The Burren Region: Activities and Attractions
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Introduction
Nothing could adequately describe the resplendent rock garden that is the Burren, with its abundance of exotic flora, bird and wildlife. The surrounding edge of the Burren is a different landscape - Galway Bay with enigmatic rockscapes and rough-hewn cliffs plunging into the ocean, frequently giving way to uncrowded beaches, sand dunes and quiet coves.
Dotted with
megalithic stone tombs, some represent the region's earliest monuments (from about 3800
BC), including Poulnabrone Portal Tomb. There is an abundance of Christian and Medieval
settlements - medieval castles, ring (fairy) forts, wishing wells and ancient churches
spanning the centuries of time.
Botanists come from all over the world to
study the flora. Uniquely, Mediterranean, alpine and arctic flowers and plants grow side
by side, the seeds having been deposited by glacier millions of years ago. This is the
mystical land of disappearing rivers and lakes, closed valleys, caves and limestone
pavement.
The Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher stand guard, a towering 700 ft above sea level and are home to a
myriad of wildlife, many different species of birds, dolphins and the occasional whale.
Beautiful views towards the Aran Islands and Connemara. There is a long cliff side walk
for those who wish to brave the brisk Atlantic breeze. On your way back, take the scenic
coastal road to Ballyvaughan via Black Head.
Golf Courses
Close to the Cliffs of Moher you will find the world famous Lahinch Golf Course (also
known as Ireland's St. Andrews), Doonbeg (Greg Norman designed) and Galway Bay (Christy
O'Connor JR. designed) courses. There are also a number of less well known courses in the
vicinity such as Gort and Spanish Point.
Walking in The Burren
Many visitors come to The Burren simply to enjoy it on foot. They comment on the
spectacular views, the ancient monuments, deserted famine villages and the rare orchids.
There are many walking trials to suit every ability and we can provide you with our own
walking booklet which will guide you on you way. There are also a number of seashore/beach
walks. A very knowledgeable walking guide is also available for full day or half day
excursions.
Horseriding in The Burren
We can recommend the following two places for Horse Riding and Pony Trekking.
There are guided trails and all ages and abilities are catered for:
Henry Daly, Doolin (10 miles). Tel. 086 1055222.
Clare Equestrian Centre, Doora, Ennis (23 miles). www.clareequestrian.com Tel. 065 6843607.
Clay Pigeon Shooting
This can be arranged locally at the Woodlands Shooting Club near Lisdoonvarna. Tuition
available. Very good facilities. Fully licensed. Joe O'Loughlin.
Tel. 065 7074038.
Aillwee Cave
Only 3km from the hotel, these interesting caves are an ideal activity for a rainy day. A
chance to see the subterranean Burren. See bear pits, stalactites and underground
waterfalls. Sample their homemade organic cheeses, honey and fudge in their farm shop. www.aillweecave.ie
Caherconnell Stone Fort
A new visitor centre at Caherconnell Stone Fort (open from Easter 2003), situated 1km from
Poulnabrone Dolmen on the main Corofin-Ballyvaughan road, offers you the opportunity to
visit an exceptionally well - preserved example of the stone ring forts, which are to be
found in the Burren area. Ring forts such as Caherconnell are thought to have been
inhabited from 400-1200A.D. www.burrenforts.ie
The Burren Perfumery & Floral Centre
Ireland's oldest perfumery. Perfumery, shop, audio visual and photographic exhibition in
one of the most beautiful parts of The Burren near Carron. Admission Free. Tel. 065
7089102. www.burrenperfumery.com
The Burren Smokehouse
Located in Lisdoonvarna. See how local salmon is smoked and purchase some to take home.
Tel. 065 7074432. www.burrensmokehouse.ie
The Doolin Crafts Gallery
Top quality local & Irish crafts, knitwear, jewelry, ceramics. We also recommend their
café for lunch or afternoon tea & cakes. Located near the church. Tel. 065 7074309. www.doolincrafts.com
Quinn's Craftshop
Situated on the main street in Ballyvaughan, this shop sells the best in local crafts
& fashions. Tel. 065 7077052. www.quinncrafts.com
The Burren Crafts Fair
This gathering of local crafts artists is held each Sunday from May to October at
Ballyvaughan Village Hall. www.burrencrafts.com
The Liscannor Stone Story & Rock Shop
Fossils, gems and minerals from Liscannor and around the world. Learn all about Liscannor
stone and the ancient quarrying around The Cliffs of Moher. Tel. 065 7081930.
The Clare Heritage Centre
Situated at Corofin, this centre is a must for those of you tracing your roots.
Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm.Tel. 065 6837955. www.clareroots.com
The Burren Centre
Situated at Kilfenora and recently refurbished, this was Ireland's first interpretive
centre. The only environmental centre in the region, there is an excellent new audiovisual
and guided display on The Burren.
Tel. 065 7088030. www.theburrencentre.ie
The Burren College of Art & Newtown Castle
The Burren has been an inspiration to many artists. During the summer months (May to
August) this internationally recognized college opens it's doors to the general public
through an exciting program of short courses and workshops. Only 3km from the hotel. More
details at www.burrencollege.com
Coole Park, Thoor Ballylee & The Kiltartan Museum
These three attractions are all situated near the town of Gort and within a few short
miles of each other. Coole Park is formerly the home of Lady Gregory and a well known
meeting place of Irish literary figures in the early 20th Century including W.B. Yeats and
George Bernard Shaw. The famous autograph tree with the carved initials of all these
writers is still in the walled garden. The woods and lake (See the wild swans of Coole !)
are beautiful for a stroll. Thoor Ballylee castle was owned by Yeats and it is also open
to the public. The Kiltartan Museum is a converted schoolhouse which documents the
literary history of Coole.
Other Burren attractions
These ancient ruined attractions can be visited at anytime: Kilfenora Cathedral and Celtic
High Crosses (dating from 600ad); Corcomroe Abbey (beautiful stone carved, built 1194);
Poulnabrone Dolmen (5,000 year old burial tomb); Martello Tower (built to repel the
expected Napoleonic invasion); Cathair Chomain (ancient ringfort 900ad); Ballykinvarga
(Iron Age Stone Fort with chevaux de frise); Leamaneh Castle (Home of the fearsome Maire
Rua); Kilmacduagh Round Tower (One of the few intact round towers left in Ireland).
Seaside Villages and Local Pubs
Nearby are the pretty 19th century seaside villages of Ballyvaughan and Kinvara
with their harbors and traditional pubs. Kinvara hosts the annual Crinniú na mBád
boating festival where you can see the traditional Galway Hooker sailing boats.
O'Lochlain's Pub in Ballyvaughan which has hardly changed in 100 years is not to be
missed. Doolin is also famous for Irish music. At Kilfenora, Vaughan's Pub hosts
traditional Irish Set Dancing every Thursday and Sunday nights.
Market Towns and Medieval Galway
The lovely old market towns Ennis and Ennistymon with their old shopfronts are nearby.
Medieval Galway City is only 50 minutes drive to the north. Wander the narrow streets and
soak up the atmosphere of Ireland's most vibrant and artistic city. Further afield is the
Georgian city of Limerick, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, the beautiful mountains of
Connemara and the rugged coast of West Clare.
The Aran Islands
These are a group of three islands off the coast of The Burren. They are well known for
their cultural and literary history as well as their traditional way of life. Islanders
still speak Gaelic as their first tongue. Ferries depart each morning (weather permitting)
from Doolin pier (10 miles from the hotel). This is a full days activity with boats
returning at approximately 5.00pm.