The Burren

The Burren is a very unique part of Ireland. The Burren is a karst landscape situated in the North West part of County Clare. The Burren consists of roughly 300 square kilometres of karst landscape. The area is roughly contained within the confines set by the villages of Ballyvaughan, Gort, Kinvarra, Corrofin, Kilfenora, Lisoonvarna and the Black Head Lighthouse.

The Burren consists of numerous hills which are covered by limestone paths with crisscrossing cracks known as grikes which leave isolates rock formations known as clints. Usually the area is home to both Alpine and Mediterranean plants side by side although the area is neither alpine and definitely not an area known for Mediterranean weather.

The area is also home to many areas of historical interest, particularly megalithic tombs, dolmans, ring forts and a celtic high cross.

Among the most popular attractions in this area are the Aillwee Cave and the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher rise 120m above the Atlantic and are definitely one of the most spectacular sights in Ireland. The cliffs are home to 30,000 birds and 29 different species. The Aillwee Caves were discovered by a farmer and his dog. The caves contain over 1km of passageways and are home to a river and waterfall. The Aillwee Caves are well worth visiting and are an attraction the whole family can enjoy.

If you plan to visit The Burren while touring around Ireland, our car rental at Shannon Airport location is ideally located.