The Burren Way – Ireland

Self Guided Walk on the Burren Way in Ireland

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Options and Cost:

5 Day – €569pps Single supplement: + €240
6 Day – €655pps Single supplement: + €300

Select the number of days you wish to walk while booking.

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Tour Description

The Burren Way is a Self-Guided Long-Distance trail in the South West of Ireland with a total distance of 114Km or 50 miles.

Cliffs of Moher

Usually completed in 6 or 7 days, this trail is classed as moderate, not challenging and will suit people who are used to regular exercise.

We break the walk up into manageable walking or hiking days of approx. 20Km per day.

About the Trail: The Burren region is internationally renowned for its geological landscape, archaeological sites and its wild flora and fauna. The area is identified in geological terms as a “karstic plateau”, meaning a massive series of limestone pavements with crisscrossing cracks known as “grikes”, leaving isolated rocks called “clints” over vast areas of land.

Oliver Cromwell’s lieutenant-general of horse and second-in-command in Ireland, Edmund Ludlow described the Burren as “a country where there is not enough water to drown a man, wood enough to hang one, nor earth enough to bury him.”

The Burren comes from the Gaelic Boireann, or stony district, referring to the 130sq kms of spectacular terraced carboniferous limestone hills and valleys that characterise the area.

Slieve Elva, is the highest point, a mere 344m above sea level, however, at the south-western end of the Burren, the breath-taking Cliffs of Moher rise out of the sea to over 200 metres.

The trail is traditionally walked south to north starting in the village of Lahinch, famed for its surfing and golfing, and ending in the riverside village of Corofin. Initially, hugging the rugged Wild Atlantic Way coastline, with fantastic views out over the Ocean and the Aran Islands, before turning inwards and over the rocky escarpment of The Burren National Park; the large limestone plateau which gives the trail its name.

The track is a mix of old drover’s roads, forest, coastal paths and minor backroads which can be busy at times. There are some short, steep climbs ascending to a maximum of 540m.

Along the way, you will pass through sleepy towns and villages, fantastic wild flower landscapes and see ancient Neolithic and early Christian monuments.

Each stage of the route offers stunning views and a chance to leave everything behind for a few days.

Itineraries

Self Guided Walk on the Burren Way in Ireland

(The distances below may vary slightly due to accommodation locations.)

5 Day – Burren Way

Day 1: Arrive in Liscannor – Receive information pack
Day 2: Liscannor to Doolin via the Cliffs of Moher – Distance 18km, Ascent 530m – Approx. 6 hrs
Day 3: Doolin to Fanore – Distance 15km, Ascent 254m – Approx. 4 hrs
Day 4: Fanore to Ballyvaughan – Distance 21.5km, Ascent 285m – Approx. 6 hrs
Day 5: Depart Ballyvaughan

Cost: 5 Day – €569pps Single supplement: + €240

6 Day – Burren Way & Aran Islands (Optional)

Day 1: Arrive in Liscannor – Receive information pack
Day 2: Liscannor to Doolin via the Cliffs of Moher – Distance 18km, Ascent 530m – Approx. 6 hrs
Day 3: Free Day in Doolin, Visit the Aran Islands, Optional. (Ferry goes direct from Doolin)
Day 4: Doolin to Fanore – Distance 15km, Ascent 254m – Approx. 4 hrs
Day 5: Fanore to Ballyvaughan – Distance 21.5km, Ascent 285m – Approx. 6 hrs
Day 6: Depart Ballyvaughan

Cost: 6 Day – €655pps; Single supplement: + €300

If you wish to visit the Aran Islands on your free day, all details will be given (not included in cost)

Route Description

Walking the Burren Way Trail – Route Description

Day 1: Arrive Liscannor. Receive Information Pack.

Day 2: Liscannor to Doolin via the Cliffs of Moher

Liscannor to Doolin via the Cliffs of Moher – Distance 18km, Total Ascent 530m – Approx. 6 hrs

The coastal village of Liscannor is tourist destination, and being slightly nearer to Doolin than Lahinch, it’s the more popular start point. During summer months there is also a ferry service to the base of the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands.

It is an approx. 5km walk on small quite roads from Liscannor before you reach the start of the Cliffs of Moher walk.

Fun Fact: the engineer John Philip Holland (1841–1914) was born in Liscannor, and developed some of the first submarines commissioned by the US Navy and Royal Navy. A visitor centre, the “John P Holland Centre”, was opened in Liscannor in 2016.

