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Home , Aillwee Cave, Ballyvaughan (parish), Burren (barony), Burren Smokehouse, Burren Way, Cahercommaun

CONTENTS

Introduction 2 Geology and Landscape 4 Geology Facts 6 Archaeology 8 Historical Structures 10 Flora of 12 Fauna of the Burren 14 Agriculture and Land Use 16 Culture 18 Folklore 20 Towns and Villages 22 Festivals and Events 30 Visitor Centres 34 Monuments and Reserves 38 Activities 39 Art, Craft and Local Produce 42 Places to Eat and Drink 45 Recommended Reading 51 Burren Websites 55 Useful Contacts 59 Recycling/Bring Banks 62 Acknowledgements 64 Map of the Burren Inside back cover

1 weekend in , and the Ballyvaghan and Christmas markets, INTRODUCTION the Burren is a place that is as beautiful and lively in winter as it is in spring, summer or autumn. The Burren has an extensive and varied selection of accommodation, including family-run bed and breakfasts where one can get a real taste of home cooking and inside information on the local culture and traditions of the area. Hotels, guest houses, self-catering accommodation, as well as quality hostels, caravan and camping sites ensure all types of traveller are catered for. The great variety of places to eat and drink, from traditional pub food The Burren - Land of the Fertile Rock to restaurants and cafés, over 20 visitor attractions, spectacular scenery, Fáilte go dtí An Bhoireann – Welcome to the Burren beautiful beaches, outdoor activities to suit all capabilities, as well as an abundance of archaeological and historical sites of interest, will ensure that Your Burren Passport will give you a taste of the history, local culture and your visit to the Burren is as action-packed or as relaxing as you choose. traditions in the Burren, as well as comprehensive listings on what to do, eat, We hope that this passport will help you enjoy your holiday more and drink and details of the many cultural festivals, events, live music sessions in also help to protect this special environment, as well as contribute to the the 20 towns and villages that make up this special karst region of North Clare economic and social development of the people and cultures of the Burren. and South . Further information on the Burren can be obtained at nine dedicated From the traditional music events in spring and the Burren in Bloom Burren Information Points in the region, as highlighted in the Burren festival in May, to the Summer events like Cruinniú n mBád (the gathering of Passport map, and also from the recommended reading and website lists at the boats) in Kinvara as well as weekly teach cheoil traditional Irish concerts the back of your Burren Passport. in Ennistimon and Corrofin, and even winter events such as the Russell music

2 3 the Burren was then shaped by erosion and the GEOLOGY smoothing movements of massive ice sheets. & LANDSCAPE During the last advance of great Ice Age, which ended 12,000 years ago, these ice sheets moved from north to south across the Burren region. The front of these glaciers behaved like massive bulldozers and when they finally melted away they left behind large boulders 340-317 million years ago during the Carboniferous Period in Earth on the surface of the limestone called erratics. History, the Burren formed the floor of a shallow tropical sea, much like Underground dissolution by the melting ice water also created the modern-day Caribbean. many caves, a feature which makes the Burren a popular place for The warm, shallow tropical seas supported a prolific and diverse subterranean explorers called speleologists. range of marine life, including corals and many types of shellfish. When the dead bodies of the marine This text was supplied by Paddy Maher, Geologist, Ruan, Co. Clare. life decayed, they created a See recommended reading and website lists for additional information on limey mud. Over time and this topic. with deeper burial the limey mud compacted to form the limestone rock which forms the present day Burren region. Limestone has a special relationship with water; it will dissolve very slowly in the presence of mildly acidic rainwater and melting ice. When this happens to a large exposed area of limestone what emerges is called a karst geological region. When bare limestone mountains and hills become exposed to wind, rain and ice they become ‘karstified’. After millions of years, the limestone beds were pulled upwards and exposed at the Earth’s surface to form mountains. The landscape of 4 5 G E O L O G Y The largest in Europe Discovered in 1952, the Great Stalactite at Pol na Ionain, known today FACTS as (see page 38 for opening times), measures 6.54 metres (20 feet) in length. It is now recognised as being the longest stalactite Did you know? in Europe.

This text was supplied by Paddy Maher, Geologist, Ruan, Co. Clare See recommended reading and website lists for additional information Burren rock pavement is very rare and is specially protected on this topic The bare limestone rock pavement of the Burren is dissected by “clint and grike” structures. The grikes, formed by water dissolving away limestone along joints, are the vertical fissures seen running through the solid limestone. The clints are the limestone blocks surrounded by these fissures. This limestone pavement is protected by European legislation because of it’s international importance and, like the rare flowers, it is important that it is not disturbed or damaged.

Magical disappearing lakes The disappearing lakes of the Burren are called turloughs. These are seasonally dry lakes that form in hollows in the limestone. They fill and drain with water through a series of holes and cracks in the floor of the which are linked to cave systems. Some of these lakes can fill very quickly and they can be observed to shrink and swell in a matter of hours.

The longest cave system in A cave in the Burren called Poulnagollum is Ireland’s longest cave. It runs for over 15km and is 140 meters deep. It can be found on the eastern slopes of Slieve Elva mountain, near the town of .

6 7 farms and field walls are still BURREN visible as low grass-covered ARCHAEOLOGY mounds over 4000 years after they were built. After this boom time in the Final Neolithic/Early Bronze Age, the population focus may have shifted beyond the Burren It is believed that the first full-time inhabitants of the Burren were and towards southeast Clare. farmers who arrived around 3800 BC. The most visible remains of their The Burren was not completely former presence are the megalithic tombs they built, such as the portal abandoned however, and tomb at Poulnabrone. spectacular finds such as the large gold gorget are a Throughout the era known as the Neolithic period (c. 4000 - 2400 BC), testament to the significant activity on the Burren in the Bronze Age these farmers raised their herds on the gentle southern slopes of the (1500-600 BC). Burren. The Burren was good to them, but we have evidence, including Pollen evidence for a regeneration of trees on the Burren during large-scale tree clearance, that the subsequent Iron Age (600 BC - 400 AD) indicates an even greater by the end of the Neolithic drop-off in farming and population that lasted until the Early period and into the Early Bronze Medieval period (400 - 1300 AD), when the trees were re-cleared and Age (c. 2400 - 2000 BC), an the population of the Burren increased once again. increasing population may have put considerable pressure on the The text was supplied by Dr Carleton Jones, Archaeologist, NUI Galway Burren’s resources. and author of The Burren and the Aran – Exploring the The Burren contains eighty Archaeology. See recommended reading and website lists for additional wedge tombs (all of which date information on this topic. to this period) and represents the densest concentration of this Poulnabrone Portal Tomb. type of megalithic tomb in Ireland (wedge tombs were the last type of megalithic tomb to be built). The unique environment of the Burren has also ensured that the much more ephemeral remains of these peoples’

8 9 heated fortified house to a fifteenth- century tower house and the HISTORICAL development of walled pleasure gardens and parkland, at Leamaneh. STRUCTURES HISTORIC BUILDINGS TIME LINE EARLY MEDIEVAL: 400–1300 AD The great stone forts and cahers of Caherballykinvarga, , , Killinaboy Cahermore, Caherconaill and early church sites – , A journey through the historic Burren takes you to some of the Killinaboy and . best-preserved early medieval buildings in Ireland. There are several great stone forts that functioned as tribal centres of ‘túatha’ or petty HIGH MEDIEVAL: 1100–1350 Kilfenora kingdoms. high crosses and cathedral, From perhaps as early Cistercian abbey of . as the sixth century, early Christian followers began LATE MEDIEVAL: 1300–1550 Continuity of caher tradition – to establish themselves in , Cahermore, development of tower houses , monastic communities and Ballynalackan, Newtown, Donnagore, modifications to parish churches , Drumacreehy, ; dissolution of abbeys and churches. hermitages and as many as nineteen churches of the EARLY MODERN: 1550–1700 Continuity of tower house and Burren túatha can claim early settlements; advent of fortified house architecture; dispossession of Christianity ancestry. Burren Gaelic families and transplantation of families into Burren during Tower Houses were Cromwellian Settlement. the strongholds of ruling families and their cadet branches in the Burren, namely the O’Briens and the O’Loughlins in the fifteenth and This text was supplied by Liz Fitzpatrick, Senior Lecturer, Department of sixteenth centuries. Archaeology, NUI, Galway. Historic Burren is a place of continuity and change, and by See recommended reading and website lists for additional information the seventeenth century it had begun to reflect a new interest on this topic by the gentry class in more commodious living. This is perhaps best expressed in the addition in 1643 of a spacious, bright and

