THE BURREN

 

The Burren, a great rocky expanse in County Clare, is one of the world's truly unique places in that it can supports Arctic, Mediterranean and Alpine plants side-by-side. Its ancient, awe inspiring stone structures hold secrets from the past that may never be unraveled.

An unpolluted and unspoiled area of over 100 square miles starting from the west at Doolin that really captivates visitors with it's jagged terrain of limestone pavements and fascinating countryside of contradiction and paradoxes the Burren is just made for browsing and discovery.

Kilfenora Burren Centre:

This is a good place to learn about the Burren before exploring it. It is also worth visiting the High Crosses in the old church just off the square.

Lemenagh Castle:

This castle contains a 15th centaury residential tower and a 17th centaury fortified house.

Caherconnell Stone Fort:

This large and perfect fort 140-145 feet in external diameter dates back to 400 to 1200 ad,Poulna brone Dolmen: This 6000 year old Dolmen was excavated in 1986, among the discoveries were the remains of 16-22 adults and 6 children.

Ailwee caves:

These caves form part of a cave system created by the action of melt waters from a prehistoric ice age on the limestone below the burren. There is also cheese making , a farm shop and a birds of prey centre.

Poulnabrone Portal Dolmen

This is an ancient stone tomb dating between 2000 - 2500 B.C. It's just one of the many historic monuments dotted throughout this area.