Discover the beauty and wonder of The Burren National Park with our comprehensive guide. Learn about the park’s features, activities, rules, and conservation efforts.
The Burren National Park ranks as one of Ireland’s most wild and famous places. If it weren’t for the spring wildflowers and the beautiful skies above, you could swear you were staring at the Moon, or some exotic foreign location.
Nonetheless, the Burren National Park is only a short drive from the famous Wild Atlantic Way and the Cliffs of Moher.
Whether you enjoy wildflowers, strange geology, ancient monuments, photography, trekking, or simply finding something new, a trip to the Burren region or Ireland is guaranteed to intrigue and inspire.
Let’s take a tour into this incredible environment, discovering hidden jewels and sharing insider advice to help you make the most of your vacation. Prepare to be immersed in the wonder of The Burren, where every rock tells a tale and each step leads to a new discovery!
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The Burren National Park Guide
How to Get to Burren National Park
By Car
From Corofin, go northwest on Main R476 to Killinaboy then take the first right before the sixteenth-century church. You are going to reach a junction after about 5 kilometers on this route.
Please keep in mind that parking is only permitted in lay-bys and along the road. Because there is no dedicated vehicle park, there is no signage directing tourists to the National Park.
The most convenient method to travel to the park is by automobile, and Ennis, the largest town in County Clare, has car rentals, however during the summer months, tourists may take advantage of the free Burren National Park Bus Service.
Burren Loop
The Burren Loop is an easy route to take if you want to drive around the region. It is one of the best driving roads in the country, passing through several cities, villages, and Burren National Park.
By Joining a Guided Tour
A Burren National Park Guided Tour not only provides easy transportation but also improves the experience with professional insights into the park’s ecological value and historical treasures.
Adventurers are led through the park’s convoluted pathways by experienced guides who reveal hidden jewels and share tales that bring the park’s old mystery to life.
Because there are so many Guided tours to choose from, I recommend selecting the one that best suits you!
Best Time to Visit Burren National Park
Burren National Park is lovely year-round, but summer is considered the ideal time to hike in this karst region. The major reasons to visit are the pleasant weather, mild temperatures, and lengthy days.
Most people agree that summer is the ideal season to visit Ireland since you can easily explore many wonderful spots on the island without worrying about the weather.
Autumn is also an excellent time to explore the Burren region, provided you have the proper clothing and equipment. Late April is good for people looking to observe wildflowers in bloom.
Traveling during the off-season has several disadvantages, but it is one of the most effective strategies to avoid crowds.
Best Things to Do in Burren National Park
These best things to do in Burren National Park will leave you feeling rejuvenated and amazed.
Join Guided Walks
Throughout the season, they provide free guided walks around the trails of the National Park, covering themes such as Burren vegetation, animals, and geology.
Guided walks can also be organized for interested groups. All of their tours are free, but reservations are essential because space is limited.
Enjoy the Burren Scenic Drive
The route, which spans more than 90 miles, brings you into the center of the Burren National Park, with numerous chances to stop to soak up the scenery and sights along the way.
As you travel through this rocky region, you’ll encounter limestone pavements covered with exquisite wildflowers, old archeological sites cloaked in mystery, and panoramic views that reach the horizon.
Each curve and bend on the route unveils a new aspect of Burren’s fascination, encouraging you to immerse yourself in its timeless charm.
Discover the Poulnabrone
Poulnabrone Dolmen, located on the high Burren limestone plateau, is one of Ireland’s most recognizable ancient sites and the second most popular tourist destination in the Burren after the Cliffs of Moher. It is the earliest known megalithic structure in Ireland.
Poulnabrone was classed as a gateway tomb. Portal tombs contain two big portal stones on either side of an entrance, which is topped with a giant sloping capstone.
A second stone found on the ground at the back of the monument is most likely a second capstone that would have been able to fit beneath the primary capstone and cover the structure’s back.
Enjoy the Hikes and Trails
As you tour the hiking trails of Burren National Park, may you find peace in the rhythm of your steps and wonder at the beauty of nature’s bounty.
Here are a few of the top trails in the park:
- Knockaunroe Turlough
- Mullaghmore Traverse
- Slieve Carran
- Mullaghmore Loop
- Nature Trail
Explore the Cliffs of Moher
The cliffs are not distant from the Burren National Park. If you’re feeling daring, trek the coastal route to the highest point or hire a cliff cruise to examine them from the water. The wonderfully built Visitor Center is worth a visit.