10 11 FLORA (Mountain Avens). Equally interesting species are the southern continental OF THE BURREN Helianthemum canum (Rock-rose), the alpine Gentiana verna (Spring Gentian) and the northern continental Potentilla fruticosa (Shrubby cinquefoil). The Burren, with its high oceanic climate, is never out of bloom. The Solitary, austere, and yet strangely beautiful, plants rotate with the seasons, be it the Burren is a place that makes your senses ferns or moss in late autumn and winter, or the crescendo of the spring come alive. It is a fertile, fragile, plant-rich and summer flora in this exotic rock garden that runs riot with colour. and sensitive landscape. Of all the natural Keeping in mind the climate, history interests that are intermingled and the effects of glaciation on the interdependent on this limestone plateau, it limestone, and the rotational is perhaps the plants and flowers which have grazing cycles, we can look at caught the public imagination most. the flora of the Burren and its The total flora of the Burren is so rich it growth activity through a new constitutes about three quarters of the flora of lens, which will reveal a truly Ireland. However the lack of botanical training splendid natural rock garden in does not detract from the sheer joy of relishing this quite special place. the eternal rhythm of the ever-changing floral seasons in this rich landscape. The mystique of the Burren flora lays not so much in the frequency This text was supplied by Mary Angela Keane, Historical Geographer, of rare species, but in the assemblage or co-habitation of certain plants Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare and author of the book called “The Burren”. See and the Burren locations they choose. These unique circumstances recommended reading and website lists for additional information on this prevailing in the Burren are most strikingly demonstrated by the topic simultaneous occurrence of the Mediterranean orchid Neotinea intacta (the Irish Orchid) and the arctic alpine species Dryas octopetala

12 13 less limited to this area - the pearl FAUNA bordered fritillary and the brown hairstreak. Of the many bird species found in the Burren perhaps the skylark can be singled out as being especially representative of the area. It is a constant tuneful companion during the summer on the high ground, The fauna of the Burren is a frequently overlooked aspect of the area’s adding an extra dimension to the solitude and beauty of the place. natural heritage. Feral goats, foxes and hares are the most common mammals encountered in the Burren uplands, with rabbits once This text was supplied by Burrenbeo, Kinvara, Co. Glaway common but now much less so. Visit www.burrenbeo.com for more information. See recommended One of the most reading and website lists for additional information on this topic. renowned members of the Burren’s faunal community is the pine marten, not welcomed by many farmers who consider the ‘marten cat’ a leading predator of young lambs. Woodmice and red squirrels are very common in hazel woodland. Other mammals found in the Burren include the badger and the stoat. Over seventy species of land snails have been recorded in the area, thanks to the abundance of shell-building calcium carbonate. Ten of Ireland’s native bat species are found in the Burren. 28 of Ireland’s 30 butterfly species are found, with two more or

14 15 Burren hills in winter when water and AGRICULTURE food are plentiful. ‘Outwintering’ livestock graze back rough grasses AND LAND USE and scrub, allowing the Burren’s rich flora and fauna to prosper unhindered the following summer. Today, only a few hundred farmers remain to uphold the Burren’s ancient farming traditions, To the surprise of many people, the Burren has supported a rich while projects such as BurrenLIFE tradition of farming that spans almost six millennia. Pollen records work to support them in this important mission. Please respect these and archaeological excavations suggest that Stone Age Burren farmers farmers, their livestock and property during your visit. kept cattle, sheep, goats and grew cereals. To cultivate their land, these farmers gradually removed the This text was supplied by Dr. Brendan Dunford, BurrenLife, Carran, existing pine hazel woodland, an Co. Clare, author of Farming and the Burren. Visit www.burrenlife.com for act that would later contribute more information. See also recommended reading list. to the extensive loss of soil from the Burren, and the exposure of the skeletal karst landscape we cherish today. Generations of farmers have shaped the Burren in a very profound way by building megalithic tombs and giant stone cairns to bury their dead, churches to worship their God, circular forts to protect their livestock, and thousands of miles of stone walls to manage their herds. These structures today represent a stunning archaeological legacy. One unique surviving feature of Burren farming is the tradition of winterage. This system involves herding cattle onto the warm, dry

16 17 and its people seem to allow for the CULTURE artist to live an artistic life more truly in and through himself. But this is not just recent. In the 13th century the famous O’Daly family of poets conducted a bardic (poetic) school in Finnevarra (you can see a simple obelisk-like monument to them Somewhere among great rocks on the scarce grass, on the south side of the seashore). Birds cry, they cry their loneliness. On the far shore, the Flaggy Shore, Even the sunlight can be lonely here, Seamus Heaney may have been Even hot noon is lonely revisiting their tradition in his poem, From W.B. Yeats’ play, The Dreaming of the Bones Postscript. Traditional music remains the Almost three hundred years before the poet W.B. Yeats set his play most accessible form of cultural amid the broken tombs of in 1916, ’s expression in the Burren. As the late son-in-law Henry Ireton, who led a military attack on Clare (1649-52), philosopher and Burren native John O’ Donohue suggested, “The described the Burren in a letter thus: “It is a country where there is not secret music of nature is concealed in stone.” wood enough to hang a man, water enough to drown him, nor earth Enjoy the music in the many pub sessions and céilís (dances) you enough to bury him in which last is so scarce that the inhabitants steal are likely to encounter in the villages and towns. You are certain to it from one another.” also find the work of locally based painters, and craft workers in the As inexplicable, exotic and unchanged in most ways as the many craft shops and galleries in the region. You will find that the Burren remains as a landscape, it has always provided for diverse and cohesive response of the artist in the Burren, is one of protection and challenging artistic interpretation. Whether finding the loneliness and preservation. barrenness or the company and abundance of its desert-like landscape their inspiration, it seems inevitable that artists of all disciplines, This text was supplied by John Doorty, Ennistimon, Co. Clare, author especially visual artists, writers, craft workers, and musicians continue of ‘Into the Heart of It: Daley Dialogues and Other Poems’, and ‘A place to be drawn to the Burren. called Doolin.’ See recommended reading and website lists for additional Many artists make their home here. Like no other place, the Burren information on this topic.

18 19 power and energy that FOLKLORE shaped the inner lives of generations of its inhabitants. It is not too late to sense that special energy. To perhaps hear the clamour of warriors Visitors to the Burren cannot but be enthralled by the many natural engaged in battle by their Great Stone Forts, or glimpse in the misty wonders of its craggy, limestone terrain and by the richness and moonlight the Fairy Hosts dancing about their raths and tumuli. To glorious abundance of its flora and fauna. Yet underneath this stony glimpse a spectral sunken village in some haunted lake, to taste from outer physical world lies another world, an unseen, enchanted, one of the Seven Streams of Teeskagh, those rivers of milk that once timeless world of magic and mystery, of myth and of legend. flowed from the magic Cow of Glasgeivnagh Hill, or to hear the Anvil From this ‘other-world’ of Lon the first smithy, ring out over the barren plains the high Burren of the imagination sprang around Mohernacartan (Lon’s Fort). a brilliant tapestry of Or one could simply sit and listen to the magical fairy music that folk-tales, sagas and ghost sings its melody still on the secret streams of the deep Burren, it tells stories, through which the oldest story ever told. All we have to do is listen. countless generations of Burren inhabitants down This text was supplied by PJ Curtis, Killinaboy; author of ‘One Night in the centuries strove to give The Life of RV Mulrooney’ and ‘Notes From The Heart – A Celebration of form and voice to their ’. See also recommended reading list for additional interpretation of a world books on this topic. beyond their physical world and of their dreams, imaginings and flights of fancy. Many customs and rituals including Bealtaine (May) and Lúnasa (August) Fires, Pattern Day celebrations, pilgrimages to sacred places, visits to Holy Wells and healing men and women for various cures remain with us today. Here in the Burren one can still sense the hidden

20 21 Lough Bunny, a calcareous lake of 480 acres and one of the deepest TOWNS & in the Burren. It contains a wide variety of wildfowl and plants. Turloughmore is situated about 2 miles from Boston Church, and VILLAGES was famous for its racecourse and fair day in the 18th century. The ruins of Cluain Dubháin, or Boston, Castle and Skaghard Castle are close to the village. Today, the ruins of the castles are a reminder of the past sieges endured by its previous occupants.

