Trail Summary
Way: Burren Way
Trailheads: Lahinch, Doolin, Lisdoonvarna, Ballyvaughan, Carran and Corrofin.
Services: Available at each trailhead
Distance: 123km approximately (including East Burren Loop and links to Lisdoonvarna and Ballyvaughan)
Time: Approximately 4 days. Each section represents approximately a half day's walking
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Terrain: The Way follows a mix of green road, pathway, minor roadway, and grassy/rocky track, with an initial steep climb out of the Caher Valley and steep descent to Feenagh Valley
To Suit: Average Fitness, Casual Walkers
Minimum Gear: Sturdy walking boots, waterproofs. Rucksack, fluid, snacks, mobile phone
The Burren Way is a 123km linear walking trail (including East Burren Loop and links to Lisdoonvarna and Ballyvaughan) located in the Burren area of North Clare. The Way brings you inland from Lahinch on the Western side of the Burren to Doolin on the coast and via the town of Lisdoonvarna on to Ballyvaughan to the north. It then crosses the heartland of the Burren through the villages of Carran, and Corrofin on the eastern side of the Burren. The Way follows a mix of mainly Green Roads, pathway, old roadway and minor roads. Just south of Corrofin the route links with the Mid Clare Way and forms an attractive loop walk on the eastern side of the Burren.
Directions to the Burren Way Trailheads:
The Burren Way is best accessed at one of six key trailheads, which provide information map boards and car parking. These are located reasonably close to other services and facilities, such as shops, accommodation, restaurants and public transport.
The trailheads are located as follows:
Trailhead 1 – Lahinch
Located on the coast, Lahinch is 3km west of Ennistymon on the N67.
Trailhead 2 – Doolin
Doolin village is located on the R479, off the N67, and 8km from the Cliffs of Moher.
Trailhead 3 – Lisdoonvarna (location of Sleepzone - The Burren)
The town of Lisdoonvarna is located approximately 34km north of Ennis on the N67.
Trailhead 4 – Ballyvaughan
The village of Ballyvaughan is located on the N67 and is 39km from Ennis.
Trailhead 5 – Carran
The village of Carran is located between Ballyvaughan and Corrofin approximately 3km to the East of the R480.
Trailhead 6 – Corrofin
The village of Corrofin is located on the R476 between Ennis and Lisdoonvarna and is approximately 13km from Ennis.
(With thanks to Shannon Region Trails -
www.shannonregiontrails.ie)