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The Burren Way – Ireland

The Burren Way – Ireland

  • Fitness Level :  Moderate
  • Suitable for:  All age groups
  • Group:  16 persons max.
  • Duration :  Varies by selection

The Burren Way is a Self-Guided Long-Distance trail in the South West of Ireland with a total distance of 114Km or 50 miles.

Usually completed in 6 or 7 days, this trail is classed as moderate, not challenging and will suit people who are used to regular exercise.

We break the walk up into manageable walking or hiking days of approx. 20Km per day.

About the Trail: The Burren region is internationally renowned for its geological landscape, archaeological sites and its wild flora and fauna. The area is identified in geological terms as a “karstic plateau”, meaning a massive series of limestone pavements with crisscrossing cracks known as “grikes”, leaving isolated rocks called “clints” over vast areas of land.

Oliver Cromwell’s lieutenant-general of horse and second-in-command in Ireland, Edmund Ludlow described the Burren as “a country where there is not enough water to drown a man, wood enough to hang one, nor earth enough to bury him.”

The Burren comes from the Gaelic Boireann, or stony district, referring to the 130sq kms of spectacular terraced carboniferous limestone hills and valleys that characterise the area.

Slieve Elva, is the highest point, a mere 344m above sea level, however, at the south-western end of the Burren, the breath-taking Cliffs of Moher rise out of the sea to over 200 metres.

The trail is traditionally walked south to north starting in the village of Lahinch, famed for its surfing and golfing, and ending in the riverside village of Corofin. Initially, hugging the rugged Wild Atlantic Way coastline, with fantastic views out over the Ocean and the Aran Islands, before turning inwards and over the rocky escarpment of The Burren National Park; the large limestone plateau which gives the trail its name.

The track is a mix of old drover’s roads, forest, coastal paths and minor backroads which can be busy at times. There are some short, steep climbs ascending to a maximum of 540m.

Along the way, you will pass through sleepy towns and villages, fantastic wild flower landscapes and see ancient Neolithic and early Christian monuments.

Each stage of the route offers stunning views and a chance to leave everything behind for a few days.

Options and Cost:

5 Day€569pps Single supplement: + €240
6 Day€655pps Single supplement: + €300

Select the number of days you wish to walk while booking.

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Pickup:

Arrive Liscannor. Receive Information Pack.

Got a Question?

Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.

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Testimonials

hilltop treks tripadvisor rating 5 star
hilltop treks facebook rating 4.7 star
hilltop treks google rating 4.9 star

Wonderful Wicklow Experience

We had an excellent trip walking the Wicklow Way from Marlay Park to Iron Bridge. Terry arranged everything perfectly for us and it was an incredible way to celebrate my 30th birthday. We highly recommend using Hilltop Treks.

Kelli C

01/05/2019

FAQs

  • Yes, this is part of the service and your luggage is transferred each day and will be at your next accommodation before your arrival. So, you can shower and freshen up quickly after arriving

  • All the information to get you to the start of your walk will be given to you, ie, bus times, train times etc. We can also organise a transfer for you from Airports or accommodations.

  • The terrain of this walk is from forest tracks, to open hillside, old roads, country lanes and Irish Bog. The walks are generally of a moderate level with approx. 15 – 20Km per day walk. It is possible to have your day shortened by letting us know and we can organise transfers to shorten the walk for you

  • We use a mix of Guesthouses on these Self-Guided Walks as we believe they give you a more personal service and many of them will provide you with a packed lunch and a hearty breakfast before you start your day. They are also locals to the area and know the best places for music, food and drink.

    • We choose our accommodation very carefully and have known the owners for many years now and have built up a close relationship with them
    • We can depend on these accommodations to give you the best service and assistance with any queries you may have.
    • The accommodation providers are well used to guests arriving after a day’s walk and know that they want somewhere comfortable to relax and freshen up.
    • They are all fully qualified and recognised accommodations with Tourism Ireland

  • In many of the towns along the way, there is a choice of restaurant or Pub (Pub cuisine in Ireland is fantastic now with a wide variety of food at a high quality in most).

    • Breakfasts are included and there is a wide selection to choose from including a Full Irish, fruit, cereals, breads etc.
    • Lunches for the walks: Some of the accommodations may provide a packed lunch for you. If not, they will let you know of a close by Deli or shop where you can have one made up the way you would like it.
    • Evening Meals In most towns there are restaurants and Pubs, Wicklow Lamb is famous throughout the world for its quality.
    • Dietary requests such as Vegetarians or Gluten free can be catered for with prior notice, although many locations in Ireland are well used to specific foods.