The Burren is one of the most intriguing destinations in Ireland. Rock formations sweep across swaths of land, creating an almost mystical scene. Located along the Wild Atlantic Way, the Burren forms a UNESCO Global Geopark together with the famed Cliffs of Moher. Just over an hour’s drive from Galway City, a trip to the Burren is a must for any visitor, or even local!
With its fascinating geology, archaeology, and culture, a journey to the Burren will take you right into Ireland’s wild heart. Hike along the limestone pavement, go underground in one of Ireland’s oldest caves, or discover prehistoric monuments. Wherever you go in the Burren, you’ll be awed.
We hope this guide provides you with more insight into this rugged region as well as tips for what to see and do. Lally Tours passes through the Burren every day, so we are proud to be a Business Friend of The Burrenbeo Trust, which works to conserve the landscape. You can learn more about our itinerary for a Cliffs of Moher and Burren Tour from Galway, or feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions about our West Coast of Ireland tours.
The name Burren originates from boíreann, meaning “rocky place”. This landscape was formed over 300 million years ago as limestone formed sediments on the seafloor, which is why you can see fossils like brachiopods, corals, and crinoids in the rocks. Tectonic collisions, acidic rain, and glaciation all contributed to the karst landscape you see today, spanning 360 square kilometres.
While the Burren National Park may at first appear just to be long stretches of limestone pavement, it’s actually a thriving ecosystem. Most notably, it’s home to an incredible array of flora, including Mediterranean, Alpine, and Arctic plants. Almost 75% of all of Ireland’s plants can be found in the Burren, as well as 23 out of 27 of Ireland’s orchid species.
Peregrine falcons, kestrels, and merlins soar in the sky, while feral goats and pine martens roam the land. You’ll also find an abundance of butterfly species here, creating a natural mosaic.
The best time of year to visit the Burren is in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom. May is ideal, with birds and butterflies flitting about the new growth. You’ll see the craggy landscape transform into a kaleidoscopic countryside, with spring gentians, mountain avens, and purple orchids popping up between the rocks.
The weather at this time of year is also mild and pleasant, with highs of 15°C and sunnier days. Falling just before the peak summer season, you’ll also experience fewer crowds during May.
One of the top things to do in the Burren is to go hiking. It’s the most immersive way of experiencing this incredible terrain, with a number of trails to traverse in Burren National Park. These range from short 30-minute loops to more difficult hikes with climbs. It’s important that no matter what trail you choose you wear sturdy footwear, as the terrain is quite uneven.
Beyond hiking, the Burren Activity Trail maps out routes in the region for around 20 activities such as climbing, kayaking, and cycling. At Fanore Beach, you’ll find excellent surfing conditions – just don’t forget a wetsuit! There are also Geopark Heritage Trails through different towns in the Burren region, allowing you to discover natural and manmade landmarks.
If you’re not one for so much walking, the Burren is also well-known for its musical heritage. In bars and pubs across the region, you’ll often be able to enjoy live trad Irish music as well as folk music performances. One of the most famous bands to emerge from the region is the Kilfenora Céilí Band, which has been playing for over 100 years. You can learn more about their history and the Burren Geopark at the Burren Visitor Centre in Kilfenora.
Despite its barren appearance, the Burren is teeming with attractions that will take you through natural and human history. One of the most popular attractions in Burren is Aillwee Cave, one of the largest caves in Ireland. Our Cliffs of Moher and Burren Tour from Galway makes a stop here, allowing you to explore this underground wonder on a guided tour at a discounted rate!
If you want to keep exploring beneath the surface, a Doolin Cave tour will take you 125 steps underground, where you will be able to admire the Great Stalactite – the largest in Europe!
People have lived in the Burren since the Stone Age, leaving behind an incredible array of archaeological monuments. The most iconic of these is the Poulnabrone Dolmen, the oldest megalithic monument in Ireland dating back nearly 4,000 years ago. A dolmen is a portal tomb, and the Poulnabrone was used as a burial site for 600 years.
Fast forwarding through time, another popular attraction at the edge of the Burren is Dunguaire Castle. Built in the 16th century overlooking Galway Bay, this castle became a hub for famous writers like W.B. Yeats and George Bernard Shaw in the 1920s. Today, you can enjoy a guided tour of the castle, or even join in on a banquet between April and October.
With all the exploring you’ll do in the Burren, you’re sure to work up an appetite. Luckily, there’s no shortage of delectable dining options. For a top-notch Irish pub experience, you can’t go wrong with the Roadside Tavern in Lisdoonvarna, which has been open since 1865 and has its own brewery. The same owners run the famous Burren Smokehouse, where you can enjoy smoked salmon tastings and discover the smoking process.
Tucked away in Ballyvaughan, you’ll find Burren Fine Wine and Food. Here, you can dine on locally sourced, homemade lunches or indulge in a delicious wine tasting.
All of these places and more form part of the Burren Food Trail, which highlights local farmer’s markets, restaurants, and pubs in the region. Follow this trail for a true taste of the Burren and its ancient farming techniques. At each destination, you can even order a Burren Food Trail Signature Dish.
Outside of the trail, Fitz’s Pub in Doolin is not to be missed. Hosting live music every night, this pub offers a lively and truly Irish experience. Lally Tours often makes a stop here for lunch, where you can have a taste of their very own Dooliner Beer.
(Source: Burren Smokehouse)
From campsites to hotel stays, the Burren has it all. If you want to immerse yourself in the wilderness, you can set up your tent beside the Aille River at Riverside Camping in Doolin. Should you want something a little less rustic, there are also glamping tents available.
For a comfortable self-catering stay, you’ll find a variety of places on Airbnb, including cosy cabins and stone cottages.
There are plenty of hotels to choose from, including at beautiful manor houses. At Gregans Castle Hotel, you can enjoy a luxurious stay in a beautiful 18th-century building. At Sheedy’s Hotel indulge in traditional hospitality at a gorgeous country house.
(Source: Gregans Castle Hotel)
The best thing to do near the Burren is to see the famed Cliffs of Moher. One of the most iconic destinations in all of Ireland, seeing the Burren and Cliffs of Moher together will give you a true appreciation for this geopark.
Located at the southern edge of the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher stretch for 8 kilometres with a height of 200 metres in some areas. These dramatic cliffs epitomise the Wild Atlantic Way, plunging into the waters as sea birds soar in the sky. The Cliffs of Moher is an excellent place to see puffins, who nest along the cliffs between May and July. For the best viewing points along the Cliffs of Moher, head to O’Brien’s Tower and Moher’s Tower at Hag Head.
You can visit both the spectacular Burren and Cliffs of Moher on our Cliffs of Moher and Burren Tour from Galway or even on our Dublin to Cliffs of Moher & Burren Day Tour.
We hope this guide has given you all the inspiration you need to visit the incredible Burren. Lally Tours would be more than happy to show you this region on one of our tours. And if you’re interested in seeing even more of the West Coast of Ireland, check out our Day Tours from Galway or our Day Tours from Dublin.
If you have any questions about our excursions, don’t hesitate to contact us!
