The Burren Way is a relatively short walking route of 77km (49 miles) in County Clare on Ireland’s west coast. Offering superb coastal and interior walking following old tracks and green roads, the route combines quiet country walking with village atmosphere at Doolin and Ballyvaughan.
The Burren in County Clare is a National Conservation Area, an amazing limestone escarpment overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Aran Islands and Galway Bay. Burren is an English word, derived from the Gaelic boireann, a rocky place. However, it is shaped more by water than by rock. Underground, there are thousands of streams and rivers and cave systems. It exists because it is perfectly balanced, at the edge of the sea, at the end of the land, made of rock that was once eroded from above and is now being eroded from below.
The Waymarked Burren Way starts in Liscannor and our section finishes in Ballyvaughan. We have chosen certain sections of the route to allow for village locations for each overnight stay.You will also have a chance to visit one of the Aran Islands on your free day in Doolin, which is also the home of Irish traditional music.
The limestone surface affords excellent drainage, so most tracks are dry or rocky paths. It is well signposted with brown Burren Way signposts and trail markers, with 27% of this tour on minor road surface.
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This tour starts in Liscannor and follows the coast to the Cliffs of Moher and the village of Doolin, famous nationally and internationally for its traditional Irish music. A free day in Doolin includes the option to visit the Aran Islands. From Doolin the route ascends onto the Burren plateau before descending to Ballyvaughan on the southern shores of Galway Bay.
This tour is rated MODERATE with one RELAXED day.
See how we determine levels of difficulty for each of our hiking tours by visiting our FAQ page.
Travel to Liscannor by public bus services from Shannon or Galway airports via Ennis and Lahinch.
Overnight accommodation in Liscannor.
Walk along the coastal path overlooking Liscannor Bay and through the farmlands of Kilconnell to reach the cliff path at Hag’s Head. Dramatic scenery as you walk above the sheer cliffs that fall 100m to the Atlantic. Pass the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre and follow the green road into Doolin village, the home of traditional Irish music.
Distance 19km (12mi). Ascents 185m (607ft). Approximate walking time 5 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Doolin.
Enjoy a day in Doolin village, its traditional fishing atmosphere and ancient burial grounds keep its presence in the past. Or consider a boat trip to one of the Aran Islands to explore cliffs and limestone formations and the unique culture of island dwellers. Miles of dry stone walls and centuries of history await you!
Optional circular route of 10-14km (6-9mi) on the Aran Islands Way.
Overnight accommodation in Doolin.
Climb onto the Burren plateau via the old road with wonderful views of the Atlantic coast to the west and east to the scarred limestone hills. Descend to the Caher valley, one of the only rivers above ground. This section offers views North and West of craggy coastline and unusual “striped” lulls caused by layering of limestone. Fanore is a gorgeous coastal settlement with golden sands, undulating dunes, stone walls and flagstone rocks.
Distance 20km (12mi). Ascents 285m (935ft). Approximate walking time 6 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Fanore.
Today is free for a number of options. A circular walk around Black Head climbs to 1st century Caher Dun Irghus and Gleninagh Mountain. A gentler route takes you along the coast following dunes and beaches to the Black Head lighthouse. Then there’s always the chance of an Atlantic swim! The services of a dedicated Burren guide are available today, please enquire.
Option 1: Distance 12km (7mi). Ascents 317m (1,040ft). Approximate walking time 4 hours.
Option 2: Distance 16km (10mi). Ascents 200m (656ft). Approximate walking time 4 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Fanore.
Back into limestone country for the last walk to Ballyvaughan village, today’s route takes you over the Khyber Pass before descending by the Rathborney River to restored 15th century Newtown Castle, a stronghold of the O’Loughlin clan. Ballyvaughan is a sheltered fishing port looking across Galway Bay.
Distance 16km (10mi). Ascents 240m (787ft). Approximate walking time 4 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Ballyvaughan.
Depart by scheduled bus service to Galway or Ennis for onward connections.
Optional Extra Day:
Add an additional night in Ballyvaughan to walk a circular route from Ballyvaughan to the 12th century Churches at Oughtamama and Cormcomroe Abbey, with superb views from Turlough Hill.
Distance 18km. Ascents 540m. Approximate walking time 5 hours.
May 2019 – C. Mannion, Alberta, Canada
I am sitting at my table at home, marveling at my Irish journey. It was life changing. I wish I had taken more pictures so I could go back and be in the same spots over again. Thank you for planning the journey and for the wonderful introduction to fine people and beautiful places. The whole trip was wonderful Deirdre and the highlights were your B&B people.
September 2019 – Susan & Roberta, California, USA
The Burren was magnificent. We have had a remarkable time and we both feel a kinship to your very special country. We thank you so very much for the fantastic Trip you arranged for us. It exceeded all our expectations.
August 2019 – Nadia, Bristol, UK
Extraordinary. What an absolutely extraordinary place. I am so lucky to have been there.
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