Top 5 - Things To Do In the Burren
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.
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.
There are so many things to do in County Clare, especially in the Burren. I wrote a blog post about the Burren National Park filled with all of my recommendations, but what if you just don’t have the time to explore it all?
Here are my Top 5 Things To See and Do in the Burren National Park:
1 Visit 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 .
2 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.
3 Drive along the Burren Coast road
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.
4 Enjoy the best hot chocolate at 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.
5 Explore the Burren 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.
To be honest with you, there’s so much more to see and do here. Be sure to check out my blog post about my recommendations for the Burren National Park 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. It’s a beautiful part of Ireland and I’m sure you’re going to love it.
For more ‘Top 5’ blog posts, here are my Top 5 things to see and do in Dingle and my Top 5 things to see and do in West Cork.
And in case you’re travelling around Ireland with your pawsome friend, here are are favourite airbnbs and dog friendly hotels in Ireland.
Here’s to a brilliant staycation 2021, friend!
Etta x