The Burren National Park - My Favourites
Although my heart belongs to the southwest, I love exploring new places and learning new things and let’s be real here - all of Ireland is perfect for this! The Burren had been on my bucket list for a long time and I was super excited to see this unique and beautiful landscape with my own eyes when we left for Burren National Park in May 2019.
The Burren National Park is located in County Clare in the west of Ireland. It is one of six national parks in Ireland. You might’ve heard someone refer to it as a “moonscape” and it does look like it, doesn’t it? The Irish word “boíreann” means “a rocky place” and I couldn’t describe it any better. I guess the photos down below speak for themselves.
Visiting the Burren National Park is one of the many things to do in County Clare. It’s part of the Wild Atlantic Way and I highly recommend spending at least a few days here to explore it all. Plus the Cliffs of Moher and Doolin are only a short drive away and Connemara National Park isn’t that far from it either. If you’re not sure how to include the Burren National Park into your road trip around Ireland, be sure to check out our 14 Day Ireland Itinerary and 7 Day Ireland Itinerary .
We took the ferry between Tarbert and Killimer to get to the Burren from West Cork and it was well worth for the time saved and the photo opportunities from the upper deck - you might even be lucky and see some of the famous Shannon dolphins!
Although I have a Bachelor of Science in geology (yeah, really), I won’t go into the detail of the geology or history of the Burren here. Check the Burren website (https://www.burrennationalpark.ie) or wikipedia to learn more.
There are many great archaeological monuments and records about the Burren and its (former) inhabitants and there’s a very diversified flora and fauna, so if you’re into these things, visiting the Burren National Park is a must.
If you are more into culture, the Burren still has a lot to offer. It’s one of the most vibrant cultural areas in Ireland and home to many artists and craftsmen and -women.
From a photographer’s and artist’s point of view, I recommend keeping an eye open for wildflowers (besides the spectacular landscape of course). I’ve never spotted such a variety of colourful wildflowers in one place and all of them are beautiful. And what amazes me the most is that they all appear on land that seems to consist entirely of rock and nothing but rock. The clints and grykes in the limestone not only turn the Burren into such a unique looking landscape, they also give the wildflowers a home. It’s a hard life for them though - due to lack of space, nutrients, water and soil, combined with grazing animals and strong winds.
The Burren is defined by its rich diversity but the increasing animal farming has had a big impact on the whole area. By the 1990s, the lowlands were glossy green with nitrogen fertiliser and species-rich habitats were getting lost one by one. A lot has changed in recent years though. To read more about this great project, read this article by The Guardian here.
DO’S and DON’TS
Burren National Park is a place of tranquility and quiet. I loved just sitting there in nature, listening to the waves crashing against the cliffs, watching the birds and basically just taking it all in. So here are some tips on how to help protect this beautiful and unique habitat.
DO
Visit. Visitors are all welcome and I believe the more people see how beautiful nature is, the more people want to save it.
Fall in love with the Burren and it’s beautiful landscape.
Take photos. Hundreds and thousands of them. Share them and make people happy. Stuff like that.
Take your litter (or any litter you see on the ground) home with you.
Take your dog(s) with you but keep them under control at all times.
Watch the sunset from one of the cliffs along the Burren National Park. It’s spectacular.
DON’T
Don’t knock any walls. They were probably built hundreds of years ago by the local community and are there for a reason
Don’t move rocks. It can be very damaging to plants, animals and soil.
Don’t scare or chase any wild animals. Just don’t.
Don’t pick flowers. Enjoy looking at them. Take photos of them. Gram them. Share them.
Don’t take any fossils with you.
Don’t park on the limestone pavement. These areas are often home to rare plants.
What to do in the Burren
While we knew it was going to be a very very slow travel this time as Peer had dislocated his shoulder a few days before leaving for the Burren, we were surprised to see how much we actually had done during our stay. Let’s get started!
