The word “Burren comes from an Irish word “Boíreann” meaning a rocky place. This is an extremely appropriate name when you consider the lack of soil cover and the extent of exposed Limestone pavement. However, it has been referred to in the past as “Fertile Rock” due to the mixture of nutrient rich herb and floral species.
The Burren encompasses 360km squared of gently inclined plateau with a further 200km squared of lowland to the east of the plateau. The bare surfaces are fretted with hollows and channels where acidic rainwater has selectively dissolved the rock. An extreme example of these micro landforms occurs on the coast.
There are a lot of hikes and walks to do in the Burren with extraordinary views. You can find more information on the internet by searching Mullaghmore and Black Head. Information and maps can also be found in the tourist office or in the Burren Centre.
Tourist Office Address: Main Street, Kilfenora. Opening Hours 10am - 5pm everyday.
Phone: +353 65 707 6100 or +353 87 244 6807
Top Tip
Check out www.burren.ie for the great trails. Mulloughmore has beautiful trails and my favorite is Lough Avalla Farm Loop. If you follow the loop towards the end you will see a charming local farm house that runs a small coffee & cake shop that runs off donations.
Burren College of Art Newtown Castle, Burren, Co. Clare
One of the highlights of the north end of the Burren is this world-renowned art college. Newtown Castle is sheltered on the east of Formoyle Hill. After making your way up a long driveway this neat yet formidable castle comes into view. Newtown castle was built in 1550 for the O’Brien family.
This lookout tower is really worth visiting. We are lucky the grounds are owned by the art college, and they welcome casual visitors. In the spring and summer time the tower is open during the day-time, often displaying its most recent art exhibit. The surrounding vistas of the north Burren are visible from the top showing magnificent views.
Phone: +353 65 707 7200
The word “Burren comes from an Irish word “Boíreann” meaning a rocky place. This is an extremely appropriate name when you consider the lack of soil cover and the extent of exposed Limestone pavement. However, it has been referred to in the past as “Fertile Rock” due to the mixture of nutrient rich herb and floral species.
The Burren encompasses 360km squared of gently inclined plateau with a further 200km squared of lowland to the east of the plateau. The bare surfaces are fretted with hollows and channels where acidic rainwater has selectively dissolved the rock. An extreme example of these micro landforms occurs on the coast.
There are a lot of hikes and walks to do in the Burren with extraordinary views. You can find more information on the internet by searching Mullaghmore and Black Head. Information and maps can also be found in the tourist office or in the Burren Centre.
Tourist Office Address: Main Street, Kilfenora. Opening Hours 10am - 5pm everyday.
Phone: +353 65 707 6100 or +353 87 244 6807
Top Tip
Check out www.burren.ie for the great trails. Mulloughmore has beautiful trails and my favorite is Lough Avalla Farm Loop. If you follow the loop towards the end you will see a charming local farm house that runs a small coffee & cake shop that runs off donations.
Burren College of Art Newtown Castle, Burren, Co. Clare
One of the highlights of the north end of the Burren is this world-renowned art college. Newtown Castle is sheltered on the east of Formoyle Hill. After making your way up a long driveway this neat yet formidable castle comes into view. Newtown castle was built in 1550 for the O’Brien family.
This lookout tower is really worth visiting. We are lucky the grounds are owned by the art college, and they welcome casual visitors. In the spring and summer time the tower is open during the day-time, often displaying its most recent art exhibit. The surrounding vistas of the north Burren are visible from the top showing magnificent views.
Phone: +353 65 707 7200
