Explore The Burren: A Unique Landscape on the Wild Atlantic Way
The Burren, located along Ireland’s stunning Wild Atlantic Way, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, hikers, and history enthusiasts. Its name comes from the Irish word “boireann”, meaning “rocky place,” and it’s easy to see why. This remarkable region is renowned for its vast limestone landscape, formed over 330 million years ago during the Carboniferous period. The distinctive limestone pavements, shaped by glacial activity and erosion, make the Burren one of the most unique natural environments in Ireland.
Hike the Burren Way
For those wishing to explore the Burren on foot, the Burren Way offers a scenic long-distance trail stretching from Liscannor to Ballyvaughan, passing iconic landmarks such as the Cliffs of Moher. This varied route leads you along quiet country roads, ancient green roads, and historic cattle tracks, offering a rich and immersive experience of the region’s geological and cultural heritage.
Unique Geology and Caves
The Burren’s porous limestone is not only visually striking but also conceals a fascinating underground world. Over time, water filtering through the rock has created an extensive network of caves and subterranean rivers—the most significant cave system in Ireland. One of the best-known sites is the Aillwee Caves, where visitors can explore this hidden landscape safely and learn more about its formation.
Diverse Flora and Fauna
Ecologically, the Burren is truly exceptional. It supports a rare mix of plant species, including Arctic, alpine, and Mediterranean varieties, many of which grow side by side. The area is also renowned for its delicate lichens, which thrive in the clean Atlantic air and indicate a pristine environment. This unique combination of flora makes the Burren a haven for botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.
Historical Significance
Beyond its natural beauty, the Burren is steeped in history. The landscape is scattered with ancient ringforts, megalithic tombs, and castles, offering a glimpse into Ireland’s distant past. These archaeological features, combined with the striking surroundings, create a deeply atmospheric and culturally rich region.
Coastal Cliffs and Wildlife
At the edge of the Burren, the land meets the Atlantic in a series of dramatic coastal cliffs, which provide important nesting grounds for seabirds such as razorbills, kittiwakes, and puffins. These cliffs are not only visually spectacular but also form a vital part of Ireland’s natural heritage.
Maybe you would like to try our Burren Bay 7-Day Tour Or 9-Days walking tour of the Burren and Western in Connemara
Prices / Dates
Price: €640 per person sharing
Single Supplement: +€330
Solo Traveller Supplement: +€55
Tour Dates: 1 May to 15 September
Tour Grade: Easy to Moderate
Accommodation: Guesthouse or B&B
Included / Excluded
- 4 nights bed & breakfast
- All accommodation is pre-booked in approved family-run guesthouses with all rooms en-suite.
- Breakfast supplied each day
- Details on restaurants and places of interest to visit along the way.
- Maps and route details
- GPX Tracks
- Luggage transfers daily while you walk with a small day pack.
- All information on trains or buses needed to get to your first accommodation in Liscannor and back at the end of the tour from Ballyvaghan.
- 24-7 Emergency Telephone support
- Transfers from point of arrival to Liscannor or from Ballyvaughan at the end of the tour.
- Packed Lunches
- Evening Meals
- Drinks and Snacks
- Personal Equipment
You have the option to arrive at Dublin, Shannon or Cork airport and travel by bus or train to Lahinch to begin your walking vacation along the Burren Way. We will supply you with the necessary timetables and information to get you safely to your first accommodation.
Lahinch Village, County Clare
Nestled along the Wild Atlantic Way in Lahinch, this lively seaside village is best known for its long sandy beach, rolling Atlantic waves, and relaxed coastal charm. Often referred to as the surfing capital of the west, Lahinch attracts walkers, swimmers, and surfers alike, with its promenade offering stunning ocean views and a refreshing sea breeze.
The village has a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere, with colourful cafés, traditional pubs, and local restaurants lining the streets.
Overnight, Lahinch
We will organise a complimentary taxi transfer for you from Lahinch to the beginning of your walk at the Cliffs of Moher.
A visit to the iconic Cliffs of Moher is a true highlight of any journey along Ireland’s west coast. Rising dramatically above the Atlantic Ocean, these towering cliffs offer breathtaking views stretching as far as the Aran Islands on a clear day. Take time to walk along the cliff paths, soak in the ever-changing seascapes, and experience the raw beauty of this world-famous landmark.
From here, your journey continues north towards Doolin, following a scenic coastal trail that keeps the ocean by your side. This walk is both invigorating and memorable, with sweeping views, seabird colonies, and the sound of waves crashing far below.
Arriving in Doolin, you’ll find a charming village renowned for its traditional Irish music, cosy pubs, and warm welcome—an ideal place to relax and reflect after a truly unforgettable day along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles, Ascent 420 m / 1260ft, Approximate walking time: 4 / 6 hours.
- Distance may vary depending on what exploring you do around the Cliffs and the Visitors Centre.
Today’s route is a superb section of the walking trail that takes you through the hinterland of Ballynahown and onto the plateau of the Burren. You will traverse under Slieve Elva, the highest mountain in the area, and if you are feeling up to it, a short diversion will take you to the summit (344m).
Your descent takes you into the Caher Valley and down by the only over ground river in the Burren, the Caher River. Along the way, you will have fantastic views back to the Cliffs of Moher and across the Atlantic Ocean to the Aran Islands.
Distance: 22.5 km / 13.5 miles, Ascent: 852 m / 2556 ft, Approximate walking time: 6 / 7 hours
Overnight Fanore
Almost all of today’s walk takes you on old quiet country roads that loop around Black Head. You will enjoy some superb views over Galway Bay, the Aran Islands and across to the Connemara Mountains in County Galway.
Your day will finish in Ballyvaughan, a quiet fishing port on the southern shores of Galway Bay. The harbour village grew in response to the trade-in turf from Connemara, making it the capital of Clare in Victorian times. Ballyvaughan is rich in evidence of man’s presence from prehistoric times through the famine era and is still a thriving village community today.
The walking route today takes you past Newtown Castle, which is a 16th century fortified tower house built for a branch of the O’Briens but passing into the possession of the powerful local O’Loghlen clan.
Distance: 20 km / 12 miles, Ascent: 755 m / 2265 ft, Approximate walking time: 4 / 5 hours
Overnight Ballyvaughan
After a hearty breakfast, you will depart for home.