Carran – An Carn - A heap of stones (to identify a chiefs grave) Carran village lies in the centre of the Burren overlooking the region’s Ballyvaghan - Baile uí Bheacháin - O’Beahan’s residence. largest turlough. It is the only village in the high burren and features the Nestled on the southern shore of against a backdrop of the bare necessities of country life - a church, school, pub majestic Burren hills, Ballyvaghan is one of the most beautiful and popular and restaurant (Cassidy’s – Croí na Boirne). Carran is also villages in the Burren. It draws large numbers of visitors the birthplace of Michael Cusack, founder of the GAA every summer to enjoy its range of pubs, hotels, shops, (Gaelic Athletic Association); his original homestead has restaurants and craft workshops. Once a sleepy port, been fully restored and a contemporary visitor centre Ballyvaghan’s recent revival owes much to its excellent developed. Carran is a walker’s paradise, boasting three location, which is very convenient for exploring the nationally recognised walking trails, and a choice of fascinating surrounding Burren countryside. With accommodation (B&B, self catering and hostel). Nearby are the Burren stunning views of the Burren hills and Galway Bay, Perfumery, the Michael Cusack Centre, Cahercommaun and Caherconnell Ballyvaghan is home to the famous Aillwee Caves and Stone Forts. the . For further information visit www.ballyvaughanireland.com Corrofin -Cora Fhinne - The weir of Finnia (an ancient fording place on the river Fergus) Bellharbour – Béal an Chloga - the mouth of the Corrofin is a village steeped in folklore, music, song and bell or rocks dance. Known locally as the angler’s paradise, Corrofin Bellharbour has a rich ecclesiastical history. The lies on the south-eastern edge of the Burren, a few miles ruins of the Cistercian Corcomroe Abbey and south of the Burren National Park. Corrofin’s repuation the ruins of three early Christian churches of amongst anglers is due to its proximity to Lough Oughtmama are located in this area. Its many and other lakes, which offer excellent coarse- holiday homes attract large numbers of visitors and game fishing. to the Burren each year. Bellharbour is home to Corrofin is also home to the Clare Heritage Centre, the famous concertina player and composer, Chris Droney. which offers an insight into Irish life in the 1800’s, and the Genealogical Centre which caters for visitors wishing to trace their Irish roots. For more Boston- Móinín an gCloigeann - the field of stones information visit www..org Boston is a tiny village near the eastern edge of the Burren. To the south lies 22 23 – Croisín – The little cross the town. A little below the bridge, the river rushes over an extensive ridge A village on the Galway / road, north of of rocks resulting in beautiful cascades. For more information visit Inchicronan Lough. On an island in the lough are http://www.irelandmidwest.com/clare/towns/Ennistymon.html the ruins of an Augustinian abbey founded by the O’Briens. (Inchicronan means ‘St Crónán’s – Fanóir - The golden slope Island’.) The area around Crusheen has a number The village of Fanore lies along the western edge of monuments (wedge tombs, ruined castles, of the Burren, affording spectacular views of the churches). There are also several small local lakes suitable for the coarse Atlantic Ocean and . The village is angler. The village has a particularly pleasant thatched pub, Fogartys, with thought to be one of the longest in Ireland, though two open fires. Visit www.crusheen.com or most of the daytime activity centers around its www.crusheenns.com for further information. spectacular beach and sand dune system. At night, O’Donoghues pub and the Holywell restaurant Doolin - Dubh Linn - The black pool provide sustenance to the weary traveller. The Caher River runs through Doolin lies on the south-western extremity of Fanore, dividing the beach, and this is the only Burren river to run along the the Burren and is internationally renowned as surface from its source to the sea. a centre of live Irish music, played in its many hugely popular pubs. It has a wide range of - An Gort - The field accommodation and good quality restaurants. Gort is in south Co. Galway, on the eastern Popular all year round, most of the activity extremity of the Burren. It is a designated in the village focuses on the original areas of heritage town, as it has some of the finest Fisherstreet and Roadford. Doolin is an excellent examples of traditional shop-fronts in Ireland. base for exploring the , Doolin Cave (Poll an Ionáin) as A busy town, Gort is well served with banks, well as the Burren and its Atlantic coastline. Doolin is also popular as the supermarkets and services. It is a popular departure point for the Aran Islands Ferry, and Cliffs of Moher Cruises. For destination for visitors also as it lies close to more information visit www.doolin-tourism.com the famous (Nature Reserve and Heritage Centre), formerly the home of and cradle of the , and Thoor Ennistimon - Inis Díomáin –river meadow Ballylee (formerly the home of the poet W B Yeats). The round tower of Ennistimon lies in the southern extremity of the Kilmacduagh lies a few miles west. For further information visit www. Burren, and has a long history as a market town for gortonline.com and www.galwayeast.com/wayfinding the surrounding Burren community. It is a lively and bustling town, with the majority of the businesses still Kilfenora – Cill Fhionnúrach - Church of the Fertile hillside family-owned and run. Kilfenora has it all…. the as Bishop, a 10th Century Cathedral with 12th Many of the shops retain their traditional Century high crosses, the most famous céilí band in Ireland, the Burren shopfronts and doors. The narrow street near the Interpretive Centre, rare ring forts, holy wells, castles, a 200 acre lake bridge over the Cullenagh River is the oldest part of for trout fishing and boating, craft work, choice accommodation, good

24 25 food, friendly people, dancing, fun Kinvara – Cinn Mhara - The head of and music sessions. All you have the sea to do is visit Kilfenora and it will Kinvarra is a popular fishing village all be shared with you. Visit www. which has a long tradition of trading by theburrencentre.ie for further the sea with the people of Connemara. information. This legacy is celebrated in the village every August when the Cruinniú na mBád (Gathering of the Boats) festival Killinaboy – Cill Iníne Baoith - The church of the daughter takes place. of Baoith Kinvara also hosts the Cuckoo Festival every May. Famous for its Killinaboy lies between Corrofin and Kilfenora. As you music sessions which occur spontaneously in any one of the 10 pubs in the travel from the south you are greeted by the 11th century village. It is also home to and the Burrenbeo Centre. Visit medieval Church and the remains of a round tower. Across www.kinvara.com for further information. the way is the former post office which is currently the home of the “X-PO”, a community and cultural centre for Lehinch - An Leacht from Leacht Uí Chonchubair, or the parish of Killinaboy. Mullaghmore lies a few miles O’Connor’s Cairn to the east of Killinaboy village while at Roughan hill A traditional family seaside town, with a large inviting there is a replica of the world famous Tau Cross. Castles golden sandy beach, world famous links golf course and in this parish include Leamaneh which was the home of spectacular water sports, particularly surfing. Good the infamous Máire Rua as well as Inchiquin castle. The accommodation and varied entertainment are some of Parish of Killinaboy has over 300 items of antiquity and is a the attractions that make it an ideal holiday location. It favourite place for both the Botanist and Burren rambler alike. is also an excellent base for fishing, walking, cycling and pony trekking. Visit www.lahinchfailte.com for further - Cill Seanaigh - The Church of Senan information. “The Lovely Green Vales of Kilshanny” lie on the southern fringe of the Burren. They are home to historical sites - Lios Uí Chonchubair ‘O’ Connor’s ring such as the abbey of St. Mary and St. Augustine, the fort’ Carn Connachtach (a Bronze age burial site), Smithstown The name of Liscannor is synonymous in Ireland Castle and holy wells dedicated to St. Augustine, St. with stone: numerous small quarries, usually worked Senan, St. Cravan and Iníne Baoith. The small village by the farmer who owns the land, abound in the features a church, a school, a pub and a community hall. area. Liscannor is the closest town to the famous It is also home to the popular Kilshanny cheese. Cliffs of Moher, which are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe, and it was the birth-place of John P. Holland (1841-1914), who is credited with inventing the submarine as a means of warfare. Liscannor has its own share of field monuments in the vicinity

26 to interest the archaeologist, such as the 15th century Kilmacrehy church Ruan –An Ruán - The Alder and, in particular, a fine example of a holy well (St. Brigid’s Well) which as Ruan is a small village, and was the first a place of significance probably dates back to pre-Christian times. It has stop on the old which some excellent pubs serving fresh seafood from local fishermen. was operational until 1961. Situated close to Dromore Lake and woodlands (covering Lisdoonvarna –Lios Dún Bhearna - The lios at the fort by the gap close on 1,000 acres), the area has a rich Lisdoonvarna is Ireland’s only spa town. It lies historical and archaeological heritage. on the southern edge of the Burren and became Dromore is renowned for its diversity of flora a popular health resort in the early nineteenth and fauna. The five lakes of Dromore are century thanks largely to its famous spa wells. one of the country’s prime fishing areas. The wood is a wildlife sanctuary The spa’s therapeutic mineral waters contain and the animals of the forest include badgers, pine martens, squirrels and magnesia, iodine and iron. It is famous also for foxes. Two self guiding nature trails of approximately one hour exist within its September festival - one of Europe’s largest the woodland, starting at the main car park. An Information Centre opens singles’ matchmaking festivals. It is an excellent from June to September. base for exploring the Burren and sampling Visit www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/places/ruaninterest.htm for the famous music and craic of North Clare. It is also home to the Burren further information. Smokehouse as well as numerous hotels and pubs. Tubber – Tobar – Well New Quay - An Ché Nua Tubber, or Tobar, meaning ‘Well’ in Irish, New Quay became the popular name for the is a small scenic village located on the village of Burrin after a new quay was built in eastern edge of the Burren. Tubber enjoys the village in 1837. Aughinish Island, directly a varied landscape, history and tranquility across the channel from the quay, is part of the and has much to offer the visitor who is parish of New Quay but to reach it one must looking to get away from it all. An ideal travel into Co. Galway. Both the Flaggy Shore base for discovering the famous flowers of and Lough Murree are rich wildlife habitats; the Burren, it is also a birdwatcher’s and Lough Murree being a freshwater lake within angler’s paradise. Visit www.tubberparish.com or www.tubberns.com for metres of the sea. The Flaggy Shore is celebrated in a poem by Seamus further information. Heaney. The area is rich in history with two late 18th century Martello towers; one on Finavarra Point and one on Aughinish island. Nowadays the village is a favourite stopping place for visitors, hoping to sample delicious seafood at Linnane’s Lobster Bar and visit the Russell Art Gallery.