Fall in love with one of Ireland’s most beautiful landscapes
Compared to Ireland’s 40 shades of green, the Burren probably has its own 40 shades of grey but it’s beautiful nevertheless. Here you go 👇🏻:
Do one or more of the many trails
There are 7 way-marked trails of varying length and difficulty through the national park. They are said to be one of Ireland’s top walks, so if you have the time and mood to go on an adventure, do it. Walk to the top of Mullaghmore and take in the breathtaking views, climb over stone wall, pass colourful wildflowers, cows, sheep, donkeys and enjoy the spectacular views.
Explore the Burren Coast
Honestly, the road between Doolin and Ballyvaughan is one of the best coast roads I’ve ever driven along and I just had to drive it every single day during our stay. The limestone pavements, wildflowers, cliffs and views will take your breath away and you’re going to stop every few minutes. Trust me.
Explore the famous Cliffs of Moher
The cliffs aren’t far away from the Burren national park. If you are adventurous, hike the coastal trail up to the highest point or book a cliff cruise to explore them by boat. The beautifully designed Visitors Centre is also worth a visit (and definitely worth the admission + parking charge).
To learn more, here’s my blog post about the Cliffs of Moher and Doolin .
Taste the Burren
Even though we weren’t able to try it ourselves, the Burren Food Trail is said to be amazing. There are many chef-led restaurants, farmers markets and local producers. Not to mention the food festivals (Slow Food Clare, The Burren Food Fayre, Winterage Festival). Talking food and Ireland: if you’re a fellow vegan, check out our blog post “Vegan in Ireland” where we share our experiences and recommendations.
Get lost in Hazel Mountain Chocolate
Hazel Mountain Chocolate is a bean to bar chocolate factory, shop and café in the Burren. Not only are the cakes gluten-free and many of the products also vegan, the hot chocolate is divine! Be sure to check out their shop as well.
Shop at the Burren Perfumery
The Burren Perfumery gives you the chance to take a part of the Burren home without damaging the unique habitat. Their products are inspired by the area and native natural ingredients.
Discover the Burren with a guide
There’s a limit to what blogs and books can tell you, so why not explore the Burren with a local guide to see and learn even more.
Explore the underworld
The Burren is home to two amazing caves, the Doolin Cave and the Ailwee Caves. The Doolin Cave is home to the longest free hanging stalactite in the Northern hemisphere. The Ailwee Caves are also home to the Birds of Prey Centre and definitely worth a visit.
Discover the past
Explore more of the Burren and stop at the iconic Poulnabrone Dolmen and the well preserved Caherconnell Stone Fort.
Spend a day on the Aran Islands
The Aran Islands are a cluster of the three islands Inishmore (Inis Mór), Inishmaan (Inis Meáin) and Inishdeer (Inis Oírr) with the largest being Inishmore. The coastal views are spectacular and you’ll get a scene of traditional Irish culture here. The islands are also famous for their knitwear, so bring some cash in case you’d like to buy an original Aran sweater on the islands.
Visit Ennistymon
Ennistymon is a lovely and lively town, with many colourful shop fronts and doors.
Visit Lisdoonvarna
Famous for its annual Matchmaking Festival (the largest singles festival in Europe), the town also offers great local produces and restaurants and the Spa Wells.
Visit Lahinch
Lahinch is famous for its surfing beach but you could also try other water sports such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, snorkelling and scuba diving. If you’re not a fan of the sea, maybe try the famous championship links golf course.
… and more
To be honest with you, there’s so much more to see and do here. Go surfing, cycling, caving, hiking, fishing, rock climbing, horse riding, swimming or do yoga, read a book in the sun (room) and just enjoy the Burren. I bet you’re going to love it!
If you love exploring new places as much as I do and love to reconnect with nature, you’re going to love the Beara Peninsula , West Cork and the Dingle Peninsula.
And in case you’re travelling around Ireland with your pooch, here are are favourite airbnbs and dog friendly hotels in Ireland.