You are doing a whirlwind tour of Ireland and have one day to spend in the Burren. What should you do? This itinerary will help you get to all the amazing places and eating some of the best seafood in the country. Your base will be Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare.

Starting point: Ballyvaughan. Start by heading along the N67 and then the R480 to Aillwee Burren Experience. Here you can enjoy one of Ireland’s best known caves, stop for Aillwee Cheese or visit the Birds of Prey centre. There is something for everyone here and your visit can be as long or short as you like.

Continue on the N67 to Caherconnell Stone Fort. The Burren is rich with dolmens, cahers, ringforts and other historical monuments. One of the best preserved is Caherconnell Stone Fort. The fort is on a working farm and the business is family run. As well as taking in some great history, you can watch the sheepdog demonstration. This is by far and away one of my favourite things to watch as the dogs and farmer work so closely together to gather the sheep. Booking online is always recommended. You can find their website here.

Just 1km from Caherconnell Stone Fort is Poulnabrone Dolmen. This a must see when in the Burren. It is Ireland’s oldest dated megalithic monument and a truly iconic feature of the Burren. The car park is free as of the time of writing. You can read more about the dolmen on the Burren Geopark website, https://www.burrengeopark.ie/discover-explore/geosites-discovery-points/poulnabrone/

From here you will continue until you see Leminagh Castle on the right hand side. This is the home of Maire Rua or Mary of the Red Hair. At this point you will be turning right and continuing to the village of Kilfenora. Take some time here to learn about the Burren at the Burren Centre and visit the High Crosses.

From here, take a drive through Ennistymon and arrive in Lahinch, a beautiful seaside town. Stop for lunch in one of the restaurants. Vaughan’s boasts views over the sea as well as some of the best seafood.

After lunch you can continue to Liscannor. Liscannor is famous for Liscannor stone, one of the most distinctive stone’s to be quarried in Ireland. Stop at the Rock Shop to learn about Liscannor Stone and shop for some locally made products and gemstones. A short drive away is the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs are Ireland’s most visited outdoor tourist attraction. You can buy your tickets online on their website, https://www.cliffsofmoher.ie/. Stop by Moher Cottage, winner of Ireland’s best coffee for a quick snack before your drive to Doolin.

Doolin is a lovely seaside village and from here you will take the coast road back to your starting point. Head on the N67 on the coast road to Fanore. Spend some time at Fanore beach, an ideal beach for surfing but also a great spot to stretch your legs. Along the way you will take in Blackhead lighthouse and Murroughtoohy, a Wild Atlantic Way discovery point.

Finish your day by stopping to Monks in Ballyvaughan for a well deserved chowder and a pint.