You will walk along the famous Cliffs of Moher, towering over 200m above the sea, for 15kms, passing the visitor center O’Brien’s Castle. Its a good place to stop to enjoy a bite to eat, although it is better to have a snack with you as you can choose a quieter picnic spot. Continue along the Doolin Cliff Walk until you reach the traditional music hot spot of Doolin.

There are many places in Doolin to enjoy a bite to eat while listening to some of Ireland’s best traditional musicians.

Overnight Accommodation: Pairc Lodge Bed & Breakfast or similar

Fun Fact: Doolin Cave has an enormous stalactite

Day 3: Doolin to Fanore

Doolin to Fanore – Distance 15km, Ascent 254m – Approx. 4 hrs

The second day brings you to the Burren National Park and its’ extraordinary landscape. This will be a quiet day of walking through farmland near Lisdoonvarna, gently uphill most of the way with a total ascent of just 290m.

The trail from Doolin is on the road towards Fanore and Lisdoonvarna and passes the Doolin Caves and Ballinalacken castle. Then it takes a smaller road and eventually out onto a small boreen (small cow path) with stone walls on either side.

From the top, you can look back to The Cliffs of Moher and west to The Aran Islands. You will skirt the highest peak in the area, Slieve Elva which is only 344m!

If the weather is clear and time permits, a hike to the summit is well worth it for the views. Descend to the Caher Valley, along the Caher River (one of the few overground rivers in the area) to the small coastal village of Fanore and its famous beach.

Accommodation: Orchid House or similar

Day 4: Fanore to Ballyvaughan

Fanore to Ballyvaughan – Distance 21.5km, Ascent 285m – Approx. 6 hrs

From Fanore, an ancient path takes you to the routes most northerly point, The Black Head, and from here you will get your first glimpse of Galway Bay. Time permitting, a visit to The Blackhead Lighthouse and a bit of a climb up to Cathair Dhuin Irghuis, an ancient stone fort, is well worth the effort. It is a magical place with breathtaking views.

The route continues along a narrow path by cliffs then joins an old Mass Path, leading into the green Gleninagh Valley. Soon you will pass the 16th century Newtown Castle, crossing through fields and woodlands arriving in the picturesque fishing village of Ballyvaughan.

Tip: Try to visit Aillwee caves as you leave Ballyvaughan just to see what is going on underground in this vast karst landscape.

The cave was discovered in 1944, when a farmer named Jack McGann followed his dog, who was chasing a rabbit. The farmer did not explore very far into the caves, and did not tell anyone of the find for nearly 30 years. He told cavers of the cave in 1973 and that summer the cave was explored as far as a boulder choke. 10,400-year-old remains of bears have been found in its recesses.

Accommodation: Ivies Guesthouse or similar

Day 5: Ballyvaughan to Carran

Distance to walk: 24kms

Following last night’s path out of the town, through the woods, you will cross over green pastures, even some bog and the fascinating limestone landscape of the Burren.

You will come to the immense 6000-year-old Poulnabrone Tomb and lots of stone forts. When the wildflowers are out, the entire area is awash with colour. Further on you will pass Europe’s largest seasonal lake (a turlough). One more hill to climb with great views of the lake (when there!) and of the surrounding mountainous farmland with endless stone walls which have stood the test of time.

Day 6: Carran to Corofin

Distance to walk: 18 km

The final stretch of the Burren Way takes you along rural tracks and varied scenery. The now familiar huge fields of rock, hazel trees, sloping green fields and woodlands as well as relics of this ancient land will be all around you namely Parknabinnia Wedge Tomb and the Cahercommaun Ring Fort. Through one more woodland and around one more beautiful lough – Inchiquin – you will arrive in the village of Corofin and the end of your trail.

Day 7: Depart Corofin

Notes about Visiting the Aran Islands (Optional)

The Aran Islands – West of Ireland
The Aran Islands consist of three Islands that sit in Galway Bay just of the West coast of Ireland. Inishmore (Big Island) is the largest of the three islands and the most visited. They are inhabited islands where the Irish language is still spoken as the first language, although many locals do speak English today.

Most visitors to the island explore the island of bikes which you can rent when you get of the ferry. There are many wonderful quite roads on which to cycle or walk with stone walls on either side of you.

