannor
Easter Egg Hunt
in the Aillwee
Cave, Ballyvaughan
Easter Bunny at
Moher Hill Farm,
Liscannor
Sonny Murphy
Memorial 10
Mile Run, Kilnaboy
April
Burren in
Bloom Festival,
May
Ballyvaughan
Dylan Thomas
Literary Weekend,
Ennistymon
Burren Tolkien
Symposium,
Ballyvaughan
Lough Cutra
Castle Triathlon,
Gort
Music Festival,
April/May, Kilfenora
The Festival of
Finn, Corofin
Father Ted festival,
Doolin Writers
Weekend and
Short Story
Competition
Fleadh na gCuach,
The Cuckoo
Festival, Kinvara
Kilfenora
Slow Food Festival,
Lisdoonvarna
June
Feile an
tSamhraidh
(Burren Summer
Festival), May/June,
Ballyvaughan
Burren Cycling
Club, An Post
Tour De Burren,
Ballyvaughan
Burren Law
School, Ballyvaughan
Doolin Folk
Festival, hotel
Doolin, Doolin
North West
Clare Show,
Ennistymon
83
July
Tri the Burren,
Clare Burren
Marathon
Challenge,
Ballyvaughan
North Clare
agricultural
Show, Corofin
Ballyvaughan
August
September
Burren Annual
Exhibition,
Burren College of Art,
Ballyvaughan
Burren Peaks
Walking Festival,
Ballyvaughan
Doolin Irish craft
Beers & Food
Festival – Hotel
Doolin, Doolin
Lady Gregory
Autumn
Gathering –
Coole Park, Gort
Cooley Collins
Festival of
Traditional
Music, Gort
October
November
December
Cruinniu
na mBadTraditional Boat
Festival, Kinvara
Christmas
Markets
Santa’s Worshop
at Ailwee Cave,
Various places
Ballyvaughan
Match Making
Festival,
Lisdoonvarna
Food Fayre,
Lisdoonvarna
Winterage
Festival, Kilfenora,
Carron, Lisdoonvarna,
Tubber,and The Burren
National Park
Public
Transport
Download
the App
Public Transport to and around
the Burren
Bus Eireann +353 6824177
www.buseireann.ie
Irish Rail 1850 366222
www.irishrail.ie
Clare Accessible Transport
+353 61 924375
www.catconnects.ie
Download the new Burren Geopark
APP for up to date information on
all Transport Options and Tourist
Information. Discounts available
for those using sustainable modes
of transport!
Belfast
Burren and
Cliffs of Moher
Geopark
Galway
Ennis
Limerick
Shannon
Airport Cork
Dublin
Supported by:
the
Burren
Explorer

the BURREN - Sea View House Doolin

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