YOUR FREE VISITOR GUIDE! The Burren Naturally Yours INSIDE... 4-5 6-7 8-9 The Burren And The Burren: Geosites: Cliffs Of Moher 9 Wonders of Geopark A Rock of Eco the Burren Tourism 10-11 12-13 Burren Living Festivals Towns & Villages & Events 14-15 Cliffs of Moher 16-17 & Doolin Cave Centre of Learning 18-20 21-34 35-48 Food & Drink The Burren Get Active Heaven Perfumery & Glanquin House 58-59 49-57 Burren Places to Ecotourism Stay Members Sandstone and Shale Murrooghtoohy 8 Gleninagh CCastle C ah er Fanore Beach 42 V a l le 2 1 Caher Valley Loop y B Black Head Loop 11 Fanore to Ballyvaughan Trek Fanore R477 Baliny Charging Point C N67 B Gragan C e Trail Head B pair 60-61 62-63 P 43 48 Cahermacnaghten Doolin Cave Craggycorradane tage Trail 26 30 C 24 3 C R477 41 CaherconnellFort Lisdoonvarna C Sustainable L Trail Head The Burren Cycleway B R479 Smokehouse Doolin Pier 17 Dolmen Cycleway R476 y Doolin R Map Cycle Hub Doolin 47 25 33 40 44 Travel R478 G N67 Kilfilfenorae ra CaC thedrala tion Centre Kilfenora r e Cliffs of Moher Kilshanny h o 5 7 12 t M Visitor Experience 35 R f R481 o s 27 34 ff li C 21 H 1 2 2 Every effort has been made in the production of this magazine to ensure accuracy at the time of publication. The editors canno t be held responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any alterations made after publication. This publication has been produced fo r yo ur enjoyment. If you are disposing of it, please consider the environment when doing so. Printed on Recycled Paper. Designed & Compiled by The Burren Naturally Yours Naturally Yours The Burren o, stand on the edge of the Burren, on its limestone pavement and listen; hear the waves crash into the uGnseen caves beneath your feet. Then The Burren turn; look at the Cliffs of Moher as they rise majestically from the raging sea, and you will realise why this extraordinary region, with its and Cliffs magnificent landscape, has been awarded the prestigious UNESCO recognised Global Geopark Status. As a Geopark, the Burren and Cliffs of of Moher Moher region has become internationally recognised, though plenty of people, some Each doline and polje (flat depressions So, go, stand in the centre of the Burren, 800,000 per year, have been aware of this within the limestone), each dry valley and One vast look around, learn and explore. It is there hidden gem on the west coast of Ireland for turlough, along with the hundreds of memorial to waiting. It is, naturally yours. Geopark a long time. Not only does the region have kilometres of underground caves, make up the geological importance that is required “ the uniqueness that is the Burren. bygone Visitor information relating to the of a Geopark, it also has the all-important cultures.” Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark Kelly Humphries network of organisations that oversee the With such a delicate and important is available from tourism in the area as well as the education landscape, this region must be protected by www.burrengeopark.ie and and conservation efforts. As a Geopark, the Burren and Cliffs of the people who use it and thus the Burren www.facebook.com/BurrenGeopark. Moher region is set to continue its rise on Ecotourism Network was created. This Making up over 530 square kilometres, the the world stage, not only as an important Contact: Burren & Cliffs of Moher network, together with regional Burren and Cliffs of Moher region offers a geological region, but also as a mecca for Geopark, Clare County Council diversity that is second to none. There is development agencies and local sustainable tourism. It was shortlisted in the Office, Ennistymon, Co Clare. the natural beauty of over 200 metre high communities, is determined to care for and ‘Best Destination for Responsible Tourism’ Ireland cliffs with its eight kilometres of rugged keep this pristine region sustainable. category in the 2013 World Responsible Tel: +353 (0) 65-7071017. Email: coastline, and there is beauty in the vast Through this network, local businesses Tourism Awards. The World Travel & [email protected] array of flora, including Arctic and Alpine have come together to provide visitors with Tourism Council (WTTC) named the flowers that grow surprisingly alongside locally produced foods, handcrafted Geopark as one of 3 finalists in the The Geopark is funded by Clare Mediterranean species. There is also the products, and exciting yet environmentally destination catagory for its 2014 Tourism County Council, The Geological Survey staggering amount of history in the Burren sound experiences within the region. for Tomorrow Awards. of Ireland and Fáilte Ireland. region with over 2,700 recorded monuments, some dating back over 6,000 years. This has led to the Burren being described as “one vast memorial to bygone cultures”. Universally, the Burren is renowned for its landscape and its Ice Age legacy is apparent throughout. From the limestone pavement, the gorges, the springs and the swallow-holes, to the glacial striations, the boulders and erratics; every square metre of this distinctive landscape is understandably important. There is beauty in the vast array “of flora, including Arctic and Alpine © Burren Yoga & Meditation Centre flowers.” 