A hike on the Burren Way along the Wild Atlantic Coast of Ireland is worthwhile for so many reasons. This trail is famous for leading past the world-renowned Cliffs of Moher but there’s so much more to discover.
County Clare, the area where the Burren Way is located, is known throughout Ireland for excellent traditional music. The Burren is also one of the largest limestone landscapes in Europe. With an itinerary of hiking in breathtaking nature during the day and Irish music in the evening in the pub – what more could you want? If you’re still not sure, here are our top 7 reasons to hike the Burren Way.
The best of Irish music
Ireland is considered one of the most musical countries in the world. So it really means something when an area in Ireland is particularly known for its first-class “trad” (traditional Irish music).
Many of Clare’s pubs offer the best of Irish live music all year round. In summer, many multi-day festivals take place here, such as the great Feakle Festival, making the area around The Burren a magnet for musicians and guests from all over the world.
Gus O’Connors Pub in Doolin is our special tip for the best Irish music on the Burren Way. Every evening during the normal tourist season at 9:30 p.m. (Sundays 6:00 p.m.) the bow is swung and the foot bobs to the beat.
The Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are the tourist attraction in Ireland, attracting over a million visitors in a normal year. Anyone who has dared to take a dizzying view down to the foaming waves at the edge will understand why.
The 150 meter high cliffs literally give you the feeling of standing on the edge of the world and are more than just an impressive photo backdrop.
Did you also know that the famous Aran Islands were once part of the mainland? The breaking point today forms the Cliffs of Moher and the steep cliffs on the islands.
The Burren National Park
The Burren National Park extends over 1,500 hectares within one of the largest limestone landscapes in Europe. The stone layers form almost endless gray rock terraces and create a micro-climate. As a result, this magical area is home to unique flora and fauna.
The name “Burren” comes from the Irish “Boíreann” and means “stony place”.
98 kilometers total length
With a total length of 98 kilometers, the Burren Way is an ideal route for moderate hikes. If that’s enough, you can also add on the beautiful “Black Head Loop”, an extra loop starting from Fanore Bridge, and enjoy fantastic views of Galway Bay.
Hillwalk Tours offer individually tailored daily stages to suit every fitness level.
Puffins and basking sharks
Puffins are beautiful birds with their characteristic curved orange beak. From March to September, you have the chance to see this bird that graced the Guinness advertisement at the Cliffs of Moher.
With a lot of luck you might also see a basking shark below the cliffs. But do not worry, the gentle sea creatures only feed on plankton. For an extra tip, make sure to look out for the dolphins who commonly visit the Fanore shore.
Perfume and chocolate
Even if the rough landscape does not suggest it: exquisite chocolate and handcrafted perfume are among the best souvenirs from the Burren area.
The enthusiastic entrepreneurs of Hazel Mountain Chocolat and The Burren Perfumerie settled in the middle of the natural paradise to open their exquisite manufactories. Both are open to guests and are absolutely worth a visit!
Find love
Those who are not completely carried away by nature can even find great love near the Burren Way. And that with professional support! Every year Lisdoonvarna hosts the famous “Match-making Festival” .
Willy Daly, Ireland’s only official matchmaker, helps anyone interested in finding their sweetheart. And he even gives a guarantee that with his help you will be married within a year! There is no scientific research on this, but everyone present confirms: “The craic is mighty!” (A lot of fun).
Interested in finding out more about the highlights of hiking the Burren Way – check out our The Burren Way – Trail Highlights blog post.