Head to Aillwee Caves
Aillwee Cave is a wonder to everybody, with geology and history dating back 330 million years. It is possible to tour a portion of the caverns on your own—an incredible experience! It’s tight and rugged, but also really intriguing.
You may recall the famed ‘Very Dark Caves’ from the Father Ted episode filmed here. In addition to the caverns, there is a nice tiny cafe and a bird of prey center.
Burren National Park Rules
Here are some of the Burren National Park Rules rules every visitor must know.
Drone Rules
Burren National Park, like many others, stresses wildlife conservation and the preservation of its peaceful environment. Visitors must follow one important rule: they must not use drones unless they have specific authorization.
This limitation reduces disruptions to the park’s residents and guarantees that all visitors may fully appreciate the park’s beauty without the intrusion of buzzing drones.
Keep Your Dog on the Leash
While it is a sanctuary for exploration, it is important to follow certain rules to maintain its natural beauty. One such rule is that dogs are welcome but must be kept on leashes at all times.
This legislation guarantees the safety of both tourists and the park’s unique wildlife population. As dog owners, we must realize our duty not just to our canine friends, but also to other visitors and the park’s sensitive environment.
Don’t Push any Walls
These old stone limits are more than just buildings; they are eternal artifacts of the local community’s past, standing mute witnesses to centuries of history and traditions. Each stone, carefully put by hand, conveys a tale about land management and community effort.
These walls serve more than just demarcation; they are an important part of the park’s sensitive ecosystem, providing a home for wildlife and maintaining the region’s distinctive vegetation.
Respecting these walls is more than simply preserving history; it is also about acknowledging humanity’s inherent relationship to the natural environment.
Where to Stay
When it comes to locating the best place to stay near this natural wonder, travelers are spoilt for choice. These are just a few of the best places to stay in the area, and they will undoubtedly make your trip to Burren National Park an unforgettable one.
Cappabhaile House
Location: Burren, Ballyvaughan, Ireland
Burren National Park is about a 25-minute drive from the Cappabhaile House. Cappabhaile House, located in lovely North Clare and overlooking the Burren Hills, provides large accommodations and traditional Irish breakfasts.
Cappabhaile’s distinctively designed bedrooms are adorned in rich colors and include a private bathroom. Rooms also have coffee-making facilities, a telephone, and a television.
Price per Night:
- $159
Amenities:
- Free Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
- Tea Maker in All Rooms
- Exceptional Breakfast
Hazelwood Lodge
Location: Knocknagroagh, Ballyvaughan, Co Clare, Ballyvaughan, Ireland
Burren National Park is approximately a 27-minute drive from Hazelwood Lodge. This bed & breakfast has free private parking, baggage storage, and Wi-Fi. Guests can park their bicycles and use the common lounge.
The bed & breakfast offers select lodgings with mountain views, as well as a coffee machine. Chocolates and biscuits are among the additional in-room luxuries.
Price per Night:
- $159 – $270
Amenities:
- Free Parking
- Mountain view
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
- TeaMaker in All Rooms
- Exceptional Breakfast
The Common Knowledge Centre
Location: Ballyteige, Kilfenora, Ireland
Burren National Park is roughly 22 minutes away from The Common Knowledge Centre. Bed linen is included in each guest room. Hiking is one of the activities available in and near Kilfenora.
Price per Night:
- $85 – $100
Amenities:
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free Parking
- Free WiFi
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Garden view
Tips When Visiting Burren National Park
Be Aware of Ticks
Keep an eye out for ticks, which is an important tip to remember. As gorgeous as the park is, it also contains these small, frequently undetected critters that might pose health problems.
Ticks are recognized carriers of several illnesses, including Lyme disease, which can have catastrophic repercussions if not treated.
Don’t Go into the Hills Alone
While the attraction of exploring difficult terrain may entice travelers, the hills of Burren National Park may be dangerous, especially when traveling alone.
The undulating landscape, while stunning, may be surprising, with concealed cracks and dangerous slopes.
Leave the Wildflowers for Everyone to Admire
Instead of taking them, try capturing their beauty with pictures. This small gesture not only maintains the park’s sensitive environment but also permits future visitors to experience the same spectacular vistas.
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 60 countries for the past 12 years. I also lived in 4 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia, Africa and now in Europe. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.