š Hi, Iām Brian, VagaGuide and Digital Marketing Assistant at Vagabond & Driftwood Tours.
Located on the rugged west coast of Ireland on the world-famous Wild Atlantic Way, County Clare is a favourite with our VagaGuides and guests alike.
Undoubtedly one of the must-see destinations in County Clare are the iconic Cliffs of Moher. Standing 702 feet (214 meters) above the crashing Atlantic below, they really are a sight to behold.
The lunar-like landscape of the Burren is also not to be missed. Unlike anywhere else on Earth, the Burren is punctuated with caves, rock formations and ancient burial sites. And, there are some fantastic little villages waiting to be explored.
Read on to learn more about this fascinating corner of Ireland and what you have to look forward to when you visit.
š® The Famous Cliffs of Moher
On the top of many peoples lists when they visit Ireland is the Cliffs of Moher.
Standing at 702 feet and spanning 8 miles, it is the second most popular tourist attraction in Ireland (the Guinness Storehouse is number one, if you were wondering).
On a clear day you can look at and see the Aran islands and Galway Bay, with the mountains of the Maum Turks and Twelve Bens to the north in Connemara.
On a really clear day you might even be able to see as far south as the Dingle Peninsula in Kerry.
Trust us, such views are best seen to be believed.
š¤ What and Where Is The Burren?
The Burren is located in the northern portion of county Clare, in the west of Ireland.
The nearest towns are Ballyvaughan, Kinvara and Lisdoonvarna.
It's a unique area of limestone karst. Unlike much of the rest of Ireland, there are very few trees here. Certainly not 40 shades of green!
In total, this amazing lunar landscape covers over one hundred square miles of Clare.
The mountains and headlands are bare and rocky. The Atlantic Ocean borders the Burren on two sides, making the scenery even more dramatic.
A first-time visitor to The Burren told one of our VagaGuides that the area looks "like a land of giants".
š® How Was The Burren Formed?
The Irish for Burren is Boireann, meaning 'big rock'. In some ways that is exactly what it is.
Interesting Fact: The Burren is actually man-made.
Millennia of animal grazing has worn back the soil to expose the bare rock below.
This limestone rock in turn has been eroded away, all of which gives the amazing effect that can be seen today.
If you're looking to explore this amazing place, the coast road is one of the best ways to do so. With views of the Atlantic on one side and the Burren on the other what's not to like?
š¤ The Burren Rocks!
The Burren is a rock lover's paradise.
In this relatively small area, budding geologists can observe almost all the typical limestone formations: underground rivers, swallow holes, glacial erratics, caves, clints and grykes.
This limestone is an organic sedimentary rock laid down millions of years ago in a shallow warm sea.
Not only that, but the dry stone walls constructed over centuries by local farmers add yet another amazing stone sculpture to your visit.
šø The Rare Flora of The Burren
With all that rock, you might expect nothing to grow and blossom here.
But The Burren is far from a lifeless landscape. One of the most amazing things about The Burren is its flora.
Between the folds of limestone, life is sprouting out. A unique microclimate creates the conditions where Arctic and alpine plants can grow alongside Mediterranean ones.
So between your rock hopping, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for beauties such as bright blue gentians peaking out. These metallic-blue coloured flowers are the symbol of the Burren National Park and flower between April and early June.
Check up on wildflowers from the Burren and elsewhere in Ireland
ā ļø 5,000 Years Of History
The Burren was first inhabited during the Neolithic early Stone Age era, over 5,000 years ago.
Very little is know of these early farmers. Their language, culture and way of life remain a mystery.
One of the only established facts is that they built impressive graves for their dead. The portal dolmen of Poulnabrone is without doubt the best example of these tombs in The Burren.
Built between 4,200 BC and 2,900 BC, it is a marvel that, in a time before heavy machinery, humans were able to erect such large boulders into place.
š» THE Place For Traditional Irish Music
Traditional Irish music is deeply ingrained in the culture of Clare.
Most towns you will visit in Clare will have a pub (or several) known for their music.
Traditional music festivals run from February right through until October in the county.
So if you're into the 'Ceol agus Craic' ā Irish for music and fun ā Clare is the place to be.
Our Driftwood 8 Day Jigs & Reels Music Tour is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Irish music featuring performances, workshops, music sessions and more.
š Which Tours Visit The Cliffs Of Moher and The Burren?
Whether you're want to embark on an active Vagabond adventure tour or a an easy-pacd tour, we have a number of epic tours that visit both the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren.
Driftwood Easy-Paced Tours
- š 15 Day All Ireland Bus Tour
- š 12 Day Wild Coasts & Clover Tour
- š§ 11 Day Discover Ireland Tour
- š 11 Day Ring Of Ireland Tour
- š» 8 Day Jigs & Reels Music Tour of Ireland
- š 8 Day Wild Atlantic Way Tour
- šļø 7 Day Treasure Ireland Tour
- š° 7 Day Castles & Kindoms Tour
Vagabond Active Adventure Tours
- š„¾ 12 Day Giant Irish Adventure Tour
- š Wild Irish Rover 8 Day Tour of Ireland
- š 7 Day World Tour Of Ireland
- š£š»āāļø 5 Day Edge of the World Tour
If you would like to visit the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher, be sure to email our amazing sales and reservations team at enquiries@vagabond.ie.
