The Burren in County Clare is a National Park and a Special Area of Conservation, an amazing limestone escarpment, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Aran Islands and Galway Bay.
The Burren in County Clare is a National Park and a Special Area of Conservation, an amazing limestone escarpment, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Aran Islands and Galway Bay. It is a short walking route of 45km (26.5miles), which follows the Clare coastline, the Cliffs of Moher and crosses the limestone plateau. Spring abounds with wildflowers – gentians, bloody cranesbill, wild orchids.
Price:
£495 per person sharing. £150 single room supplement. £90 solo supplement for walker travelling alone.
Included:
Not Included:
Suggested Extra Options:
Overnight on the Aran Islands to fully explore this unique culture.
Finish your holiday in Galway, one of the nicest cities in Ireland – the Gateway to Connemara.
Departure Dates:
April to October.
The trail starts at Liscannor and finishes in Ballyvaughan. Our route includes a loop walk around Black Head and village locations for each overnight stay. You will also have a chance to visit one of the Aran Islands on your free day in Doolin, which is the home of Irish traditional music. The Burren Way follows old green roads and 60% of the hiking is on quiet country roads. On occasion it crosses the main tourist road. It is well signposted with wooden or stone yellow markers and road signs. With superb walking and scenery, it is also the least remote of our tours in Ireland as you are never very far from settlements
Day 1: Arrival in Liscannor.
Overnight accommodation in Liscannor.
Day 2: Liscannor to Doolin via Cliffs of Moher
Walk along the coastal path overlooking Liscannor Bay and through the farmlands of Kilconnell to reach the cliff path at Hag’s Head. Dramatic scenery as you walk above the sheer cliffs that fall 100m to the Atlantic. Pass the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre and follow the green road into Doolin village, the home of traditional Irish music. Distance 19km. Ascents 185m. Approximate walking time 5 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Doolin Village.
Day 3: Free Day in Doolin
Enjoy a day in Doolin village, its traditional fishing atmosphere and ancient burial grounds keep its presence in the past. Or consider a boat trip to one of the Aran Islands to explore cliffs and limestone formations and the unique culture of island dwellers. Miles of dry stone walls and centuries of history await you! Walking is available in a circular route of 10 / 14km on the Aran Islands Way.
Overnight accommodation in Doolin village.
Day 4: Doolin to Fanore
Climb onto the Burren plateau via the old road with wonderful views of the Atlantic coast to the west and east to the scarred limestone hills. Descend to the Caher valley, one of the only rivers above ground! This section offers views North and West of craggy coastline and unusual “striped” lulls caused by layering of limestone. Fanore is a gorgeous coastal settlement; golden sands, undulating dunes, stone walls, flagstone rocks. Distance 20km. Ascents 285m. Approximate walking time 6 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Fanore townland.
Day 5: Free Day in Fanore
Today is free for a number of options. A circular walk around Black Head climbs to 1st century Caher Dun Irghus and Gleninagh Mountain. A gentler route takes you along the coast following dunes and beaches to the Black Head lighthouse. Then there’s always the chance of an Atlantic swim! The services of a dedicated Burren guide are available today, please enquire. Distance 12km. Ascents 317m. Approximate walking time 4 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Fanore townland.
Day 6: Fanore to Ballyvaughan
Back into limestone country for the last walk to Ballyvaughan village. Over the Khyber Pass, before descending by the Rathborney River to restored 15th century Newtown Castle a stronghold of the O’Loughlin clan. Ballyvaughan is a sheltered fishing port looking across Galway Bay.
Distance 16km. Ascents 240m. Approximate walking time 4 hours. Overnight accommodation in Ballyvaughan village.
Day 7: Depart Ballyvaughan after breakfast.
B+B accommodation in guesthouses usually in rooms with ensuite bathroom
From Shannon airport. Bus Eireann local service to Liscannor
Return travel: Bus from Ballyvaughan to Kilcolgan to meet Expressway Service to Galway or Shannon
From Dublin airport. Bus or train to Limerick, local service to Liscannor.
Return from Galway or Limerick by train or bus
www.buseireann.ie
www.irishrail.ie
www.citylink.com
Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream, compass, torch, first-aid kit.
Mid-April to mid-September. Accommodation will be difficult to obtain on UK national holidays unless booked well in advance (and may require an alteration to the programme).
We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.
