The Burren: Travel Guide
Read our travel guide on the Burren in Ireland. Includes best things to do and see, tips on where to stay, how to get, or when to go.
Located in the west of Ireland, the Burren is a vast karst region in County Clare that should not fly under your radar.
Thanks to its unique rocky landscape, it's one of the most remarkable places you can visit while road-tripping Ireland.
The mixture of iconic limestone pavement, coastal setting, rocky hills, pre-historic history, blooming wildflowers, and the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean is truly magical.
With the moonscape scenery all around you, it really does feel like traveling on another planet.
Despite the barren feel, there is plenty of things to see and do in the Burren for all ages and abilities.
For us, it really was one of the highlights of our Ireland itinerary.
However, despite its increasing popularity, a trip to the Burren is not straightforward as you might expect.
And if you're a first-time visitor, some information can be even quite confusing.
Hopefully, our Burren guide will help you plan your trip to go as smoothly as possible!
Things to Know Before You Go
One of the most important things to know about the Burren before you go is that this is not a single location but rather a large area with many amazing places to see.
Itinerary
So unlike some other destinations, it is worth putting extra effort into planning your Burren itinerary to maximize your time there.
Since we were driving from the south and departing from Lahinch, we suggest making these stops in this order in the Burren.
First, you want to visit the Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, and nearby Doolin Cave.
From here, we followed the scenic R477, also featuring Fanore Beach, all the way to Ballyvaughan.
Here we turned right onto N67 and, after a few kilometers, turned left onto R480.
This road features Poulnabrone Dolmen and leads all the way to Corofin, which is a gateway to Burren National Park.
Then we returned back to the coast and saw places such as Corcomroe Abbey and Dunguaire Castle on the way to Galway.
This is roughly our Burren itinerary, so feel free to follow in our footsteps or make adjustments to it as you see fit.
Geology
Shaped by geological and natural forces for hundreds of millions of years, the story of Burren's origin is quite fascinating.
It all started during the Carboniferous period about 350 million years ago with a tropical sea near the equator.
The whole process included the movement of continents, one major river delta, ice caps melting and freezing, and constant wind and rain.
Even if you're not particularly interested in geology, it doesn't take long before you notice that there are two different types of rock.
The lighter limestones make up the typical Burren landscape, and darker siltstones, sandstones, and shales, which you can mostly see at the Cliffs of Moher.
Obviously, there is so much more to this topic, and if you want to know more, make sure to visit one of the local museums.
Name
The Burren comes from the Irish word Boireann meaning a rocky place. Given the nature of this area, we believe it's quite a fitting name.
The Burren
When planning your trip to the Burren, these names are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between them.
So basically, the Burren is the entire region that occupies a massive area in County Clare.
As we mentioned at the beginning of this post, the Burren is located mainly in County Clare but also extends into County Galway.
For instance, the small village of Kinvara is in County Galway and sits near the border of both counties, and due to its location, it's a perfect base for exploring Burren.
Technically, you can say that the Burren's boundaries are marked by the Atlantic Ocean in the west, Galway Bay in the north, the village of Gort in the east, and another small village named Corofin in the south.
Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark
Another common name you will often see when searching for information on this area is Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark.
In a nutshell, it is a designated geopark recognized by UNESCO that includes both the Burren area and the iconic cliffs.
Basically, it's an area of importance with a unique landscape, geology, history, and culture focusing on conservation, sustainability, ecotourism, education, and community engagement.
Burren National Park
Despite the name, Burren National Park covers only a tiny area of the entire region.
It's one of the six national parks in Ireland managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
As we were about to visit this area for the first time, the last one was especially confusing to us.
Simply put, you can say that seeing the Burren National Park is among the best things to do in the Burren.
Best Things to Do in the Burren
So, what is there to see and do in the Burren?
Not surprisingly, the main appeal lies in the stunning scenery all around you, making it ideal for road trips, hiking adventures, weekend gateways, day trips, and slow travel.
Drive Along the Burren Coast
Unlike the Ring of Kerry or Sky Road, the scenic route along Burren's coastline carries no exciting name.
Despite this minor shortcoming, the R477 is one of Ireland's most beautiful scenic drives.
This route connects Lisdoonvarna with Ballyvaughan, and even though it's not the quickest route between these two destinations, we highly recommend opting for this longer route instead.
R477 runs along the coast and features stunning views, majestic cliffs, karst landscape, and plenty of stops along the way.
Some of the most notable ones are Fanore Beach, the village of Fanore, the unmarked Burren Walk Parking Spot (as labeled on Google Maps), Black Head Lighthouse, Cathair Dhuin Irghuis Stone Fort (Caherdooneerish), Gleninagh Castle, or the Pinnacle Well.