28 29 April FESTIVALS & Sonny Murphy Memorial 10 mile run Killinaboy EVENTS Guided walks Ballyvaghan Fanore Walking Club

May

Fleadh na gCuach (Cuckoo Festival), Kinvara World Stone Throwing Championship, Corofin Gort Multicultural Arts Festival January Ballyvaghan Farmers market every Saturday 10-2 Ballyvaghan Craft Fair every Sunday 10-6 Creative Writers’ Workshop Burren College of Art, Ballyvaghan Changing Colours Festival, Gort Coole Park Spring Programme of events Burren In Bloom Festival, Ballyvaghan Guided walks Ballyvaghan Fanore Walking Club Burren Walking Marathon Gort Literary Festival February Guided walks Ballyvaghan Fanore Walking Club Bio-diversity Week events at Coole Park / Dromore Woods / Burren Spring Conference, Burren College of Art, Ballyvaghan Burrenbeo Centre Russell Music weekend, Doolin Burren Slow Food Festival, Lisdoonvarna Corrofin Traditional Music Festival Burren Law School, Bellharbour Point to Point Horse races Guided walks Ballyvaghan Fanore Walking Club June St Brigid’s Festival, Cliffs of Moher North West Clare Agricultural Show, Ennistimon March Guided walks Ballyvaghan Fanore Walking Club Brazilian Festival Gort Corrofin Traditional Music Festival Gort Golf Club Open Week Seachtain na Gaeilge events Ballyvaghan Farmers market every Saturday 10-2 St. Patricks Day parades and events Ballyvaghan Craft Fair every Sunday 10-6 Easter Egg Treasure Trail at Summer Community for Site Specific Artists, Burren College of Art Easter Bunny at Moher Hill Farm Rathbaun Hotel Lisdoonvarna - Live music nightly at 8pm Guided walks Ballyvaghan Fanore Walking Club Clare County Fleadh, Kilfenora

30 31 July

Corrofin Seisiúin “Teach Cheoil” - Traditional Irish Nights every Thursday Ennistimon Seisiúin “Teach Cheoil” - Traditional Irish Nights every Sunday North Clare Agricultural Show, Corrofin Guided walks Ballyvaghan Fanore Walking Club Family Walks and Children’s activities at Coole Park Rathbaun Hotel Lisdoonvarna - Live music nightly at 8pm

August

Merriman Summer School Cruinniú na mBád Festival Kinvara (Gathering of the boats) Coole Park Winter Events Programme Corrofin Seisiúin “Teach Cheoil” - Traditional Irish Nights every Thursday Guided walks Ballyvaghan Fanore Walking Club Ennistimon Seisiúin “Teach Cheoil” - Traditional Irish Nights every Sunday Queen of Burren Festival Weekend. Lisdoonvarna Best for the West concerts Doolin Galway Blazers Foxhounds Meet, Gort Guided walks Ballyvaghan Fanore Walking Club Samhain at the Cliffs of Moher Family Walks and Children’s activities at Coole Park Heritage week events at Coole Park and Burrenbeo Resource Centre November Gort Golf Club Open Week The Burren Annual Art Exhibition, Burren College of Art Coole Park Winter Programme of Events Rathbaun Hotel Lisdoonvarna - Live music nightly at 8pm Guided walks Ballyvaghan Fanore Walking Club Clare Foxhounds Meet Boston September December Lisdoonvarna Match making Festival Harvest Fun Day Ballyvaghan (& Fanore) Santa’s Workshop at Aillwee Cave Lady Gregory Weekend at Coole park Ballyvaghan Christmas market Guided walks Ballyvaghan Fanore Walking Club Kinvara Christmas market Rathbaun Hotel Lisdoonvarna - Live music nightly at 8pm Christmas carols at the Cliffs of Moher Christmas Grotto with live animal crib at Moher Hill Farm October Galway Blazers Foxhounds Meet, Gort Guided walks Ballyvaghan Fanore Walking Club Gort Cooley-Collins Traditional Music Festival .Clare Foxhounds Meet Corrofin Samhain / Halloween celebrations in the Burren For details on these and other events visit www.burrenbeo.com Events Calendar 32 33 Burrenbeo Resource Centre* and Café Beo, Kinvara VISITOR Open June - September, 10am - 6pm 7 days March & May, October to December 11am - 4pm CENTRES % +353 (0)91 638096 www.burrenbeo.com The * Lisdoonvarna Open all year round January & February: 10am to 4pm March & April: 10am to 5pm Access to these sites is available at the Burren Information Points May to August: 9am to 6pm highlighted on the map in this booklet September: 9am to 5pm Aillwee Cave October to December: 10am to 5pm Open daily from 9:30am throughout the year. December by appointment % +353 (0) 65 7074303 www.burrensmokehouse.ie only. % +353 (0) 65 7077036 www.aillweecave.ie The Cliffs of Moher** Visitor Experience Open all year round Burren Birds of Prey centre at Aillwee Cave January & February: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Open all year round from 9am to 6pm, please call in advance for flight March: 9.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m. April: 9.00 a.m. - 6.30 p.m. demonstrations % +353 (0)65 7077036 www.birdofpreycentre.com May: 9.00 a.m. - 7.00 p.m. June: 8.30 a.m. - 7.30 p.m. Ballyvaghan Visitor Centre* July & August 8.30 a.m. - 8.30p.m. September: 8.30.m. - 6.30 p.m. Open daily throughout the year, enquire at Spar during January and February. October: 9.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m. % +353 (0) 65 7077181 November & December: 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. Opening times are subject to change. Burren Centre Kilfenora* % +353 (0) 65 7086141 www.cliffsofmoher.ie Open March 15th to end May 10am - 5pm June to end August 9:30am - 5.30pm Corrofin Genealogical Centre* September to end October 10am to 5pm Open Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm % +353 (0) 65 7088030 www.theburrencentre.ie % +353 (0) 65 6837955 www.clare.irish-roots.net * The Burren Perfumery* Carran Open: 10:00am to 5:00pm March & October. 9:30am to 6:00pm July and Open year round 7 days a week August. % +353 (0) 65 7089999 www.burrenforts.ie Oct-April 9am – 5pm; May & September 9am-6pm; June – August 9am-7pm Organic Tearooms @ The Burren Perfumery Coole Park & Gardens Open Easter – September 10am-5pm (open until 6pm June – August) Open: 10am to 5pm March – May & month of September; 10am to 6pm June % +353 (0) 65 7089102 www.burrenperfumery.com to August. % +353 (0) 91 631804 www.coolepark.ie

34 35 Doolin Cave*, Doolin Seaworld Aquarium, Playzone & Leisure Centre Jan 01- Feb 16 By appointment only Aquarium open Monday Sunday 10am – 5pm Feb 17 – Mar 15 Five tours daily, 12.00 – 5.00, Fri- Sun Playzone open Sat & Sun 10am – 6pm Other days - By appointment only Leisure Centre open Mon- Fri 10am – 9.30pm, Sat-Sun 10am – 7pm Mar 15 – Jun 28 Seven tours daily, 11.00 – 5.00, every day Contact to confirm public swim times Jun 29 - Sep 30 Nine tours daily, 10.00 – 6.00, every day % +353 (0) 65 7081900 www.lahinchseaworld.com Oct Five tours daily, 12.00 – 5.00, every day Liscannor Rock Shop Nov Five tours daily, 12.00 – 5.00, Fri- Sun Open 10am-6pm all year Other days - By appointment only % +353 (0) 65 7081944 www.therockshop.ie % +353 (0) 65 7075761 www.doolincave.ie The Michael Cusack Centre* Carran Dromore Wood, Ruan Open daily 10.00 - 17.00 from April - October. Last admission 16.30. Winter Open: all year round during daylight hours tours by appointment. Visitor Centre: July to early September Daily 10am – 6pm % +353 (0) 65 7089944 www.michaelcusack.ie % +353 (0) 65 6837166 www.heritageireland.ie/en/ShannonRegion/DromoreWood/ Moher Hill Open Farm, Liscannor Open May-September Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12noon-6pm Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara April and October weekend opening only Open May to September from 9.30am - 5pm Phone: +353 (0) 65 7081071 Banquet operates from Mid April - Mid October at 5.30pm & 8.45pm www.moherfarm.com Reservations are necessary +353 (0) 61 711200 % www.shannonheritage.com/attractions/dunguairecastle Open 9.30-17.00 hours - 6 days - (Mon.-Sat. incl.) 30th May-end September Dysert O’ Dea Archaeology Centre, Dysert, Ruan % +353 (0)91 631436 Open daily – 10am - 6pm 1st May to September 30th. Other times by appointment. * Burren Information Point at these locations - access to Burren websites, % +353 (0) 65 6837401 www.dysertcastle.com Sale of Burren books, maps, CD’s and FREE information leaflets and maps ** Burren Information Point – dedicated staff for queries, sale of Burren Gort Heritage Centre books, maps, CD’s and FREE information leaflets and maps Open five days a week, 9am -5pm, Thursday –Monday. Closed Tuesday & Wednesday and for lunch 1-2pm There is also internet access at 4 public libraries in the Burren at % +353 (0) 91 630237 Ennistimon, Corrofin, Gort and Lisdoonvarna (see useful contacts) http://www.irelandmidwest.com/galway/history/heritage/gort.html Additional Information - Tourist Offices Gregory Museum and Millennium Park Cliffs of Moher % +353 (0)65 7081171 Apr-Oct Open daily 10am to 6pm June – August; September - May Sundays only Lahinch Failte % +353 (0)65 7082082 www.lahinchfailte.ie 1pm – 5pm. www.gortonline.com/gregorymuseum Ennis Tourist Office % +353 (0)65 6828366

36 37 ACTIVITIES MONUMENTS & R E S E R V E S Things to do in the towns and villages in the Burren

*See Map for location of these Gleninagh Castle monuments 16th century tower house Ballyvaghan Burren Cycling Club www.burrencyclingclub.com Kilinaboy Church Dysert O’ Dea Church and Ballyvaghan Bike Hire %+353 (0)65 7077061 11th Century medieval Church and 15th century Church and High Cross Ballyvaghan Fanore Walking Club www.ballyvaughanfanorewalkingclub.com Graveyard Kilmacrehy Church Guided Burren Walks, Contact Shane Connolly % +353 (0)65 7077168 Carran Church 15th century Church Burren Coast Hotel Spa & Leisure Centre % +353 (0)65 7083000 15th Century medieval Church Kilmacduagh Burren Adventures Dive Club Contact Denise Sweeney % +353(0)65 7077921 An Rath 7th century monastery and round % www.burrenadventues.com 13th – 15th century earthen ring fort tower Bellharbour Corcomroe Abbey Newtown Castle Guided Burren Wild Walks, Contact John Connolly % +353 (0)87 8779656 Late 12th century Cistercian Abbey 16th Century fortified tower house, Burren Outdoor Education Centre % +353 (0)65 7078066 Oughtmama open weekdays Three early Christian Churches Cahercommaun Boston Burren Equestrian, Contact Fintan O’Donnell +353 (0)86 3124641 and High Cross Early medieval cliff fort 6th century Cathedral, dedicated to Caherconnell Doolin St. Fachtna Early Christian ring fort Bike Hire – 13th and 14th century High Crosses Burren Nature Reserves Doolin Activity Lodge: % +353 (0)65 7074888 Cahermore *See Map for location of these Nature Rainbow Hostel: % +353 (0) 65 7074415 Early Medieval stone fort Reserves Horse Riding: Seasonal in Doolin, Henry Daly. % +353 (0) 65 7071385 Pitch and Putt: Cyril Nagle % +353 (0)86 8374289 Templecronan Church Dromore Woods, Ruan Caving and diving: enquiries to Doolin Activity Lodge %+353 (0)65 7074888 Well preserved oratory dedicated to Coole Park, Gort Aran Doolin Ferries % +353 (0)65 7074455/189 St. Cronan Slieve Carron Cliffs of Moher Cruises % +353 (0)65 7075949 Cahermacnaghten Burren National Park Doolin Pitch & Putt % +353 (0)86 8374289 Early 7th century church Lough Bunny Cliffs of Moher 38 39 Ballinalacken Pet Farm % +353 (0)65 7074305 Lisdoonvarna Doolin Ferry % +353 (0)65 7075555 Clay Pigeon Shooting % +353(0)65 7074038 Burren Painting Centre +353(0)65 7074208 Ennistimon % Spa Well Health Centre +353(0)65 7074023 Willie Daly Horse Riding % +353 (0)65 7071385 % Mountain View Horse Riding Centre +353 (0)87 6894520 Falls Hotel Spa & Leisure Centre % +353 (0)65 7070937 % Tubber Fanore Burren Holistic Centre, Rockforest % +353(0)91 633212 Aloha Surf School Fanore % +353 (0)87 2133996 Mountain View Horse Riding Centre % +353 (0)87 6894520 Gort Walking in the Burren: Gort Golf Club % +353(0)91 632244 The is a 123km linear walking trail (including the East Burren Loop, the Lady Gregory Spa & Leisure Club +353(0)91 632333 Carran loop and links to Lisdoonvarna and Ballyvaghan) located in the Burren area Kilfenora of North Clare. The Way brings you inland from Lehinch on the Western side of the The Boghill Centre (Residential Activity Centre) % +353(0) 65 7074644 Burren to Doolin on the coast and via the town of Lisdoonvarna on to Ballyvaghan to the north. It then crosses the heartland of the Burren through the villages of Carran, Vaughan’s Barn Set dancing lessons & Céilí % +353 (0)65 7088004 and Corrofin on the eastern side of the Burren. The Way follows a mix of mainly Green Killinaboy Roads, pathway, old roadway and minor roads. Just south of Corrofin the route links Heart of Burren Walks Contact Tony Kirby % +353 (0)87 2925487 with the and forms an attractive loop walk on the eastern side of the Breakthrough Workshop % +353 (0) 65 7089120 / (0)87 2309121 Burren. It is best accessed at one of six key trailheads, which provide information map X-PO % +353 (0) 65 683717 boards and car parking. These are located reasonably close to other services and facili- ties, such as shops, accommodation, restaurants and public transport. The trailheads Kinvara are located at Lehinch, Doolin, Lisdoonvarna, Ballyvaghan, Carran, and Corrofin. Irish Seaweed Treatment % +353 (0)91 444123 / 637760 Time: Approximately 4 days. Each section represents a half days walking. Burren Yoga & Meditation Centre % +353 (0)91 637680 Difficulty: Moderate to difficult. Minimum gear: Sturdy walking boots, raingear, ruck- Johnstons Hall Contact Maeve Johnston +353(0)91 637358 sack, fluid, snacks, mobile phone Visit: www.shannonregiontrails.ie for further details and Lehinch www.discoverireland.ie/northwest/what-to-do/The-Yeats-Trail.aspx Bens Surf Clinic % +353 (0)86 8448622 www.walkireland.ie Green Room Surf School % +353 (0)65 7082771 Tours Ocean Scene Surf School % +353 (0)65 7081108 Burren Tours: Cahirminnaun, Kilfenora % +353(0)65 7088931 Lahinch Surf School % +353 (0)65 7082061 Galway Tour Company: Apt.1, Kirwans Lane, % +353(0)91 566559 Lahinch Golf Club % +353 (0)65 7081003 Burren Coaches: Burrin, Dooneen, Co.Clare % +353(0)65 7078009 Lahinch Golf and Leisure Hotel & Spa % +353 (0)65 7081100 Henry Golf Tours: Ballyporty, Corofin % +353(0)65 6837613 Lahinch Seaworld % +353 (0)65 7081900 Access to the related web sites is available at the Burren Information Points Liscannor highlighted on the map in this booklet. O’ Callaghan Angling % +353(0)65 6821374 Beaches * Liscannor Ferry Company % +353(0)65 7075949 Lehinch, Doolin Pier, Fanore, Bishops Quarter Ballyvaghan Sandfield House Pitch & Putt % +353(0)65 7081603 / 087 2321076 *Lifeguards on Duty 11-7, 7 days a week in July and August. 40 41 O’Dalaigh Jewellers @ Cliffs of Moher % +353 (0)86 8617439 ART,CRAFT Clifftops @ Cliffs of Moher % +353 (0)87 8293230 & LOCAL PRODUCE Tides Gallery Liscannor % +353 (0)65 7082060 Dolmen Crafts, Kilfenora % +353 (0)65 7088081 Artdecco @ Cliffs of Moher % +353 (0)86 0650792 Gifts of Moher @ Cliffs of Moher Fiddler’s Craft shop, Ballyvaghan % +353 (0) 65 7077960 Leanaun Fashion & Gift Visitor Centre, Ballyvaghan Lillimar Craft Gallery % +353 (0)65 7077344 ART Quinn Crafts Ballyvaughan, Ballyvaghan % +353 (0)65 7077052 The Gallery at Burren College of Art, Ballyvaghan % +353 (0)65 7077200 Rising Tide, Ballyvaghan Lahinch Art Gallery % +353 (0)65 7081400 Burren House, Ballyvaghan % +353 (0)65 7077044 Morrison Studio & Gallery Lehinch % +353 (0)65 7081055 The Russell Gallery, New Quay, Burrin, % +353 (0)65 7078185 Burren Craftworkers: Burren Crafts is a collective of Craftworkers, The Courthouse Gallery, Ennistimon % +353 (0)65 7071630 Photographers & Artists. This group exhibit their wares at the Ballyvaghan The West Clare Gallery Ennistimon % +353 (0)87 2418810 / (0)87 9008031 Craft Fair every Sunday between May and October 2-6pm: Anam Mhictíre Art Studio, Lisdoonvarna % +353 (0)65 7074244 CRAFT Brendan’s Boat/Internet Cafe – Handcrafted Leather, Ballyvaghan The Doolin Craft Gallery % +353 (0)65 7074309 % +353 (0)65 7077337 Burren Craft Shop, New Quay % +353 (0)657078166 Celtic Capreen Creations Ballyvaghan % +353 (0) 65 7077980 The Secret Garden - Craft Boutique % +353 (0)91638769 Clare Celtic Clocks Ballyvaghan % +353 (0)65 7077939 The Pottery Shop, Church Street, Corrofin % +353 (0)65 6837020 Glan Aran Hand Knits, Ballyvaghan % +353 (0)21 4822304 The Russell Gallery (Russell Raku Ceramics) % +353 (0)65 7078185 Leueen’s Wild Flowers Studio Burren % +353 (0)65 7078955 Celtic Jewellery Doolin % +353 (0)65 7074638 Sam Beardon Jewellry and Wood carving, Kinvara % +353 (0)91 637644 Crosbies Crafts Ennistimon % +353 (0)65 7071118 Holywell Language centre Ballyvaghan % +353 (0)65 7077322

