Burren Way

Introduction
Burren Ireland

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.

Accomodation

You will be staying in comfortable guesthouses and farmhouses. Rooms are as much as possible en-suite. However B&B’s do still have rooms that are not en-suite but should have a bathroom adjacent to the room. We will book these rooms when there are no en-suites available. This happens regularly in the high season.
We do try to make your accommodation convenient to each day’s walk. The walking distances for each day as specified in your tour itinerary may vary, depending where you are staying, as your B&B may not be in the centre of the village. This will be referred to in your route notes and may add 2-3 km to your walk. Please check this before you walk!
On self-guided walking trails, accommodation is usually in small villages or towns and may be off the beaten track. There is usually a Post Office, shops, pubs etc. but there may not be a Bank. Your hosts may also supply your evening meal.
While we have reserved your accommodation, it is a good idea to telephone your hosts with the approximate time of your arrival. Some B&B’s will offer you tea or coffee on arrival – if they don’t please do ask if you would like some. You will find that hosts are very approachable and sometimes you just need to ask for what you want.

If you are spending an extra night in Dublin or Cork, PLEASE telephone your hosts and tell them what time you expect to arrive. They may close their premises in the afternoon as it is their only free time!

You can enjoy evening meals in the guesthouses in some locations, but the hostess needs to be notified beforehand. Picnic lunches can be supplied by her also at a cost of £3.00-£3.50 p.p.
You must show your accommodation list to your host each day on your arrival. Your luggage will be transferred for you each day by the guesthouse owners or taxi

Lunches & Evening Meals
Lunches such as sandwiches or filled rolls are often available in local shops or supermarkets, and many also have hot food counters. Look for names such as Centra, Londis, Statoil, Spar, or check in petrol stations. Please note that it is advisable to carry lunch with you unless told otherwise in the route notes. Do tell your hosts when you arrive if you would like them to provide a packed lunch for the next day (approx. €3.50-4.50).
Some guesthouses can provide an evening meal (approx. €15-20) and will also suggest alternative places to eat. This may be a pub or restaurant and prices will vary enormously depending on where you are but are usually between €15.00 and €25.00 Meals are served in pubs until about 9.00pm.
If you choose to eat with your hosts in their home, please ring them the previous evening, or the morning before you arrive to book a meal. They may have to travel some distance to get supplies! Please ask your hosts for any advice in relation to the best places to eat if you wish to eat out and where to find traditional entertainment.

Riding

Itinerary

Day 1  Arrival in Shannon. Transfer to Liscannor via Ennis and Lahinch
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 to 14km on the Aran Islands Way. Overnight Doolin
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    20 km
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 (transfer not included - good public buses or we can arrange a private transfer)

Rates and Dates for Burren Way

Dates Note: Any time during the season.

Other Info
Meeting: Liscannor
Airport: Shannon
Transfer: Shannon ( not included)

Climate: Ireland has a reputation of being wet but it is also famous for having 40 shades of green! The expression "a soft day" is a popular one with the Irish and describes light rain in mild temperatures. Because of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream, the weather can be very unpredictable, so waterproof rainwear is essential. Your clothing must be warm but also easy to put on and take off as you climb and descend. Tight clothing or jeans are NOT recommended. The temperatures can range from 5° - 19° Celsius and the highest will rarely go over 25° Celsius. Due to the high humidity it can get very warm in summer but on higher ground it can suddenly become colder due to the wind-chill factor. Current weather information is available at www.meteireann.ie

 The Irish climate is damp and mild.

Cell phone rental is available and can be pre-booked through www.rentaphone-ireland.com

 If you are travelling from the USA you may wish to check out unlocking your cell phone to use and Irish SIM card. Check out www.unlockitfree.com or  www.bilemo.com/unlock  

In order to enhance your holiday these items should be in your suitcase: