The Burren

EXPLORE THE ROCKY REGION OF IRELAND

Named from the Irish “Boíreann”, meaning “rocky place”, the Burren National Park is an area of lunar-like “karst” landscapes and limestone pavements in County Clare. It is designated as a Special Area of Conservation to protect its unusual but stunning landscape.

The smallest of Ireland’s national parks, the Burren region makes up nearly 4,000 acres and is famous for its varied flora and fauna. When most people refer to the Burren, they usually mean a circular area within the villages Tubber, Kilfenora and Ballyvaughan, as well as the nearby coastline.

Ardent hikers should explore the Burren, as there are seven walking trails within the park and the adjacent Slieve Carran Nature Reserve. With options from shorter 30-minute walks to longer hikes over the hills, most people will find a suitable trail to experience and witness this beautiful region.

Budding botanists (pun intended) will enjoy the Burren’s diverse plant life. Colourful flowers bloom in the summer, and Arctic-alpine plants, lush woodlands, and Mediterranean shrubs can be found throughout the area. Impressive when you recall that region is called the ‘rocky place’.