Village Crafts & Doolin Deli % +353 (0)65 7074209 Magnetic Music Cafe & Music Shop Doolin % +353 (0)65 7074988 LOCAL PRODUCE O’Briens Crafts Doolin % +353 (0)65 7074044 Burren Gold Cheese Aillwee Cave, Ballyvaghan % +353 (0)65 7077036 Murphy Store Kinvara % +353 (0)91 637760 Burren Wildflower Honey Aillwee Cave, Ballyvaghan % +353 (0)65 7077036 Linn Fashion and Gifts Ballyvaghan % +353 (0)65 7077464 Wilde and Wooley, Burrin % +353 (0)65 7078042 Mount Callan Farmhouse Cheese, % +353 (0)65 7072008 Irish Cottage Candles Crusheen % +353 (0)65 6827128 Drinagh, Ennistimon Moher Music Shop @ Cliffs of Moher % +353 (0)87 2722084 Kilshanny Cheese Derry Hse, Lahinch % +353 (0)65 7071228 Nua @ Cliffs of Moher % +353 (0)86 3721072 Clare Jam Company, Doolin % +353 (0)65 7074778

42 43 P L A C E S Burren Beef and Lamb, Carran % +353 (0)65 7089000 Burren Smokehouse Salmon, Lisdoonvarna % +353 (0)65 7074432 T O E A T & Linalla Farm Ice Cream, Finavarra, New Quay % +353 (0)65 7078167 DRINK *These producers and many more local fruit and vegetable growers produce are available Restaurants, Cafes & Pubs serving food* for purchase at the local farmers market in Ballyvaghan every Saturday between May and September from 10am until 2pm.

BAKERYS Unglert’s Bakery, Ennistimon % +353 (0)65 7071217 Ballyvaghan O’ Connors Bakery, Gort % +353 (0)91 631396 An Fulacht Fia % +353 (0)65 7077300/ 7077400 Lillies and Pearls Wedding Cakes, Gort % +353 (0)91 630931 Aillwee Cave Tea room & restaurant % +353 (0)65 7077036 Burren Coast Hotel Limestone Bar / Hazelwood Restaurant % +353 (0)65 7083000 Burren Fine Wine & Food, Corkscrew Hill % +353 (0)65 7077046 Burren House Restaurant % +353 (0)65 7077044 Burren College of Art Café % +353 (0)65 7077200 Gregan’s Castle Hotel Restaurant % +353 (0)65 7077005 Hyland’s Burren Bar & Restaurant %+353 (0)65 7077037 Logue’s Lodge & Bar % +353 (0)65 7077003 Monk’s Pub % +353 (0)65 7077059 The Soda Parlour Coffee House % +353 (0)65 7083999 The Tea Junction Café % +353 (0)65 7077289 Aggie’s Coffee Shop @ Quinn crafts % +353 (0)65 7077052

Bellharbour Daly’s Bar % +353 (0)65 7078048

Carran Cassidy’s Bar -croí na Boirne % +353 (0)65 7089109 Burren Perfumery Café % +353 (0)65 7089102

Cliffs of Moher The Longdock Restaurant at the Cliffs of Moher % +353 (0)65 7082659 Puffins Nest Café at the Cliffs of Moher % +353 (0)65 7082662

44 45 Corrofin Franco’s fast food % +353 (0)65 7071244 Bofey Quinn’s Bar and Restaurant % +353 (0)65 68 37321 Aloma’s tasty treats % +353 (0)87 4179199 The Corofin Arms Restaurant % +353 (0)65 68 37373 Café Vienna Flamenco % +353 (0)65 7072464 Campbell’s Bar, Inchiquinn Inn & Anne’s Kitchen % +353(0)65 68 37713 Pitstop Pizzeria % +353 (0)65 7072399 Teach Uí Dálaig / Daly’s Bar % 353 (0)65 6837688 Mink Kee Chinese Restaurant % +353 (0)65 6837674 Fanore Corrofin Fast Food Takeaway Holywell Italian Restaurant (seasonal opening) % +353 (0)65 7072465

Crusheen Gort The Ballyline Bar & Restaurant % +353 (0)65 6827549 O’Gradys Bar & Restaurant % +353 (0)91 631096 Sullivan’s Hotel % +353 (0)91 631257 Doolin Copper Beech Restaurant & Jack B Yeats Bistro Balinalacken Castle Restaurant % +353 (0)65 7074025 at The Lady Gregory Hotel % +353 (0)91 632333 McDermott’s Pub % +353 (0)65 7074700 Morellis Family Restaurant % +353 (091 630572 O’Connor’s Pub % +353 (0)65 7074168 The Blackthorn Restaurant % +353 (091 632127 McGann’s Pub % +353 (0)65 7074133 The Gallery Café % +353 (0)91 630630 The Doolin Café % +353 (0)65 7074795 Ambience Café % +353 (0)91 632772 Hotel Doolin South Sound Restaurant / Ken’s Oriental Restaurant % +353 (0)91 630635 Fitzpatrick’s Bar / Cafe Sonas % +353 (0)65 7074111 Main chef Chinese Restaurant % +353 (0)91 632226 Cullinan’s Restaurant & Guesthouse Doolin % +353 (0)65 7074183 Supermacs Fast Food Restaurant % +353 (0)91 631094 Roadford House Restaurant % +353 (0)65 7075050 Abrakebabra Fast Food Take Away % +353 (0)91 630300 Stone Cutters Kitchen Family Restaurant % +353 (0)65 7075962 Subway Sandwiches % +353 (0)91 632953 Doolin Craft Gallery Café % +353 (0)65 7074309 Kettle of Fish Takeaway % +353 (0)91 630300 Magnetic Music Café % +353 (0)65 7074988 Kelly May’s Café, Alcasar Pizza Bistro Mario’s WaterRock Restaurant / Pizzeria at Doolin Activity Lodge % +353 (0)65 7074888 Kilfenora An tOiléan Restaurant at Tir Gan Ean Hotel % +353 (0)65 7075726 Burren Centre Tea Rooms % +353 (0)65 7088030 Aran View House Hotel % +353 (0)65 7074160 Vaughan’s Bar % +353 (0)65 7088004 Bruach na hAille Riverside Restaurant % +353 (0)65 7074120 Linnane’s Bar % +353 (0)65 7088157 Caherconnell Stone Fort % +353 (0)65 7089999 Ennistimon Byrne’s Restaurant %+353 (0)65 7071080 Kinvara Teach Mór Bistro, Falls Hotel % +353 (0)65 7071004 The Pier Head % +353 (0)91 638188 Sgt. Peppers % +353 (0)87 2377841 M’asal Beag Dubh Bar at The Merriman Inn % +353 (0)91 638222 An Teach Bia % +353 (0)87 7863815

46 47 Dunguaire Castle Banquets % +353 (0)61 711200 Liscannor Keogh’s Bar % +353 (0)91 637135 The Cottage Restaurant % +353 (0)65 7081760 Starmoon Chinese restaurant % +353 (0)91 638989 Vaughan’s Anchor Inn % +353 (0)65 7081548 Café on the quay % +353 (0)91 638129 Joseph McHugh’s Bar % +353 (0)65 7081163 Café Beo @ the Burrenbeo centre % +353 (0)91 638096 Cliffs of Moher Hotel Bar & Restaurant % +353 (0)65 7086770 Murphy’s Store Café % +353 (0)91 444123 Logue’s Hotel Bar & Restaurant % +353 (0)65 7086000

