Walking

You will be spoilt for choice with the wonderful walks you can choose all over the Burren.

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 three highly recommended tour Guides available to provide walking tours of the wonderful Burren landscape.

1. Burren Wild Guided Tours with John Connolly
2. Burren Hilll Walks with Shane Connolly
3. Burren Guilded Walks with Mary Howard
4. Heart of the Burren Walks with Tony Kirby
   

(1) The Burren Wild Guided Tours with John Connolly

Web: Burren Walks

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

Web: Burren Hill Walks

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

Web: Burren Guided Walks

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

Web: Heart of Burren Walks

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

For books and guides on Hill-walking in the Burren, you can buy online from Quinn Craftshop