The most visited parts of the island are the prehistoric fort of Dún Aonghasa, perched on top of a high cliff and the nearby is the Worm Hole, a rectangular natural pool. The Worm Hole has recently become more popular since it has become a venue for the Red Bull Cliff diving competition.

There are also some shops and pubs where you can enjoy a bite to eat or get a sandwich for your walk or even enjoy a drink afterwards.

Walking on Inishmore:
Length15.3km, Elevation gain211m, Route type Loop

This walk is mainly on small country roads and loops around the middle section of the Island.
Starting from Kilronan (where the ferry arrives), Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3.5hrs to complete.

This trail is marked by purple arrows on white background. This loop gives you a chance to view the local seal colony. Enjoy plenty of nature, including beautiful cliffs, stone forts, and amazing beaches.

What to Bring

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about the Burren way:

Q. How do we get to the Start of our walk?

A. All the information to get you to the start of your walk will be given to you, ie, bus times, train times etc. We can also organise a transfer for you from Airports or accommodations.

Q. How do we get back from the walk?

A. If you not walking the whole Burren way then there are public buses from the small towns along the Way. We can also arrange local transport for you to get back from locations which you pay direct to your driver on the day.

Q. What about the walks and fitness levels?

A. The terrain of this walk is from forest tracks, to open hillside, old roads, country lanes, beaches and Irish Bog.

The walks are generally of a moderate level with approx 15 – 20Km per day walk.
It is possible to have your day shortened by letting us know and we can organise transfers to shorten the walk for you

Q What is the Accommodation like?

A. We use a mix of Guesthouses on these Self Guided Walks as we believe they give you a more personal service and many of them will provide you with a packed lunch and a hearty breakfast before you start your day. They are also locals to the area and know the best places for music, food and drink.

We choose our accommodation very carefully and have known the owners for many years now and have built up a close relationship with them
We can depend on these accommodations to give you the best service and assistance with any queries you may have.
The accommodation providers are well used to guests arriving after a day’s walk and know that they want somewhere comfortable to relax and freshen up.
They are all fully qualified and recognised accommodations with Tourism Ireland

Q What is the food in Ireland like and where would we get evening meals?

A. In many of the towns along the way, there is a choice of restaurant or Pub (Pub cuisine in Ireland is fantastic now with a wide variety of food at a high quality in most).

Breakfasts are included and there is a wide selection to choose from including a Full Irish, fruit, cereals, breads etc.
Lunches for the walks: Some of the accommodations may provide a packed lunch for you. If not they will let you know of a close by Deli or shop where you can have one made up the way you would like it.
Evening Meals In most towns there are restaurants and Pubs, the sea food on the west coast of Ireland is excellent as the fish is fresh from the Atlantic
Dietary requests such as Vegetarians or Gluten free can be catered for with prior notice, although many locations in Ireland are well used to specific foods .

Q. Can we have our luggage transferred each day?

A. Yes your luggage is transferred each day and will be at your next accommodation before your arrival. So you can shower and freshen up quickly after arriving

Included in costs

Friendly and family run guest Houses and B+Bs (Irish Tourism Board Approved)
Breakfast each morning with a wide selection to choose from.
Detailed maps, Water Proof Map Cover
Books and Route Notes for the Trail.
Luggage Transfer each day.
Phone support along the way.(Accommodations and pickup numbers)
All Information on public transport required will be given.

Optional Extras:

Transfers for first and last days can be arranged.
Extra nights before and after your walk
Cruise Below the Cliffs of Moher (Rest Day)
Visit the Aran Islands from Doolin (Rest Day)

Payments:

A deposit of 10% is required to secure your booking and your balance is due 6 weeks prior to Tour / Walk Start date. Your Deposit will be returned to you if we are unsuccessful in securing your trip or accommodation.

Cancellation Policy:

Loss of deposit applies for cancellations made 6 weeks or more in advance.
Cancellation fee of 40% applies for cancellations made less than 41 days in advance.
Cancellation fee of 80% applies for cancellations made less than 4 weeks in advance.
Cancellation fee of 100% applies for cancellations made less than 2 weeks in advance, or in case of no-show.

Balance is due 6 weeks in advance.

The balance of the cost of your tour / walk (including any applicable surcharge) is due not less than 6 weeks prior to scheduled departure.
If we do not receive this balance in full and on time, we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled by you in which case we shall retain your deposit.

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