Lehinch Lisdoonvarna The Cornerstone Bar % +353 (0)65 7081277 The Golden China Chinese Restaurant %+353 (0)65 7074944 The Atlantic Restaurant & Bar % +353 (0)65 7081049 Sheedy’s Restaurant & Seafood Bar % +353 (0)65 7074206 Danny Mac’s % +353(0)65 7081020 The Irish Arms Bar % +353 (0)65 7074207 The Shamrock Bar % +353 (0)65 7081700 The Roadside Tavern % +353 (0)65 7074084 Mrs. O’ Brien’s Kitchen % +353 (0)65 7081020 Café at Royal Spa Hotel % +353 (0)65 7074288 Kenny’s Bar % +353 (0)65 7081433 Café Veranda & Restaurant at Lynches Hotel % +353 (0)65 7074010 Aberdeen Bar / Dunes Restaurant / Coffee Dock Kincora House and Gallery Restaurant % +353 (0)65 7074490 at Lahinch Golf Hotel % +353 (0)65 7081100 The Imperial Hotel Restaurant & Bar % +353 (0)65 7074042 Holywell Italian Restaurant % +353 (0)65 7082755 Ravine Hotel, Nellie’s Bar & Restaurant % +353 (0)65 7074043 Vaughan Lodge Restaurant % +353 (0)65 7081111 Ritz Hotel restaurant & bar % +353 (0)65 7074081 Barrtrá Seafood Restaurant % +353 (0)65 7081280 Rathbaun Restaurant & Bar % +353 (65) 7074009 O’Looneys Bar % +353 (0)65 7081414 Meg McGuire’s Bar at Hydro Hotel % +353 (0)65 7074696 Waves Restaurant % +353 (0)65 7081414 The Spinnaker Bar % +353 (0)65 7081933 New Quay Café Sicilian at Seaworld % +353 (0)65 7081900 Linnane’s Lobster Bar % +353 (0)65 7078120 Joe’s Italian Café & Deli % +353 (0)65 7086113 The Claremont Hotel Bar % +353 (0)65 7081007 *Seasonal opening in some places Sancta Maria Hotel & Restaurant % +353 (0)65 7081041 The Emperor Chinese Restaurant % +353 (0)65 7082760 Other pubs in the Burren… Pearl Garden Chinese Restaurant % +353 (0)65 7086857 Ballyvaghan: Greene’s, O’Lochlen’s The Blue Cove Restaurant at Bellharbour: Daly’s Ocean Cove Caravan Park % +353 (0)65 7081626 Corrofin: Cahir’s, Daffy’s, Deegan’s, O’Hallorn’s, Mack’s, The Angler’s Rest, Martino’s Pizzeria % +353 (0)65 7082741 Crowley’s Enzo’s fast food takeaway % +353 (0)65 7081537 Crusheen: ’s, Clark’s The Chipper fast food takeaway Ennistimon: Daly’s, Griffen’s, Cullinan’s, Carrig’s, Mary Joe’s, McMahon’s, Barry’s, Begley’s, Davoren’s, Hynes’s, Nagle’s, Al’s, Cooley’s, Marrinan’s, Eugene’s, Healy’s

48 49 Fanore: O’Donoghue’s Recommended Reading Gort: O’Donnell’s, Henelly’s, Mullins, The Silver Spruce, Carroll’s, Walshe’s, Dicey Reilly’s, Kilroys, The Blackthorn, Linnane’s, Harte’s, Kelly’s, The Title & Category Author Crossbar Kilfenora: Nagle’s Archaeology Kilshanny: Kilshanny House Kinvara: Connoly’s, Conole’s, Flatley’s, Greene’s, Sexton’s, The Ould Plaid A selection of these books are available at the Burren Information Points. Shawl, Tully’s, Tigh Uí Conghaile Lehinch: Flanagan’s, The Nineteenth, Frawley’s, Galvin’s The Burren and the Aran Islands - Liscannor: Murphy’s Exploring the Archaeology Dr Carleton Jones Lisdoonvarna: The Matchmaker bar Ruan: Kelly’s, Moloney’s, Purcell’s Archaeology of the Burren; Prehistoric Forts Tubber: O’Grady’s, Finnerty’s and Dolmens in North Clare Thomas Johnson Westropp

Prehistoric stone forts of Northern Clare Thomas Johnson Westropp In addition to the restaurants, cafes, pubs and hotels, many of the shops and supermarkets in the Burren villages have deli counters serving a selection of Survey of the megalithic tombs of Ireland Ruaidhri de Valera, hot and cold food. Sean O Nuallain

Forgotten Stones: Ancient Church Sites of the Burren and Environs Averil Swinfren

The Irish Ringfort Mathew Sout

Cahercommaun: A stone fort in Hugh O’ Neill Hencken

A cairn at Poulawack, County Clare Hugh O’ Neill Hencken

Stones of Aran Tim Robinson

The Burren Wall Gordon D’Arcy

50 51 Geology & Landscape Exploring The Burren George Cunningham

Exploring the Limestone Landscapes of the Burren Kinvara: A seaport town on Galway Bay Caoilte Breatnach & the Gort Lowlands Mike Simms Flora The Book of the Burren Richard Broad, Jeff O’Connell and Anne Korff Ireland’s Lost Birds Gordon D’Arcy Karst, important karst regions of the northern hemisphere Milan Kerak Wild Goats of Great Britain and Ireland G. Kenneth Whitehead The Shell Guide to reading the Irish landscape Frank Mitchell Flora of Connemara and the Burren D. A. Webb Karst Landscapes Marjorie Mary Sweeting Mary J. P. Scannell

Agriculture Wild flowers of chalk and limestone J.E. Lousley

The People and the Land Johnathon Bell Irish Flora David A. Webb

Cattle in Ancient Ireland AT Lucas The botanist in Ireland R. Lloyd Praeger

Living Land Jules Petty Wildplants of the Burren and Aran Islands Charles E. Nelson

Farming and the Burren Dr. Brendan Dunford Flowers of the Burren and Aran Islands Charles Nelson

Natural History (General) The Burren Mary Angela Keane

The Natural History of the Burren Gordon D’Arcy (Author), Irish Wildflowers Appletree Press John Hayward (Editor, Photographer) Wild Orchids in The Burren Pat O’ Reilly and Sue Parker Places Culture A Handbook to Lisdoonvarna and its vicinity Philip Dwyer The Way That I Went: An Irishman in Ireland R. Lloyd Praeger Burren Journey North George Cunningham

Burren Journey West George Cunningham A Quiet Pint in Kinvara Richard Tillinghast Illustrated by Anne Korff

52 53 Caving Burren Websites

Caves of North West Clare E.K Tratmas Burren Interpretive and Visitor Centres

The Fertile Rock - Seasons in the Burren Carsten Krieger Aillwee Cave www.aillweecave.ie Ballyvaghan Visitor Centre www.ballyvaughanireland.com Caves of Co. Clare and South Galway Graham Mullan Burren Beo Resource Centre www.burrenbeo.com Burren Centre, Kilfenora www.theburrencentre.ie Walking Burren Perfumery, Carran www.burrenperfumery.com Burren Smokehouse, Lisdoonvarna www.burrensmokehouse.com West of Ireland Walks Kevin Corcoran Corrofin Geological Centre www.clareroots.com Walking in Shannon Region Published by Clare Heritage Centre, Corofin www.clareroots.com Shannon Development Caherconnell Stone Fort www.burrenforts.ie Cliffs of Moher www.cliffsofmoher.ie The Burren and the Aran Islands - A walking guide Tony Kirby Coole Park, Gort www.coolepark.ie Doolin Cave www.doolincave.ie Maps Dromore Wood www.heritageireland.ie/en/ ParksandGardens/South/Dromore The Burren, a two-inch map of the uplands Tim Robinson WoodClare/ of north-west Clare Dunguaire Castle www.shannonheritage.com/ Attractions/DunguaireCastle/ Discovery Series Number 51. Published by the Dysert O’ Dea Archaeology Centre www.dysertcastle.com Ordnance Survey of Ireland. Gort Heritage Centre www.irelandmidwest.com/galway/ Scale 1: 50 000 history/heritage/gort.html Lehinch Seaworld www.lahinchseaworld.com Liscannor Rock Shop www.therockshop.ie References for additional reading material: Michael Cusack Centre, Carran www.michaelcusack.ie www.burrenbeo.com/learning-library-agriculture.aspx Moher Hill Open Farm www.moherfarm.com www.burrenbeo.com/learning-library-archaeology.aspx www.burrenbeo.com/learning-library-ecology.aspx Burren Community Websites www.burrenbeo.com/learning-library-geology.aspx www.burrenbeo.com/learning-library-history.aspx www.burrenbeo.com www.burrenconnect.ie www.burrenlife.com www.clarefocus.ie 54 55 www.clare.ie www.burrenyoga.com www.clarecoco.ie www.cavingireland.org www.clarelibrary.ie www.climbing.ie www.county-clare.com www.doolinferries.com www.countygalway.com www.galwaytourcompany.com www.clarenet.ie www.holywell.net www.ballyvaughanireland.com www.heartofburrenwalks.com www.corofin.org www.homepage.eircom.net/~burrenhillwalks/ www.doolintourism.com www.irishhorseriding.com www.ennistymon.net www.irelandwalkingcycling.com www.ennistymonfootball.clare.gaa.ie www.lahinchgolf.com www.gortonline.com www.lahinchsurfschool.com www.galway.ie www.lakefieldlodgebanb.com www.galwaydiocese.com www.lehinchsurfshop.com www.heritagecouncil.ie www.mohercruises.com www.killaloediocese.ie www.ocallaghanangling.com www.kinvara.galway-ireland.ie www.burrenoec.com www.lahinch.org www.oceanscene.ie www.liscannorgaa.com www.orbitalwinds.com www.rrd.ie www.shannon-fishery-board.ie www.shiftingground.net www.sandfieldpitchandputt.com www.tubberparish.com www.seaweedtreatment.com www.surfschool.tv www.walkireland.ie/homepage.aspx Burren Activities www.ballyvaughanfanorewalkingclub.com Burren Art and Crafts www.benssurfclinic.com www.boghill.com Burren College of Art www.burrencollege.ie www.burrenbeo.com Burren Crafts www.burrencrafts.net www.burrenadventures.com Burren Painting Centre www.burrenpaintingcentre.com www.burrencyclingclub.com Brendans Boat crafts www.brendansboat.ie www.burren-tours.com Celtic Jewellery Doolin www.celtic-designs.com www.burrenwalks.com Celtic Clocks www.celticclocks.net www.burrenbike.com Doolin Crafts Gallery www.doolincrafts.com