This is not a complete list, and you will have the opportunity to make more stops along the way.
In our opinion, journeying along Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way is one of the most incredible experiences in the world.
The drives such as R477 that are part of it are the exact reason why this sentiment is shared by not just us.
Hike in Burren National Park
Even though you can see many incredible limestone hills through your car windows, we believe it's really worth getting out and exploring some areas on foot.
If you share the same opinion, the next destination on your itinerary should be Burren National Park.
This small national park is home to some of the finest walks in County Clare.
Like other national parks in Ireland, it's free to visit and fairly accessible.
Our favorite hike was Mullaghmore Loop Walk, a moderately challenging 7.5 km long trail starting at Gortlecka Crossroads trailhead.
There are a few more walking tracks worth exploring you can access from this trailhead with varying lengths and difficulty.
A free shuttle service usually runs between Corofin and Burren National Park from June to August.
By the way, nearby Slieve Carran Nature Reserve features an additional couple of trails.
Learn About the Burren
Even though we make several attempts throughout this post to briefly introduce the Burren and its geology, history, and heritage, we are not a museum or scientists who dedicated their lives to studying this area.
Luckily, there is no need, as you can find tons of information about this region in one of Burren's museums.
Corofin Information Point, and especially Burren Visitor Center, has many exhibits and displays on the Burren, while the Cliffs of Moher Experience focuses mainly on the cliffs area.
The museums are educational and informative, and you can learn about the geology, flora, fauna, culture, and history.
Discover Ancient History at Poulnabrone
Despite the barren landscape and seemingly inhospitable living conditions, the history of human activity in the Burren stretches for more than 5.000 years.
If you want to see Poulnabrone Dolmen, a structure older than the Giza pyramids, you need to leave the coast and head inland.
Follow the N67 and then R480 from Ballyvaughan for a few kilometers, and a narrow road will take you to this fascinating landmark.
Poulnabrone Dolmen is a portal tomb from 3000 BCE and one of the essential stops of every Burren trip.
Compared to Bru na Boinne near Dublin, this site is tiny, but that doesn't take away its historical importance and value.
Those interested in megalithic history can also visit the nearby Caherconnell Stone Fort, which also features sheepdog demonstrations.
If you haven't seen other ring forts in Ireland, such as Cahergall or Staigue, this is also an interesting place to visit.
Swim at the Fanore Beach
With the warmer temperatures summer brings to Ireland each year, it's the perfect time to enjoy water activities at Fanore Beach.
However, this sandy strip of golden sand near the tiny village of Fanore is one of the best stops in Burren any time of the year if the weather conditions are in your favor.
Surrounded by sand dunes, Fanore Beach is also a Blue Flag Beach with a lifeguard on duty during the summer.
It's popular not just among beachgoers but also walkers and surfers.
Experience the Ancient Underworld in Doolin Cave
Due to the geological nature of the Burren, it's not surprising to find extensive cave systems here.
When it comes to unforgettable underground experiences, Doolin Cave is one of the best places to visit in the Burren.
This dramatic cavern is home to the largest free-hanging stalactite in Europe, sitting about 70 meters below the earth's surface.
The cave is only accessible on a guided tour that can be easily booked online and usually takes about 50 minutes.
Alternatively, Aillwee Cave is known for its ancient cave system and Birds of Prey Centre, which is particularly popular among families with kids.
Marvel at Cliffs of Moher
Every itinerary is different, but we are not afraid to say that the iconic Cliffs of Moher are pretty much on every single one of them.
Whether you hike the coastal trail starting at Hag's Head, take a boat trip from Doolin, or enjoy the views from the highest point at the Cliffs of Moher Experience, this is a highlight of every trip to Burren.
The cliffs stretch for more than eight kilometers and stand 214 meters above the relentless waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
The mesmerizing panoramic views, abundant wildlife, and the sounds of crashing waves will leave you in awe.
Simply put, this is Ireland at its best.
Visit the Corcomroe Abbey
While this 12th-century monastery is not as famous as Clonmacnoise or Glendalough Monastic Site, it's still an interesting historical site to visit and a great place to get away from the crowds.
This off-the-beaten-path monastery was once home to a flourishing community of Cistercian monks seeking solitude and fertile lands.
And as the Latin name Petra Fertilis (Fertile Stone) suggests, the valley encompassed by a grey limestone landscape was an ideal place for living in this part of Ireland, given the circumstances.
Today, the ruins of the well-preserved Corcomroe Abbey and adjacent cemetery can be explored for free.