4 | The Burren A unique visitor experience A unique visitor experience The Burren | 5 The Burren Naturally Yours Naturally Yours The Burren ome with us, into the wild Burren we go. Come, and discover all that is waiting The Burren: A rock Cfor you. From archaeology to adventure, from geology to botany, discover the pristine beaches, the limestone mountains. of Ecotourism Uncover magical caves, hidden churches, and sacred wells. Find yourself hiking, cycling, surfing, kayaking, and The Burren is leading the way for Irish tourism, offering visitors caving. Immerse yourself in the fine local foods or sit back and enjoy great an exciting range of ecotourism experiences. Burren traditional music. Come to North Clare, to this magnificent region and find Ecotourism represents a growing collective of tourism everything you want. operators that are committed to the promotion of responsible And with that tempting invitation, we packed our bags ready for anything and travel to this unique region, writes Kelly Humphries. everything the Burren had to offer. With its limestone backdrop and Global Geopark status, the Burren has emerged as a top holiday destination in Ireland and with this comes a host of local businesses waiting to show visitors just what the Burren has in abundance— something truly unique. On my visit to the Burren, what I found was a community that had passion and Come to North find and dispose of waste properly. pride for the region they live and work There is something refreshing in getting in. From this community spirit and with Clare, to this to experience a host of different activities the support of local and national “ that have been put together especially for agencies, Burren Ecotourism emerged, magnificent you by a number of different operators— with its philosophy of awareness, region and find operators that are able to work together conservation and sustainability. harmoniously for the good of the visitor. everything you This is a rare and marvellous thing. The Burren Ecotourism objective is to ensure that every visitor to the area has an want.” There is a feeling in the Burren, a certain exciting and memorable holiday way of life and a pride that is evident in experience, which in turn supports certification and conservation. It’s also each person that calls this region their sustainability and conservation efforts in about building community and this is home. This spirit allows each visitor to the local community. This business obvious in the collaboration that occurs take something back with them, not just network prides itself on providing genuine between businesses within the network. great memories of a place or an activity, and authentic experiences for all visitors The Burren, with its fascinating natural but also great memories of the people. coming to the Burren. environment and abundance of cultural There is truly no other place like this, remains, is an important, yet fragile, where businesses work with their Burren Ecotourism has also provided resource to be enjoyed, respected and surroundings in such a way that allows tourism-based businesses with a way to conserved for future generations. the natural beauty of the region to shine maintain a high standard of sustainability through above all else. with an eco-certification process. Each To help protect the Burren, Burren operator involved with the network has, or Ecotourism encourages visitors to Whether visiting the Burren for an is in the process of having, visitor follow the principles of Leave No Trace. afternoon outing or for a two-week experiences independently certified by Leave No Trace is an outdoor ethics vacation, there is so much available here Ecotourism Ireland. This assures visitors educational programme designed to to fill each and every moment no matter that when they support such businesses in promote and inspire responsible what your interest. the area, they are supporting behaviour in the outdoors through environmentally-conscious operators, who education, research and partnerships. So explore the rugged and wild Burren are committed to long-term sustainability Principles include: Plan ahead and and be amazed; be captivated; be free. and conservation of the Burren. prepare; be considerate to others; respect Burren Ecotourism is supported by the farm animals and wildlife; travel and Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark and The network is not just about camp on durable ground; leave what you Clare Local Development Company.