| County Clare |
| The Burren |
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The Burren - Portal tomb
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The Burren - Castle
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 The Burren - Landscape
The
name ‘Burren’ comes from the Irish ‘Boireann’, meaning ‘the rocky
country’. A simple but very true description of this part of county
Clare, its great pride, as the landscape is only rocks and limestone
pavements, and surprisingly colourful and fine wild flowers which
manage to grow in this unreal landscape.
Also known as Fisherstreet, DOOLIN is a curious village which stretches
out along the road. Despite its remoteness, it is |
an ideal base to
explore the Burren, and a popular destination for backpackers. Doolin
has a strong reputation for having the best music pubs in the West of
Ireland.
The area has a lot of caves, such as the Fisherstreet Potholes, Poll na
gColm or the undersea Green Holes of Doolin. For more information on
caving, you can visit www.cavingireland.org.
You can take a ferry to the Aran Islands from the pier (contact Doolin
Ferries on 707 4455 for information or visit www.doolinferries.com).
The main interest in LISDOONVARNA is its mineral springs, with many
people visiting the local spa every year since centuries. The Spa Wells
Health Centre (call 707 4023 for information) are actually the only
working spa in Ireland. The water contains iron, sulphur, magnesium and
iodine which are supposed to be good for rheumatic and glandular pains.
Some will decide to have a taste of that ‘vintage-wine’. BLACK HEAD is
the northwesternmost point of county Clare, a headland of limestone
plunging into the sea. Climbing up to CATHAIR DHUN IORAIS is a great
experience, although requiring preparation as there is no path and
atmospheric conditions are often rough. This Iron Age ring fort is
located in the middle of a vast extend of limestone pavements.
Enchanting BALLYVAUGHAN is one of the preferred locations in Burren,
and quite a good base to explore the North of the county. Here the
ground is not so rough and rocky, but rather leafy and verdant. From
the top of Corkscrew Hill not far from there, you will enjoy fantastic
views of northern Burren and Galway Bay. CENTRAL BURREN
Aillwee Caves (call 065-707 7036 for information or visit
www.aillwee.ie) are large limestone caves which penetrate 600m into the
mountain. One of the caverns has a waterfall. South of Aillwee Caves,
Glenisheen Wedge Tomb is a famous prehistoric grave site, dating back
to approximately 4,000 to 5,000 years ago. Even older is Poulnabrone
Dolmen, a portal tomb which emerges out of a sea of rocky pavements. It
is only in the 20th century that Poulnabrone was excavated (1986) and
that the remains of 16 people were found. In the lovely village of
Carron, the Burren Perfumery & Floral Centre (call 065-7089102 for
information) makes a nice visit as this handicraft perfumery uses local
wild flowers. South of Carron stands Cahercommaun Cliff Fort, an
impressive 8th century building which is located on the edge of a
cliff.
KILFENORA is a small town with quite a few points of interest. Its 12th
century Cathedral was once a place of pilgrimage. The diocese of
Kilfenora is actually the smallest of Ireland. The cathedral is also
(and surprisingly) very small. Several high crosses stand in the
churchyard. Doorty Cross is 800 years old and was re-erected in 1950 as
it was broken in two. Traditional music lovers will end up in Vaughan’s
Pub on Main St, which has live music most nights.
NORTHERN BURREN
The northern part of the county is less rugged and rough, and gives way
to low farmland and great stretches of coastline.
Among the places of interest are New Quay and the Flaggy Shore which is
actually particularly nice. Not far from the Flaggy Shore, wading birds
and swans like the waters of Lough Muirí. Around Bellharbour, ruins of
abbeys and churches are to be found along the road that takes you to
the centre of the Burren. Cistercian Corcomroe Abbey is nested in a
quiet valley and is a marvellous relic. Founded in the late 12th
century, the abbey still bears fine vaulting in the presbytery and
transepts. Deserted Oughtmana Valley is home to several ancient
churches. The tough walk up Turlough Hill will grant you some well
deserved amazing views.
GETTING AROUND THE BURREN For detailed information about bus services
in the Burren area, it is better to contact directly one of the bus
stations (Ennis Bus Station on 065-6824177, Limerick Bus Station on
061-313333 or Galway Bus Station on 091-562000). |
| PS : The Burren website link
http://www.burrenbeo.com/ |
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