The Burren, County Clare The Burren, County Clare

The Burren

Ireland is so much more than 40 shades of green – just look at the Burren, a rocky limestone paradise on the Wild Atlantic Way
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County Clare
Amazing landscapes
40mins from Shannon Airport

The Burren, County Clare

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Rock star


The vast, moon-like Burren in County Clare is one of Ireland's most compelling landscapes. Here, cool grey rock etched with crevices and cracks tumbles down to the wild blue Atlantic Ocean. The result is one of nature's most extraordinary phenomena: a huge rocky pavement dotted with rock formations, caves and fossils, as well as an incredible array of flowers, from native species to Arctic, Alpine and Mediterranean plants.

The Burren

L-R: Traditional stone wall at the Burren Perfumery; an aerial view of the Burren; flowers growing between limestone rocks; karst limestone rock pavements 

A land of limestone

Formed millions of years ago beneath long-forgotten tropical seas, the limestone landscape of the Burren has led to a form of farming that is hardy, with a history that dates back over 6,000 years. The ancient tradition of 'Winterage' – allowing cattle to graze the hills in winter – continues to this day, clearing the ground of tough grasses and making way for plant life to flourish come springtime.

For such a rocky place, the Burren has a poetic beauty that has captivated the hearts and minds of poets, painters, artists and writers. You'll feel it as you walk along butter-coloured Fanore Beach, backed by a bare limestone hill and lapped by the Atlantic Ocean. You'll feel it as you walk over terraces of rock that cascade down to the sea, or as you gaze at the gravity-defying Poulnabrone Dolmen, built over 5,800 years ago and set within this rocky terrain.

The Burren Smokehouse The Burren Smokehouse

The Burren Smokehouse, County Clare

Enduring traditions


The Burren is a place of tradition, of music, of adventure and of great local food. Cosy up in great music pubs where the beat of the bodhran keeps toes tapping. Settle down for an afternoon with a platter of Irish tapas in the garden of Burren Food and Wine, or find out the heritage and history of smoked salmon with a tour of the Burren Smokehouse.

The Burren The Burren

The Burren, County Clare © Shutterstock



The Burren, a warm welcome

Tour guide Marie O'Brien McGauran talks about what makes the Burren such a special place to visit, enjoy and experience.

The Burren, County Clare The Burren, County Clare

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The Burren

The Burren highlights

Don't miss these things to see and do

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Aillwee Burren Experience: Cave Tours, Birds of Prey & Farm Shop

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The Burren Centre

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Burren Fine Wine & Food - Walking & Cycling Tours

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Ballyvaughan

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The Cliffs of Moher Retreat

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The Burren Perfumery

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Burren Smokehouse

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Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Geopark

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Burren Way

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Burren Yoga and Meditation Centre

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