Discover the Local Fauna and Flora
At first sight, this harsh and rocky, almost lunar, landscape seems incredibly inhospitable.
Once you step out of the car and start looking for details, you will find an incredibly rich life of plants and wildflowers.
For this reason, visiting the Burren in the spring is a great idea, as everything becomes alive and the wildflowers start to bloom.
The Burren is renowned for many rare Irish species, such as alpine plants, ferns, and the Irish orchid.
In fact, more than two-thirds of Ireland's flower species can be found within this area. Together with abundant plant life, the Burren is also known for its rich wildlife.
On the coast, you can spot seals and a wide range of bird species, including peregrine falcons, gulls, and kestrels.
The hillsides, meadows, and woodlands are home to badgers, foxes, feral goats, and pine martens.
Burren Acitivty Trail
It's good to know that the Burren is not just about a million years old rocks but also a good place for travelers looking for adventure and fun.
If time and budget allow, you can surf at Fanore Beach, kayak along the rugged coast near the ruins of Gleninagh Castle, explore the local cycling routes, leave your stress behind at the local yoga retreats, or taste the local produce.
The list is not complete yet, as you can also try abseiling, caving, hiking, fishing, and rock climbing.
Simply put, there is something for everyone in the Burren.
Explore the Burren Villages
One of the main draws of the Burren, which is not that apparent at first sight, is the cute tiny villages along the coast and inland.
Places such as Fanore, Corofin, Doolin, Kinvara, Killinaboy, Lisdoonvarna, Gort, or Ballyvaughan are just waiting to be explored.
Even though there is usually not that much to see and do, these places are ideal retreats to relax and recharge your inner batteries.
By the way, visiting a local pub with live traditional Irish music is an incredibly popular activity among visitors coming to the Emerald Isle from overseas.
Not surprisingly, there are many traditional pubs and restaurants in the Burren and around the Cliffs of Moher area where you can listen to free music every day, especially during the peak season when the tourist season is in full swing.
Opening Hours
The Burren is a massive area with no opening times. However, some places, such as Cliffs of Moher Experience or the Burren Visitor Centre, are obviously, not open all day.
Entrance Fee
The Burren is a large area that is free to explore.
Even though some places do charge a small fee, this region is perfect for those who want to explore Ireland on a budget.
By the way, while the Cliffs of Moher experience have a small entry fee, you can still see the cliffs for free.
Even though Ireland is expensive, places such as the Burren will help you keep your budget at bay.
How Much Time Do I Need
The Burren is a large area, so it's not surprising that there is plenty of things to do and see.
It also means it's hard to say how much time you need for the Burren, as every trip is unique.
In general, we would say a full day for the Burren is usually enough for most visitors.
This trip would include a drive along the coast, hiking in Burren National Park, seeing some historic sites, and spending a few hours at the Cliffs of Moher.
Two days in the Burren would be ideal, as the overall experience would feel a bit less rushed.
You would have more than enough time to walk along the Cliffs of Moher and see more places within the Burren.
But the main argument for two days is that you can actually spend a night in one of the local villages and see the Burren from a different perspective.
Three days in the Burren are perfect for those who want also to include a trip to nearby Aran Islands with departure from Doolin.
When to Go
Unlike some mountainous areas of Ireland, the Burren is genuinely a year-round destination for most visitors.
Each season has its pros and cons, and the truth is that you can have a great time in the Burren any time of year.
It all depends on your preference and what is important to you. Without any doubt, summer is the most popular time to visit the Burren.
With long days and warm temperatures, it's easy to see why the majority of visitors flock to this area. High prices and crowds are the main downsides of this period.
We visited Ireland in May and couldn't be happier with our experience.
Despite the unpredictable weather, we believe spring is the best time to visit the Burren.
The wildflowers are starting to bloom, and the monotone landscape gets more and more vivid and colorful.
In autumn, everything slows down once again, and we are not afraid to say that it's also a great time of the year to see the Burren.
Visiting the Burren in winter is ideal for those who don't mind short, cold, and rainy days.
As a reward, you will get a chance to see some of Burren's top sights without crowds, and even save some money on accommodation.
Here you can read more tips on when to visit Ireland.
What to Pack
Regardless of the time of the year you arrive in the Burren, make sure that you have all the essential items for your outdoor adventures.
Think layers and be prepared that it will rain at some point.
And if not here, then in your next destinations. Wind and rainproof gear are essential, especially for Ireland's coastal areas.
Given the unpredictability of the local weather, bring along a quality rain jacket, and good walking shoes, especially if you want to include some hikes.
We would also pack a warm fleece jacket, good hiking pants, and even rain pants.
