Walking
You will be spoilt for choice with the wonderful walks you can choose all over the Burren.
There is a very progressive local walking club (www.ballyvaughanfanorewalkingclub.com). The club provides members and visitors an opportunity to meet, participate and see the beauty of the countryside and country we live in while out on our different walks.
For the casual and regular walker, "The Burren Way" is a documented walk plan that takes the walker through much of the Burren landscape. The trail is dotted with archaeological remains and many of the Burren's rare flora can be seen on route. Ballyvaughan is therefore an ideal base for walking enthusiasts.
Self guided walks or professionally guided walks can all be arranged locally.
Guided Walking Tours of the Burren
There are four highly recommended tour Guides available to provide walking tours of the wonderful Burren landscape.
- Burren Wild Guided Tours with John Connolly
- Burren Hilll Walks with Shane Connolly
- Burren Guilded Walks with Mary Howard
- Heart of the Burren Walks with Tony Kirby
- Doolin Cliff Walk with Pat Sweeney
1. The Burren Wild Guided Tours with John Connolly
The tours incorporate archaeology, folklore, mythology, history, botany and celtic spirituality. The following three tours can be tailored to the requirements of a particular group.
Oughtmama Valley Tour
A hike deep into the mountains of Oughtmama, discover a maze of archeological and early Christian sites like the Seven Churches of Oughtmama. This is a tour that will bring you to the heart of the Burren, across disappearing rivers, over ancient walls to holy wells, Stone Age burial sites and forgotten forts. Learn of Celtic spirituality, the folklore and legends that connected these people to an ever-changing landscape.
Green Road Tour
A more gentle and interesting walk.
Follow the gentle winding road that was built during the Famine period and enjoy wonderful panoramic views of Galway Bay. Learn about the rare and beautiful flowers of the Burren, visit St. Patrick's Holy Well, which is believed to have once been a pagan site. Discover a bronze age cooking site.
Shore Line Walk
A magical place where the sea meets stone. Experience the wild Atlantic Ocean that separates the two parishes of New Quay and New York. See the bobbing heads of grey seals as they hunt. Learn about the coastal villagers, their traditions and folklore. Listen for the call of the curlew and see the Alaskan Brent Geese who winter here each year. Visit a spy tower built in the early 1800's. Then enjoy a pint of the 'black stuff', fresh seafood and the craic (fun) in the local pubs.
Tours are kept to small groups of 8-10. Private tours can be arranged.
2. Burren Hill Walks with Shane Connolly
Guided tours through the Burren region. The walks cover the geology, botany and history of the Burren while exploring the region on foot.
Each walk is tailor made to suit different energy levels and time requirements.
The service is all year round. It is an ideal opportunity to experience the Burren away from the beaten track, with the help and knowledge of a local guide.
There are four types of walks on offer:
(1) Mixed walks - covering all aspects
(2) Botany and nature walks
(3) History and archaeology walks
(4) Wilderness treks
The duration and walking length is tailored to each group. Dawn and Sunset Walks. Weekend and weekday packages organised.
3. Burren Guilded Walks with Mary Howard
Burren Guided Walks and Hikes are a guiding service offering everything from short rambles to half and full day guided walks and hikes. Our guiding service is available all year round amid some of the most spectacular scenery in Ireland.
If you’re a casual rambler, a more seasoned walker or an experienced hiker, Mary Howard and Burren Guided Walks and Hikes can be your trusted guide as you walk in the Burren region of Ireland. All levels of fitness and experience are catered for from gentle rambles to challenging hill climbs.
4. Heart of Burren Walks with Tony Kirby
Scheduled Walks take place every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday in June, July and August at 2:30pm. Also selected walks at other times
5. Doolin Cliff Walk with Pat Sweeney
Doolin Cliff Walk, an opportunity to experience the wild beauty of the coastal countryside, is guided by local farmer and walking enthusiast, Pat Sweeney. He is an expert on local history and folklore and is passionate about the preservation of a rural lifestyle enjoyed by five generations of his family who have farmed in this area.
This spectacular walk, starting and ending in Fisherstreet Doolin, will take approx. 3 hours. The route along a paved path is an easy walk, always with the sound of the ocean in your ears, for approx 5 km along the coast. The visitor will have the privilege of seeing the natural beauty of the area and hearing the interpretation of past and present life from the perspective of a guide who has an enthusiasm and passion for the local area.
email: doolincliffwalk@gmail.com
Phone: Pat Sweeney 065-7-74170 Mobile: 086-8229913
For books and guides on Hill-walking in the Burren, see Quinn Craftshop