By a long mile, this is my favourite thing to do in the Burren. The walk is not signposted so there are very few, if any people visiting this amazing site. *Be aware that the churches are on private property so please do not disturb any farmstock and do not leave litter.

Location: https://www.google.ie/maps/@53.1239091,-9.0525841,447m/data=!3m1!1e3

This link will bring you to a lane. There is no parking so pull your car as close to the wall as possible and remember that farmers are using that area so please don’t block entrances.

From here you set off on foot.

Follow the lane to the top and you will see that it veers off to the left and the right. You need to continue to the right where you will follow an S shape before coming on to a new path. Follow the path and keep your eyes to the right. When you see a cattle crush, you are almost directly in front of the churches. Enter the fields ( again avoid livestock) and walk down to the churches.

Cost: Free

What will I need: A solid pair of walking shoes, rain jacket, snacks, water and a mobile phone.

The Oughtmama churches date back to the 12th century. There are three churches, two of which are incredibly well preserved. The churches were once surrounded by a wall and is associated with St. Colman.

My friend John (https://www.facebook.com/pg/landscapesofireland/about/?ref=page_internal) made a beautiful video of our trip there.

Directly overlooking the churches is Turlough Hill. It honestly took me three attempts to get to the summit here but eventually I succeeded. what I did and strike off from behind the churches. Instead, go back to the path and continue along until it runs out. Then follow the wall between the two mountains and veer right to make it to the hill fort and cairn.

The hill fort is so large that you can be standing in it and not even know, as happened me when I brought some friends up! Once you find the fort, continue towards the water to find the large burial cairn.

On the top of Turlough hill is evidence of an ancient settlement with 160 stone huts. Mystery surrounds this settlement as there is no constant source of running water and it was not defensive so thoughts are that it may have been a meeting place, possibly spiritual. You can read an article here; https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/mystery-surrounds-burren-settlement-excavated-by-archaeologists-1.2629951

The view from the top is commanding and my absolute favourite.

When you are finished, you could visit Hazel Mountain Chocolate factory for a coffee and some delicious cake!

*The video in this post is by John O Connor. He is a photographer and videographer. You can find him on his social media (above) or his website, https://www.weddingfilmmaker.ie/