Ireland…The Burren

Want to experience Ireland?..the harsh unforgiving beautiful Ireland that has been the setting of so many novels? Yes?

Well, here we are.

Join us as we continue our tour of Ireland through The Burren area of northwest Ireland.

(Hint: Click on the map to make it larger) Photo is of a map in the lobby of the Burren Centre in Kilfenora.

We are in County Clare…with the Atlantic Ocean to the west and Galway Bay to the north.  The Cliffs of Moher (one of the most visited spots in Ireland I am told) are within this area.

Geologists will love this area… a place defined by its unique geology. Historians will be captivated by centuries of striking events that have happened here…including its pivotal role in saving literacy. Botanists will love searching for the plant life tucked away in the most unlikely places. Photographers will find subjects galore. Amazing, as at first glance The Burren does not seem all that interesting! But I digress again.

While driving the coastal road through Doolin and north to Ballyvaughn, it is hard to imagine that centuries ago this was farm land. Not farm land in the sense that I (a prairie girl) can relate to! But land that did provide a living for people who could go no father west. (Do some research and you will discover how/why people were forced to leave the more fertile eastern parts of Ireland and move farther and farther west to the Atlantic side.)

Look to the west and you see limestone rocks all the way down to the water.

Look just a  bit higher and you will notice small plots of farm land. Note the fences are made of limestone rocks. (Wonder why, eh?) And…did you notice that the fences extend down into the rocky area. What could be “farmed” off the rocks? (Something was. That’s another research project for you.)

Now, look behind you and you will see the distinctive hills of The Burren.

Signs posted along this road give concise descriptions of what you are seeing. Not surprisingly many  of these signs focus on the geology of this area.

The coastal road presents a variety of moods and views.

Galway Bay’s southern end welcomes us as we turn east.

Turning south at Ballyvaughn (check out the map at the start of this article) let’s head away from the water and cut cross country. But first, park and take a stroll through this main street of Ballyvaughn. Take your time to read the road sign so you know which way to head next!

Onward, down N67. The speed limit is 100, but there is no way one should travel that speed on some sections of this road. They do lead to some very pretty views so pull over when you can.

 

Continuing along this interior road we see many farms.

Churches, many churches.

Statues celebrating Irish folk music.

Do consider spending some time at The Burren Centre in Kilfenora. You will be shown an excellent film about the history of the area and then move into a huge area filling with quality displays highlighting the area’s formation (geology), its flora and fauna, and the history of man in this area. The museum is a forerunner of the museum at the Cliffs of Moher so if you can only see one opt for the newer Moher one. Having said that, I did learn details here at The Burren Centre that were not included at the Cliffs of Moher (or perhaps I was so overwhelmed by the amount of information I missed it there.)

There is so much more to tell you about this area…but, no… I really think it would be best if you came here to see for yourself!

More information/pictures (Ireland)

Blarney Castle

Waterford Crystal factory tour

Cliffs of Moher

Gaiety Theatre, Dublin

Driving in Ireland (Hint: self drive in rural areas…fill up with gasoline whenever you can as service stations are not that common, and frequently have no gasoline for sale!)

Driving in Dublin

Best Thing about Dublin

Join us in other countries….click here.

Happy travels!