56 57 Magnetic Music Cafe & Music Shop www.magnetic-music.com Useful contacts O’Briens Crafts Doolin www.obrienscrafts.com Quinn’s craftshop Ballyvaghan www.quinncrafts.com Telephone Russell Gallery www.russellgallery.net General Emergency % 112 Síog Dolls www.siogdolls.com Shannon Doc Emergency Doctor % 1850 212999

Burren Accommodation Medical Centres & Doctors General www.accomodation.ie Corrofin Medical Centre, Market Street, Corrofin % +353 (0)65 6837604 General www.bedandbreakfastireland.net Ballyvaghan Medical Centre % +353 (0)65 7077035 www.familyhomes.ie General www.discoverireland.ie Ennistimon Medical Centre, Main St, Ennistimon % +353 (0)65 7071207 General www.goireland.com General www.travelireland.org Kinvara Medical Centre % +353 (0)91 637123 General www.irishfarmholidays.com Hotels www.irelandhotels.com Lisdoonvarna Medical Centre, Lisdoonvarna % +353 (0)65 7074184 Hotels www.hotelsireland.com Town and Country www.townandcountry.ie Gort Medical Centre % +353 (0)91 631325 Self Catering www.rentacottage.ie Self Catering www.selfcatering.ie Pharmacies Hostels www.hostels-ireland.com McGrotty’s Pharmacy, Ennistimon % +353 (0)65 7071043 Hostels www.independenthostelsireland.com O’Dwyer’s Pharmacy, Ennistimon % +353 (0)65 7071990 Hostels www.anoige.ie C & K Pharmacy, Ennistimon % +353 (0) 65 7072400 Caravan and camping www.camping-ireland.ie Medicare Pharmacy, Lehinch % +353 (0)65 7081999 Burren Pharmacy, Lisdoonvarna % +353 (0)65 7074104 Gilmartin’s Pharmacy, Gort % +353 (0)91 631236 General Information Daly’s Pharmacy, Market Mall, Gort % +353 (0)65 630330 www.lahinchfailte.com/activities.html Quinn’s Pharmacy, Gort % +353 (0)91 631272 www.irelandmidwest.com/ Kinvara Pharmacy, Kinvara % +353 (0)91 637397 www.myguideireland.com Rochford’s Pharmacy, Corrofin % +353 (0)65 6827932 www.galwayeast.com www.burrenbeo.com Dentists Dr. John Sheehan, Ennistimon Medical Centre, % +353 (0)65 7071207 Dr. Tony Noonan, Gort % +353 (0)91 631276

58 59 Fire Brigade, Ennis % +353 (0)65 6846300 Saturday: 10.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m. % +353 (0)65 7074029 Gort Library, Main Street, Gort Garda Síochána Opening Times: Tuesday: 14:30 to 17:30 and 18:30 to 20:00 Ennistimon District Headquarters % +353 (0)65 7072180 / 7071020 Wednesday: 14:30 to 17:30 Ballyvaghan % +353 (0)65 7077002 Thursday: 10:30 to 13:00 Corrofin % +353 (0)65 6837622 Friday: 11:00 to 13:00 and 14:30 to 17:30 Crusheen % +353 (0)65 6827122 Saturday: 11:00 to 13:00 and 14:30 to 17:30 % +353 (0)91 6312244 Gort % +353 (0)91 846002 Kinvara % +353 (0)91 637102 Post Offices Lehinch % +353 (0)65 7081222 Ballyvaghan % +353 (0)65 7077001 Lisdoonvarna % +353 (0)65 7074222 Bellharbour % +353 (0)65 78035 Boston % +353(0)91 633100 Samaritans Corrofin % +353 (0)65 6837681 Sunville, rd, Ennis % +353 (0)65 6829777 Crusheen % +353 (0)65 6827196 Ennistimon % +353 (0)65 7071001 Irish Tourist Assistance Service Fanore % +353 (0)65 7076131 www.itas.ie % +353 (0)1 4785295 Gort % +353 (0)91 631028 Weather enquiries Kilfenora % +353 (0)65 7088180 Met Eireann Shannon Airport % +353 (0)61 712958 Kinvara % +353 (0)91 637101 Lehinch % +353 (0)65 7081001 Libraries Lisdoonvarna % +353 (0)65 7074110 Corofin Library, Clare Heritage Centre Complex Ruan % +353 (0)65 6837636 Open Monday & Wednesday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For details of opening hours and services please visit Friday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. % +353 (0)65 6837219 http://locator.anpost.ie/ ATM/ Banklink Machines Ennistimon Library, The Square, Ennistymon Corrofin - Spar shop Open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: Cliffs of Moher – Visitor Centre 10 a.m. to 1.30 p.m and 2.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m Ennistimon- 24 hour Bank of Ireland ATM / Fitzpatrick’s supermarket / Wednesday and Friday: 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m and 6.30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Spar Shop Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. % +353 (0)65 7071245 Gort – 24 hour Bank of Ireland ATM / 24 hour Allied Irish Bank ATM Lehinch – 24 hour Allied Irish Bank ATM Lisdoonvarna Library, Kincora Rd, Lisdoonvarna Kinvara – Londis Shop / Costcutters shop Open Tuesday: 12.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. and 5.00 p.m. - 7.00 p.m. Thursday: 1.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. and 5.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. 60 61 Recycling centres / Bring Banks Lisdoonvarna Town Centre Car Park Beverage Cans; Glass bottles/jars Ballyvaghan Opposite Holiday Cottages Glass bottles/jars; Ruan Tubber Road Glass bottles/jars; Beverage Cans Beverage Cans Carran Opposite Graveyard Glass bottles/jars; Beverage Cans Ennis Recycling Centre, Gort Road Industrial Estate, Ennis Phone: +353 (0)65 6893705 Corrofin Gort Road Glass bottles/jars; Opening Times: Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Beverage Cans Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Crusheen O’Malley’s Shop nearby Road Glass bottles/jars; Thursday: 12:00 noon - 8:00 p.m. Beverage Cans Friday: 12:00 noon - 6:00 p.m. Doolin Behind McDermott’s Bar Beverage Cans; Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Sunday: Closed Glass bottles/jars Ennistimon Ennis road Plastic Mineral Bottles; Plastic Glass bottles/jars; Beverage Cans Fanore Fanore Beach Beverage Cans; Glass bottles/jars Gort Behind Supervalu Beverage Cans, Glass bottles, Jars Kilfenora Across from Linnane’s Pub Beverage Cans; Glass bottles/jars Kinvara Near Esso Petrol Station Beverage Cans, Glass bottles, Jars Lehinch Promenade Glass bottles/jars; Beverage Cans Lehinch 2 Ocean View, Caravan Park Glass bottles/jars; Beverage Cans

62 63 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: The content of the Burren Passport is based on research and on submissions from Dr Carleton Jones, Dr Brendan Dunford, Mary Angela Keane, Paddy Notes Maher, Liz Fitzpatrick, John Doorty, and PJ Curtis. The involvement of the following people is also greatly appreciated by the project team - Cathleen Connole, Carmel Thynne, Antoinette O’Brien, Niall O Dwyer, Hilda Mac Lochlainn, James Neylon, Sean Roche, Robert Cassidy, Maria Kerin, Marion O’Callaghan, Joe Saunders, Mary McNamara Photography and Images: Burrenbeo, Eimear Dolan and Marie Mannion, Shannon Development, Clare Champion, Burren College of Art, Burren Perfumery, John Kelly Photography Graphic Design: Tony Hartnett, Shoreline Graphic Design Cartography: EastWest Mapping, Co. Wexford Editing: Margaret O’Brien Published by the Burren Passport Group (Frances Connole, Orla Vaughan, Helen Browne and Fintan O’Donnell) and the Burren Connect Project with support from Fáilte Ireland Development Scheme Fund, , Shannon Development, National Parks and Wildlife Service, NationalMonuments Service and Burrenbeo Trust (not for profit organisation).

EUROPEAN UNION STRUCTURAL FUNDS

Published March 2009 Version 2009/02 Printed by D2 Print Ltd. on 100% Recycled Paper To download the latest edition of this booklet, visit www.burrenconnect.ie Disclaimer: Every care has been taken to be as comprehensive and inclusive as possible in the compilation of the Burren Passport. Where errors and omissions are brought to our attention, future editions of the Burren Passport can be amended accordingly. Please direct your comments and feedback to [email protected]

Note on place name spelling: The official ordnance survey placename spelling, used on all signage and maps, is used in the main text of this guide. Local spellings may be used in other contexts, for example where business names use the local spelling

64 65 Notes

66 67 68