Schitterend gelegen aan de westkust van Ierland vindt u de kale kalksteenplateaus van de Burren, bezaaid met keien, achtergelaten door de gletsjers in de IJstijd. Elk voorjaar weer barst De Burren open met een adembenemende bloemenpracht die nog tot ver in de zomer kleur geeft aan dit onherbergzame landschap. De varens, mossen, korstmossen en orchideeën zijn er spectaculair. Al wandelend krijgt u daarbij het gevoel dat de Burren Way al met het ontstaan van de aarde is aangelegd. U passeert Keltische forten, vindt ringforten op uw pad en heilige bronnen die hun oorsprong vinden in de druïden-cultus. En wanneer u op een winderige dag vanaf de kliffen Galway Bay voor u ziet, voelt u de allesoverheersende kracht van de oceaan. In de “traditionals” die hier in kroegen worden vertolkt, wordt de zee bezongen als medium dat de wind stuurt om sprookjes door te fluisteren. Kortom….dit uiterste randje van Europa biedt alles wat een wandelaar nodig heeft. Day 1 – Arrival to Liscannor Public bus services from Shannon or Galway airports via Ennis and Lahinch. Overnight accommodation in Liscannor. Day 2 – Liscannor to Doolin via Cliffs of Moher 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. Ascents 185m. Approximate walking time 5 hours. Overnight accommodation in Doolin Village. Day 3 – Free Day 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! Walking is available in a circular route of 10 / 14km on the Aran Islands Way. Overnight accommodation in Doolin village. Day 4 – Doolin to Fanore 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; golden sands, undulating dunes, stone walls, flagstone rocks. Distance 20km. Ascents 285m. Approximate walking time 6 hours. Overnight accommodation in Fanore townland. Day 5 – Free Day 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. Distance 12km. Ascents 317m. Approximate walking time 4 hours. Overnight accommodation in Fanore townland. Day 6 – Fanore to Ballyvaughan Back into limestone country for the last walk to Ballyvaughan village. 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. Ascents 240m. Approximate walking time 4 hours. Overnight accommodation in Ballyvaughan village. Day 7 – Departure from Ballyvaughan Scheduled bus service to Galway or Ennis for onward connections. Optional Extra Day Circular walk from Ballyvaughan to the 12th century Churches at Oughtamama, Cormcomroe Abbey and superb views from Turlough Hill. Overnight at Ballyvaughan Distance 18km. Ascents 540m. Approximate walking time 5 hours.