The Burren County Clare
The Burren (meaning “great rock”) in North West Clare, is one of the largest karst landscapes in Europe (approximately 250 square kilometres). Karst is a type of landscape formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks like limestone. Limestone is somewhat soluble in water so corrosive drainage along joints cause fissures called grykes. These are evident throughout The Burren.
It has been said that “there is not water enough to drown a man, wood enough to hang one, nor earth enough to bury them”.
Where is The Burren National Park?
It is an area of 250 square kilometres in North west Clare.
Here is its location on a Google map:
Flora and Fauna of The Burren
Most of the Burren National Park is designated a Special Area of Conservation where the unusual flora and fauna are protected. Uniquely, the area is home to Arctic, Mediterranean and Alpine plants in the same environment and supports many rare Irish species, many of which are not found elsewhere in the country.
Some of the unusual species found here include the butterflies Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Brown Hairstreak, Marsh Fritillary and the Wood White, the moths, the Burren Green Calamia tridens, Irish Annulet Odontognophos dumetata and Transparent Burnet the hoverfly Doros profuges and the rare water-beetle Ochthebius nilssoni.
Click on the images for more views
Dwarf shrubs, arctic and alpine plants can be found growing in the grykes. Spring Gentian and a variety of wild orchids are common.
The European Pine Marten is one of the more common mammals.
Historical Monuments
The area is studded with ancient monuments and sites from dating back to the Megalithic and Neolithic eras. Possibly the best known is the Poulnabrone Dolmen which is a Neolithic portal tomb 5 miles south of Ballyvaughan dating from between 4200 BC and 2900 BC. Also in the area are standing stones, stone forts, ring forts, celtic crosses, old churches and abbeys.
This has long been an area which attracted archaeologists, botanists and geologists and has become a more popular destination in recent years for those seeking to explore the wild landscape of Ireland and to understand the culture, history and traditions of the Irish people.
Exploring The Burren
The best way to explore this fascinating landscape is on foot and there are numerous guided tours available in the area.
Here are a few of the guided walks we recommend:
Accommodation
There are lots of options for people visiting this area. Here are our recommendations:
Hotels: Hylands Burren Hotel, Gregans Castle Hotel, Sheedys Boutique Hotel, Ballinalacken Castle Country House Hotel
Bed and Breakfast: The Waters Country House, Ceol na dTonnta, Hazelwood Lodge
Self Catering: Burren Way Cottages, Seaview Cottage, Oranuisce Thatch Cottage
Hostels: Aille River Tourist Hostel and Camping Doolin
Find Accommodation near The Burren on The Map
Eat and Drink
Exploring this area whets the appetite and visitors can find some very nice cafes, restaurants nearby.
Restaurants: The Burren Smokehouse, Burren Fine Wine & Food, The Ivy Cottage, Homestead Cottage
Pubs: Monks (Ballyvaughan), Linnanes Lobster Bar
How Far is The Burren?
Ennis: 21km, Limerick: 56km, Shannon Airport: 65km, Galway: 67km, Dublin: 236km
