The Burren
The Burren is a karst landscape with a unique ecosystem. An area of outstanding natural beauty roughly 250 square kilometres and is considered to fall within the circle comprised by the villages Ballyvaughan, Kinvara, Tubber, Corofin, Kilfenora and Lisdoonvarna.A good source of general information is Burren Beo: www.burrenbeo.com
Eating and drinking
There are plenty of good places to eat & drink in & around the Burren, but here are a couple of our favourites.The Pierhead, Kinvara - this restaurant is as it's name suggests, down by the pier in Kinvarra. Famous for their steaks (like most else here, locally supplied), they offer a variety of dishes - a copy of the current menu is kept in the cottage
Linanes, New Quay - this pub and restaurant is Les Routiers listed and specialises in Seafood, the chowder in particular is recommended, and native oysters when in season
Morans Oyster House, is a world famous seafood restaurant on the weir outside Kilcolgan - for full details see their website: www.moransoystercottage.com
For further details, see menus & business listings in the cottage. Please note that whilst Pacific oysters are available year round, the native oysters are only in season September to April
There is a farmers market in Ballyvaughan every saturday through summer and the advent period
Places of Interest
As well as the amazing landscapes there are a number other places of interest to visit within the Burren.Corcomroe Abbey - this 12th Century is located just outside Bell Harbour, just take the turning just before Dalys pub, part of the abbey is still in use, though most is derelict. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corcomroe_Abbey
There are many ancient sites within the Burren, but the most famous is the Poulnabrone Dolmen, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poulnabrone_dolmen
The Cliffs of Moher are probably the most famous attraction in the area, and the new facilities and visitor centre were completed in 2007, www.cliffsofmoher.ie
The Aran islands are situated off the coast of blackhead, and can be reached via a ferry service from Galway city or Doolin. www.visitaranislands.com
The Aillwee cave is situated just outside of Ballyvaughan, with a visitors centre and guided tours www.aillweecave.ie
Burren crafts is a collective of local artists and craftsmen, who hold a fair every Sunday from May - October in
Ballyvaughan Village Hall, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare. www.burrencrafts.net
The Burren perfumery specialises in locally derived beauty, fragance, & aromatherapy www.burrenperfumery.com
Staying with the beauty theme, Irish Seaweed Treatment specialises in wraps using the local seaweed www.seaweedtreatment.com
