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 breathtaking region is renowned for its vast limestone landscapes, which were 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 wonders in Ireland.
Hike The Burren Way
For those looking to explore the Burren’s stunning scenery on foot, the Burren Way offers a scenic hiking trail stretching from Liscannor to Ballyvaughan, passing iconic landmarks like the Cliffs of Moher. This diverse trail takes you through quiet country roads, ancient green roads, and historic cattle drives, providing a rich, immersive experience of the Burren’s geological and cultural beauty.
Unique Geology and Caves
The Burren’s porous limestone landscape is not only visually striking, but it also features a fascinating underground world. Water flowing through the limestone has created a network of caves and subterranean rivers, making the Burren’s cave system the most extensive in Ireland. One of the most popular sites for exploring this underground landscape is the Aillwee Caves, where visitors can safely discover the mysteries hidden beneath the surface.
Diverse Flora and Fauna
Ecologically, the Burren is an extraordinary place. The region is home to a rare mix of plant species, including arctic, alpine, and Mediterranean plants, many of which are found nowhere else in Ireland. The Burren is also famous for its sensitive lichens, which thrive in the clean, fresh air, signaling the area’s pristine environment. This unique blend of flora makes the Burren a haven for botanists and nature lovers.
Historical Significance
The Burren is not only rich in natural beauty but also steeped in history. The region is dotted with ancient Ringforts, Megalithic tombs, and castles, offering a glimpse into Ireland’s distant past. These historical sites, along with the stunning landscape, create a captivating atmosphere that attracts visitors year-round.
Coastal Cliffs and Wildlife
At the edge of the Burren, the land meets the sea, with towering cliffs that serve as important breeding grounds for seabirds like Razorbills, Kittiwakes, and Puffins. These dramatic coastal cliffs are not only a sight to behold but also a vital part of Ireland’s natural heritage.
Prices / Dates
Price: €889 per person sharing
Single Supplement: +€455
Solo Traveller Supplement: +€75
Tour Dates: 1 May to 15 September
Tour Grade: Easy to Moderate
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Included / Excluded
- 6 nights bed & breakfast accommodation.
- All accommodation is pre-booked in approved and carefully selected family-run guesthouses with all rooms en-suite.
- Breakfast supplied each day
- Maps and all route notes.
- GPX Tracks
- Luggage transfers daily while you walk.
- 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.
Doolin’s history is evident in its bare limestone landscape, ringforts, and kilometres of stone walls that form ancient field systems. Everyone who visits Doolin takes something memorable away with them—from the joy of lively traditional music sessions to the quiet space to reflect on life’s challenges. You can explore the area on foot or by bike (bikes are available for hire), or take the opportunity to visit Inisheer, the smallest of the three Aran Islands.
From Doolin, it is a short ferry journey from Doolin Pier to Inisheer (Inis Oírr). The island still holds onto Irish as its first language, with its 300 residents speaking it as part of everyday life. Inisheer is an extension of the Burren, shaped by the same glacial processes that formed the limestone landscape of the mainland.
Overnight in Doolin.
Today’s route is a superb section of the walking trail, taking you through the hinterland of Ballynahown and onto the plateau of the Burren. You will traverse beneath 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 leads into the Caher Valley and along the Caher River—the only above-ground river in the Burren. Along the way, you will enjoy fantastic views back towards the Cliffs of Moher and across the Atlantic Ocean to the Aran Islands.
Distance: 22.5 km / 13.5 miles
Ascent: 852 m / 2,556 ft
Approximate walking time: 6–7 hours
Overnight in Fanore.
Almost all of today’s walk takes you along quiet country roads that loop around Black Head. Along the way, you will enjoy superb views over Galway Bay, the Aran Islands, and across to the Connemara Mountains in County Galway.
Your day finishes in Ballyvaughan, a quiet fishing village on the southern shores of Galway Bay. The harbour village developed in response to the turf trade from Connemara, becoming the capital of Clare in Victorian times. Ballyvaughan is rich in evidence of human presence, from prehistoric times through the famine era, and remains a thriving community today.
Today’s route also takes you past Newtown Castle, a 16th-century fortified tower house built for a branch of the O’Brien family before 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
Today’s route follows a circular trail, starting and finishing in Ballyvaughan. The first section of the loop takes you through a network of small fields, enclosed by the distinctive stone walls of the Burren, and pockets of hazel woodland—known in Irish folklore as the “tree of wisdom.”
As you continue, you have the opportunity to visit the Burren Farm Shop and the Aillwee Caves, both offering a deeper insight into the heritage and natural history of the area.
On your return to Ballyvaughan, the trail follows old green roads—quiet, grassy pathways that wind through the landscape and provide a haven for the rare and beautiful wildflowers for which the Burren is renowned.
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles, Ascent: 120 m / 360 ft, Approximate walking time: 3 / 4 hours
Overnight Ballyvaughan
Depart Ballyvaughan for home.
