The name Burren comes from the Irish word Boíreann, meaning ‘a rocky place'. This describes the Karst landscape which is underlain by limestone slabs and which would have covered the whole of Ireland some 360 million years ago. It comprises of miles upon miles of swirling, gently folding rock, hollows and pavements – which, in some places, is more than 700m thick. Karst is created where limestone is dissolved by acidic rain, this wears away the rock and forms caves. There are two well known caves to explore, both open to the public for guided tours, they are Aillwee Cave near Ballyvaughan and Doolin Cave north of Doolin village. From ash and hazel woodland to grassland, cliffs and fen, the countryside here is rich in flora and is a protected area of conservation.
Taking one of the many walking trails is the best way to experience it all. You can book a walk with our guide and author Tony Kirby and go off the beaten track.
There are also free guided walks are held daily in the summer months – leaving from the Burren National Park Information Point in Corofin.