12 Amazing Things To Do In The Burren County Clare
1. Doolin Cave
Take a fun and fascinating guided tour of Doolin Cave in County Clare. You will see one of Europe’s most impressive show caves. Go more than 60 meters down to the limestone chamber and marvel at millions of years of natural history. The highlight of the tour is that you get to admire one of the world’s longest free-hanging stalactites – The Great Stalactite. Above ground, explore the 1km farmland nature trail. The trail takes visitors to the original cave entrance set in a magical glade. Along the way, you will encounter some farm animals including rare breeds of cattle, pygmy goats and Soay and Jacob sheep, ducks and chickens. There are beautiful views of the glacial valley and Ballinalacken Castle from the hillside. It is an opportunity to take a relaxing stroll through the peaceful surroundings of Doolin Cave among indigenous woodland plants, trees and wildflower meadows. Refuel with some local roasted Burren coffee and a bite to eat after your adventure in Wild at the Cave.
2. Burren National Park
This scenic and vast part of the Burren region has some of the best views from anywhere in the west of Ireland. A rich and diverse array of flowers, plants and other natural elements as well as the unique rock formations that make this a picture-perfect place to go.
Find out more: burrennationalpark.ie
3. Aran Island and Cliffs of Moher Cruise
Departing from Doolin Pier, you will board the ferry and head to an island of your choice, where you will get some free time to explore. Back on the ferry, you will set sail to the Cliffs of Moher where you will take in spectacular views of the shoreline and cliffs from a whole new perspective, before returning to Doolin Pier.
Find out more: doolin2aranferries.com or doolinferry.com
4. Cliffs of Moher
One of Ireland’s most popular visitor experiences, the Cliffs of Moher tower over the rugged west Clare coast. Walk the paved pathways and view the famous cliffs on Europe’s western frontier and enjoy the spectacular vistas over the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands.
Find out more: cliffsofmoher.ie
5. Caherconnell Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations
Explore Caherconnell Fort, a stone ringfort in the beautiful Burren region. Learn about megalithic tomb builders in a fascinating audiovisual presentation and watch the daily sheepdog trials. Take a self-guided tour of this well-preserved stone fort and discover its exciting history and archaeology through informative graphic displays. This is a fun and eco-friendly activity that everyone can enjoy and engage with.
Find out more: caherconnell.com
6. Doolin Cliff Walk
This is a guided walk from Fisherstreet in Doolin, County Clare, along the sea cliffs leading to the Cliffs of Moher. The walk is guided by local historian and farmer, Pat Sweeney who will follow a trail route along the coast to the Cliffs of Moher. The spectacular walk takes you through Pat’s own farm which takes approx. 3 hours.
Find out more: doolincliffwalk.com
7. Burren Smokehouse
If you enjoy artisan food then this is where you want to go. Most known for selling its outstanding fresh salmon, you can buy all types of hampers, picnic baskets and various other collections of fantastic food and drink. There is also a self-guided & interactive visitor centre called “Taste the Atlantic – Salmon Experience”, you will immerse yourself in the story of Irish Salmon. Follow it through time and watch the legend of the Salmon of Knowledge unfold before your eyes. Learn about old ways of fishing salmon, and find out why and how modern aquaculture evolved. Get competitive and have fun solving jigsaw puzzles and quizzes.
Find out more: burrensmokehouse.com
8. Doolin Music House
Doolin Music House is a unique experience of Irish traditional music in the home of Christy Barry and his partner Sheila Quinn, in Doolin, Co. Clare. Visitors experience an authentic evening of music, stories and delicious canapés of smoked salmon, brown bread, a selection of Irish cheese and crackers and a glass of wine. Sheila also displays a local art exhibition in the garden gallery.
Find out more: doolinmusichouse.com
9. North Clare Sea Kayaking
North Clare Sea Kayaking offers sea kayaking and mountain biking in the Burren, Doolin and County Clare. This is a fantastic way to see the West of Ireland while getting some great physical exercise.
Find out more: northclareseakayaking.com
10. Aillwee Cave & Birds of Prey Centre
Enjoy a guided tour of this unique cave located along the Wild Atlantic Way and its Birds of Prey Centre and Farmshop. A beautiful waterfall and natural formations are some of the things you will see. You will witness unique flying displays from hawks and owls in the centre and can sample the cheese that is made in the farm shop.
Find out more: aillweecave.ie
11. The Boghill Centre
The Boghill Centre, situated on 50 acres of natural bogland in the Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark, is a residential venue for workshops, courses, conferences and individual/group retreats and holidays.
Find out more: boghill.com
12. The Burren Experience Guided Walks
Immerse yourself in the magic of the hidden Burren with Marie McGauran, a native qualified walking guide who leads heritage, nature and spiritual walks in the Burren National Park. Burren Experience Guided Walks is located southeast of Mullaghmore Mountain, just 4 miles from Corofin Co. Clare.
Find out more: mullaghmore-burren.com