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: €839 per person sharing
Single Supplement: +€431
Solo Traveller Supplement: +€70
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 Liscannor 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.
Overnight Liscannor
Liscannor is a popular angling and tourist village situated on the west coast of County Clare and your starting point for your walking holiday along the Burren Way. The area around Liscannor belonged in former times to the Chieftains of Corcomroe, the O’Connor’s.
From Liscannor the trail takes you along a country road that overlooks Liscannor Bay, through the farmland of Kilconnell to join a cliff path at Hags Head where the steep ground and breathtaking cliffs are home to numerous types of wildflowers and breeding seabirds. The walking trail leads you to the famous Cliff’s of Moher which reach up from the Atlantic Ocean to a height of 214m. Here you have the option to explore the fabulous new visitor's centre before continuing your journey to the village of Doolin, renowned worldwide as the traditional music capital of Ireland.
Distance: 19 km / 12 miles, Ascent: 820 m / 2460 ft, Approximate walking time: 5 / 6 hours
Overnight Doolin
Doolin's history is evident in the bare limestone landscape, Ringforts and kilometres of stone walls forming ancient field systems. Everyone who visits Doolin takes something memorable away with them, from having been part of inspiring music sessions to have found the peace to meditate on life’s challenges. You can explore the area around Doolin on foot or by bike (bikes are available for hire) or use the opportunity to visit Inihseer, the smallest of the three Aran Islands.
From Doolin, it is a short ferry journey from Doolin quay across to Iniseer (Inis Oir). Iniseer still holds onto Irish as its first language and the 300 residents still speak it as part of their everyday life. The island is an extension of the Burren in that it has been shaped by the same glacial processes as the mainland.
Overnight Doolin
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
Today’s route will take you on a circular trail starting and finishing in Ballyvaughan. The first section of the loop goes through a network of small fields with the distinctive stone walls of the Burren, and small areas of mainly Hazel trees, known in Irish folklore as ‘the tree of wisdom’. On your walk today, you will have a chance to visit the Burren farm shop and the Aillwee Caves. As you return to Ballyvaughan, you will travel along old green roads which are havens for the rare and beautiful flowers of the Burren.
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles, Ascent: 120 m / 360 ft, Approximate walking time: 3 / 4 hours
Overnight Ballyvaughan
Depart Ballyvaughan for home.
