Burren Way

Introduction
Burren Ireland
The Burren Way is a relatively short walking route of 77km (49 miles) in County Clare on Ireland’s west coast. Offering superb coastal and interior walking following old tracks and green roads, the route combines quiet country walking with village atmosphere at Doolin and Ballyvaughan.

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.

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 25% of the hiking is on quiet country roads. On occasion it crosses the main tourist road. It is well signposted with wooden or stone brown 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.

Tour Highlights
- The Burren!  An amazing environment like no other part of Ireland. 
- Karst micro-climate for stunning flora
- Atlantic views and the Aran Islands

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a progressive tour so nights will be spent in different locations.

Description
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 accommodation 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!

While we have reserved your accommodation, it is a good idea to telephone your hosts with the approximate time of your arrival. Some accommodations 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.

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.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Accommodation in Liscannor
Night 2 & 3: Accommodation in Doolin
Night 4 & 5: Accommodation in Fanore
Night 6: Accommodation in Ballyvaughan

Room Occupancy
If you are travelling alone, you will be booked into a single room in your accommodations. This is often a room for two persons that you will have to yourself, which means a single supplement fee needs to be applied.
Please, note that a single traveller also incurs the full luggage transfer fee, which is normally divided between two people.
It is a good idea to contact your hosts and let them know what time you expect to arrive – they tend to be more concerned about walkers hiking alone.


Meals
Only breakfasts are included in your package.

Ireland is renowned for its “Full Irish Breakfast” which consists of bacon, sausages, fried egg and toast. Cereals or a lighter option might be available if you ask. Some walkers find the “full Irish” too much every morning. You can agree with your host on your arrival what time you want breakfast – this is usually between 8.00 and 9.00am.

You can enjoy evening meals in the guesthouses in some locations (for an extra fee), but the hosts need to be notified beforehand. 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.

In the early or late season, local restaurants may be closed or pubs may not be serving evening meals. Your hosts will assist you with alternative arrangements if you are walking in the off-season.

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 (extra fee applies).

Riding

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

On some routes you will require a transfer either by your hosts or by a pre-arranged taxi to the start of your walk. Your hosts will agree a time for this transfer with you. Please, appreciate that the accommodations only provide this service for walkers and it usually happens at their busiest time, between 09 and 10 AM.

Day 1: Arrival
Make your own way to Liscannor. It is possible to take public transit from Shannon airport.
Overnight in Liscannor
Meals Included: none

Day 2: Liscannor to Doolin via Cliffs of Moher 
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.
Walking Distance 19 km (about 5 hours) / Ascent 185 m 
Overnight in Doolin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3: Free day in Doolin
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 in Doolin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4: Doolin to Fanore  
Climb 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. Descend to 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. Fanore is a gorgeous coastal settlement; golden sands, undulating dunes, stone walls, flagstone rocks.
Walking Distance 20 km (about 6 hours) / Ascent 285 m 
Overnight in Fanore
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5: Free day in Fanore 
Today is free for a number of options. A circular walk around Black Head climbs to 1st century Caher Dun Irghus and Gleninagh Mountain. A gentler route takes you along the coast following dunes and beaches to the Black Head lighthouse. Then there’s always the chance of an Atlantic swim! The services of a dedicated Burren guide are available today, please enquire (extra fee applies).
Walking Distance 12 km (about 4 hours) / Ascent 317 m 
Overnight in Fanore
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6: Fanore to Ballyvaughan
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.
Walking Distance 16 km (about 4 hours) / Ascent 240 m 
Overnight in Ballyvaughan   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7: Departure
Arrange your own departure transfer.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Optional Extra Day
Circular walk from Ballyvaughan to the 12th century Churches at Oughtamama, Cormcomroe Abbey and superb views from Turlough Hill. Overnight at Ballyvaughan
Walking Distance 18 km (about 5 hours) / Ascents 540 m

Rates and Dates for Burren Way

Dates Note: Any time during the season.

Other Info
Meeting: Liscannor
Airport: Shannon airport
Transfer:

Climate:
                                                    Corofin area

• Fully waterproof rainwear;
• Waterproof hiking boots;
• Hiking-pole;
• Light walking shoes;
• Spare layer of clothing;
• Hat/cap;
• Gaiters;
• Day-rucksack;
• Thermos flask;
• Water bottle;
• Lunchbox;
• Plastic bag;
• Torch; Insect-repellent spray;
• First Aid kit;
• Blister-plaster;
• Sunscreen.