Walking Holidays and Outdoor Adventures in The Burren National Park

Limestone Landscapes, Wildflowers, and Ireland’s Most Unique Walking Country

A UNESCO-recognised landscape in the heart of County Clare.

The Burren National Park, in County Clare, is one of Ireland’s most distinctive landscapes for walking holidays and outdoor adventures. Covering 1,500 hectares of karst limestone, it’s part of the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. Here, walkers find a landscape like no other: cracked pavements of grey rock, flower-filled fissures, prehistoric tombs, and sweeping views over Galway Bay and the Atlantic.

Walking in the Burren is both a geological and cultural journey, where rare orchids bloom beside ancient dolmens, and looping trails link hills, valleys, and heritage sites. Whether taking a short family loop or exploring higher ridges, the Burren is one of Ireland’s most unforgettable walking destinations.

Counties: Clare

Featured Trails

Slieve Carran Nature Reserve – Loop walks through limestone hills, caves, and ancient sites.
Mullaghmore Loop – The park’s signature walk, a 6 km loop around Mullaghmore mountain with panoramic views.
Lough Gealáin Loop – A family-friendly trail by the lake, with limestone pavements and wildflower meadows.
Carron Loops – Varied trails linking the Burren’s villages with archaeological and natural sites.
Black Head Walk (nearby) – A dramatic coastal and upland walk on the edge of the Burren.

Adventure Highlights

Mullaghmore — iconic limestone peak with sweeping views
Unique flora — Mediterranean, Arctic, and alpine plants side by side
Poulnabrone Dolmen — Ireland’s most famous portal tomb
Rich archaeology — ring forts, monasteries, and caves
Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark
Limestone pavements, caves, and wild geology

Explore the Area

Corofin – gateway village to the Burren National Park
Carron – small village with access to loop walks and archaeology
Kilfenora – “City of the Crosses,” with medieval heritage
Ballyvaughan – coastal base with Burren walking and food culture
Lisdoonvarna – spa town and festival centre near the Burren uplands

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best walk in Burren National Park?

The Mullaghmore Loop is the park’s classic walk, offering a complete Burren experience.

Spring and early summer are ideal, when the wildflowers are at their peak. Autumn offers quieter trails and atmospheric light.

Is the Burren family-friendly?

Yes. Loops like Lough Gealáin and Carron are short, safe, and accessible.

What makes the Burren unique for walkers?

Its limestone pavements, rare flowers, and ancient tombs make it unlike anywhere else in Ireland or Europe.

Do I need a car to visit the Burren?

A car gives flexibility, but buses from Galway, Ennis, and Lisdoonvarna connect to villages near the park.