The Burren Way
Level of Difficulty:
"This district is extremely rocky and exhibits a rude magnificence of a wild, barren and unreclaimable waste....." The Traveller's New Guide through Ireland, 1815
The Burren in County Clare is a National Conservation Area, an amazing limestone escarpment, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. Burren is an English word, derived from the gaelic “boireann”, a rocky place. But the Burren is shaped more by water than by rock. Underground, there are thousands of streams and rivers. It exists because it is perfectly balanced, at the edge of the sea, at the end of the land, made of rock that was once eroded from above and is now being eroded from below.
It is a short walking route of 45km (26.5miles), which follows the Clare coastline, Cliffs of Moher and crosses the limestone plateau.Spring abounds with wildflowers - gentians, bloody cranesbill, wild orchids.
 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 40% 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 as you are never very far from settlements.
Itinerary:
| Day 1 |
Arrival in Shannon. Transfer to Liscannor via Ennis and Lahinch |
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| Day 2 |
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. Overnight Doolin |
19km |
| Day 3 |
Enjoy a day in Doolin village, its traditional fishing atmosphere and ancient burial grounds keep its presence in the past. There are many archaeological sites to explore – bicycles are available for hire and the limestone escarpment that is the Burren is waiting to be explored. 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 Doolin |
10 / 14km |
| Day 4 |
Today's route climbs 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. You will pass under the peak of Slieve Elva – the highest point in this area at 344m, before descending 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. Overnight Fanore |
20km |
| Day 5 |
Today is free for a number of options. A circular walk around Fanore village climbs to 1st century Caher Dun Irghus and Gleninagh Mountain.
A gentler route takes you along the coast following dunes and beaches to the Fanore lighthouse. Then there's always the chance of an Atlantic swim!. Overnight Fanore |
12km |
| Day 6 |
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. Overnight Ballyvaughan |
16km |
| Day 7 |
Depart Ballyvaughan by bus for Galway or Shannon after breakfast |
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Included in your tour:
6 nights Bed&Breakfast in guesthouse accommodation; luggage transfers each day; detailed route descriptions and 1:50000 maps
Excluded:
Other meals; transfers to Liscannor and from Ballyvaughan; entries or excursions.
Price 2008:
€ 427 per person sharing
€ 66 single supplement
€ 544 single party booking
Suggested Extra Options:
Overnight on the Aran Islands to fully explore this unique culture
Extra night in Ennis town, to see the abbey and pay a visit to Glór, Ireland's traditional theatre of arts
Airport for transfers:
Shannon
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