You might want to visit a local beach during the summer, so don't forget to bring swimwear and strong sunscreen.
The weather is very changeable here, so the last piece of advice we have is to take the local weather forecast with a grain of salt.
See our tried and tested Ireland packing list for more information on this topic.
How to Get There
There are several ways to get to the Burren, but only driving will give you as much freedom as you want.
Don't forget that the Burren trip is not just about how to get there, but you will also need to figure out how to get around.
While it's possible to get around the Burren without a car, it's not going to be easy and convenient unless you join an organized tour.
As we wanted to see as much as possible, we decided to rent a car in Ireland.
You will often hear that driving in Ireland is difficult, especially if you take into account that you will drive on the left side of the road.
We can only say that with a little bit of patience, it's not that bad.
Car
As the Burren is huge, driving will allow you to indulge yourself and stop as often as you want.
Plus, you will reach more remote places that you would otherwise miss out on.
The main scenic R477 road along the coast is easy to navigate, even for larger vehicles.
However, once you turn off the coast and head inland, it won't take long until you emerge on one of the narrow rural roads so typical for Irish countryside.
If you've been to Old Military Road, Skellig Ring, or Slea Head Drive, you already know what the narrow roads in Ireland are about.
The Burren is about an hour's drive from Limerick and 45 minutes from Galway.
You will need about three hours to reach the Burren from Dublin and about two hours from Cork.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Public Transport
Visiting the Burren without a car is doable, but it's not very convenient for first-time visitors or those pressed for time.
Bus Eireann runs services between Galway, Limerick (Bus 51), Ennis (Bus 333, 344), Shannon, and even Cliffs of Moher (Bus 350) and other various destinations.
Don't forget that you can also get to Galway, Ennis or Limerick by train, and then choose another mode of transport from there.
Tours
If none of the options above suit your preferences, you can always consider taking a tour featuring some of Burren's most amazing places.
Still, Cliffs of the Moher are the main shining star of this area, and you won't find many tours without this site on their itinerary.
As this is one of the most popular places in Ireland, it is possible to visit it on a day
Here you can reserve a Cliffs of Moher and Burren Day Trip in advance.
Where to Stay
So what are the best places to stay in the Burren? The Burren offers an excellent selection of accommodations for every traveler and budget.
With so much to do and see within driving distance, both Galway and Limerick are great bases for exploring the Burren.
Galway sits in the north of the Burren area, while Limerick can be found in the south. There are also towns of Ennis and Shannon between Limerick and the Burren.
However, we believe spending at least one night in the Burren to get the most out of this trip is worth it.
There are plenty of small villages along the coast packed with family-owned bed and breakfasts ideal for those looking to meet the locals and even save some money on accommodation.
Galway | Leonardo Hotel Galway - Situated in the city center within walking distance from everything, this hotel is one of the most popular hotels in Galway. It features modern rooms, a buffet breakfast, and great views.
Limerick | George Limerick Hotel - Set in Limerick city center, this boutique hotel is an ideal base for exploring Limerick, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Burren. It has contemporary decor, an on-site restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and cozy spacious rooms.
Kinvara | Fallon's - As mentioned earlier, Kinvara has an ideal location for exploring the Burren. This charming bed and breakfast with cozy rooms and free parking offers affordable accommodation on the edge of the Burren area.
Staying Safe
Thousands of tourists come to the Burren every day, so it's generally considered a very safe place to visit.
As usual, use your common sense, as no place is completely safe. In the coastal areas, be prepared for Ireland's notoriously unpredictable weather.
In the off-season, be prepared to experience basically four seasons of weather in one day.
Don't forget that driving in heavy rain or extremely gusty winds is also potentially hazardous, so it might be a better idea to find it's better to find alternative plans for the day.
When going on a hike, it is important to be prepared.
Despite how obvious this advice sounds, always remember that the rocky trails get really slippery during the rain.
And even if it's not raining, watch out for the uneven terrain and cracks in the limestone pavement.
Lastly, you will most likely make many stops along the way.
Always make sure to keep your belongings out of sight (it's usually better to leave your valuables in your hotel room).
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is the Burren Worth Visiting?
The Burren is one of the most incredible places in Ireland, and we believe it's definitely worth seeing.
In fact, we have never seen anything like the Burren before, and we have seen a fair share of surreal landscapes on our previous journeys across various continents.
It really is so much more than just a barren and dull area full of rocks.
We were fortunate enough to experience the Burren on a windy but otherwise beautiful couple of days, and the overall experience exceeded all our expectations.
And while the Burren's scenery is breathtaking, it's also an incredible educational experience showing how amazing the planet we live on really is.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
