This is probably the number one question locals get. Visitors seem to think that it is just one place when in fact the Burren is a region (Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark). You can’t go to one place and “see” the Burren, it’s more of an experience that takes in several towns and villages as seen in the map below.
The word Burren comes from the Irish word an Boireann meaning ‘rocky place’. There are two major rock types in the Burren, limestone and siltstone. Most of the pavements you will see are limestone pavements. The limestone was formed in a tropical sea and as a result you can see many different fossils in in the rock. The history of limestone is much more detailed so I have posted a link to the Burren website here; https://www.burrengeopark.ie/learn-engage/geology-of-the-burren/
Even though the Burren takes up less than 1% of our national landscape yet it has approximately 70% of the national flora and fauna. Here you can find artic and alpine plants living side by side and a whole array of flowering plants. Farming methods have also helped to conserve the rich plant life in this area. Because of this, the Burren is regarded as an area of Special Conservation.
In the 1600’s General Ludlow said; “of this barony it is said that it is a country where there is not water enough to drown a man, wood enough to hang one, nor earth enough to bury them. This last is so scarce that the inhabitants steal it from one another and yet their cattle are very fat. The grass grows in tufts of earth of two or three foot square which lies between the limestone rocks and is very sweet and nourishing.”
The Burren National Park can be found in the south eastern corner of the Burren and is approximately 15 square kilometres. There are several walks, of different difficulties that you can do including a hike to the famous Mulloughmore. You can find examples of turloughs, lakes, mountains, limestone pavements and flora and fauna here.
There are over 2,500 historical monuments in the Burren, dating back more than 6,000 years. With approximately 8km of coast line located along the Wild Atlantic Way, there is something for every visitor!
There are many things to see and do in this region, from hill walking to visiting the local food producers. This video from the Burren website gives a glimpse of some of the attractions in this area;
In 2011, the Burren and Cliffs of Moher gained Global Geopark status so the leave no trace campaign is important to protect this amazing landscape. We love to welcome visitors to this area and help them discover all that it has to offer but ask that you respect the region and leave nothing but footprints.
You can check out the Geopark website here; https://www.burrengeopark.ie/
Wild Atlantic Adventures 