Complete Guide To Hike at the Burren National Park
Are you having trouble choosing a great hiking spot in Ireland? The Burren National Park is the one for you. Situated in County Clare, the park is famous for limestone formations and biodiversity in the Burren Ireland.
It’s home to Ireland’s unique karst landscape and prehistoric sites. This article offers a complete guide to making the most of your hiking trip at this natural wonder. You can also visit the Burren Visitor Centre to learn more about the park’s history and unique ecosystem.
Historical and Archaeological Significance
The Burren National Park is smallest among Ireland national parks, covering an area of 15 km². It was created in 1991, but despite this, it is still ranked fifth.
The park is famous for its Burren uplands, a sizable geological region extending from 350 km² to 560 km².
The broader area called Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark makes this compact park seem big. Historically rich with Neolithic and prehistoric monuments, this park is interesting.
Neolithic Period and Megalithic Tombs
Poulnabrone Dolmen is a famous Neolithic portal tomb situated in the park. It was discovered in the 1980s.
The excavation revealed 21 remains dating back to the Neolithic period.
The limestone tomb consists of at least two upright stones and a capstone, which form a table.
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The Gleninsheen Gorget
To witness the amazing Bronze Age goldwork, visit the Gleninsheen Gorget. This archaeological gem shows the early Irish craftsmanship in all its glory.
Bronze Age Settlements
Burren is home to various Bronze Age settlements. The tools and artefacts found in the park offer insights into the lives of early metalworkers.
Prehistoric Sites and Archaeological Finds
The park is rich in prehistoric structures. Visitors can easily spot tombs, forts, and stone circles. Hikers often stumble upon ancient tools and pottery.
The Cliffs of Moher
The Burren region is also famous for the Cliffs of Moher. A popular natural landmark that attracts numerous tourists from worldwide.
The Cliff holds various ancient fortifications and tombs. It is an ideal spot to become fascinated by Ireland’s rich history.
The Burren National Park’s Unique Landscape
The Burren comes from the Irish word Boireann, which means great rock. The majority of Burren’s Karst region showcases exposed limestone. However, the geopark is also home to lakes and bogs. The limestone landscape formation began during the Lower Carboniferous period. It dates back 350 million years ago. Historians believe Burren to be a seabed. Hence, fossils like corals, ammonites, and sea urchins can still be found while hiking today.
The glacial period packed Burren in ice. When the ice melted, the entire landscape changed. The melting deposited sediments and created large boulders. Limestone beds were also eroded during this period. All this ultimately resulted in Burren becoming the best Glacio-karst landscape in the world. If you need more details about the park’s history and trails, visit the Burren National Park Information Point.
Limestone Pavement and Karst Landscape
The park has many flat areas of limestone with clints and grikes. The landscape is a beautiful site for visitors to explore the distinctive features formed by years of erosion.
The Irish wildflowers in the Burren
This park is a wild garden famous for its Arctic-alpine plants, which grow alongside Mediterranean plants. You can witness the beauty of Irish orchid-rich grassland, as the park holds 75% of Ireland’s plant species. Furthermore, out of the 27 Irish orchids, 23 are present here. These rare wildflowers serve as ideal tourist attractions during spring and early summer.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service protects a diverse ecosystem here. You will be fascinated by the various species of butterflies, foxes, rabbits, and birds that thrive in this unique landscape.
Fossil Formations and Limestone Features
History lovers enjoy the hidden stories of ancient life in the Burren limestone rocks. The fossils tell tales of the environmental changes that occurred in the area
Hiking in the Burren
Hiking is the best activity in this park. Below is a list of the best trails. You can also check the map of the Burren National Park to plan your hiking route efficiently.
Carran Loop (9 km, Easy)
- Scenic lowland trail with countryside views
- Passes by the Burren Perfumery
Mullaghmore Hill (8 km, Moderate)
- Blue route: 3-hour hike with rugged scenery
- Red route: Shorter but steeper
Slieve Carran (3 km, Short & Easy)
- Quick 30-minute summit hike
- Spot falcons, hen harriers and visit the holy well
Black Head (Outside Burren, Moderate)
- Overlooks Galway Bay & Corofin villages
- Features Iron Age forts and Neolithic tombs
Hiking Tips for the Burren
- Wear ankle-high hiking boots (rocky terrain)
- Bring sunscreen and an extra layer (weather changes fast)
- Carry a Burren National Park map for navigation
- Use the free shuttle bus and guided tours for convenience
Caving and Exploring the Burren Caves
The Burren caves are a fascinating network beneath the Burren’s limestone pavements. These 50 km of caves began forming a million years ago due to acidic rainwater seeping through the fissures. Over time, the rainwater slowly dissolved the limestone, creating the intricate cave system seen today.
The most famous caves to visit are Aillwee Cave and Doolin Cave. Aillwee Cave gained popularity due to the prehistoric Irish brown bear skeletons found within. These caves are a must for a subterranean adventure.
Conclusion
This natural wonder is ideal for adventure and history lovers and a must-visit destination for hikers. The flora and fauna of Burren and its Karst landscape, which features turloughs and fens, showcase the natural beauty of Ireland.
If you are planning your trip, ensure you have the Park contact details for a smooth experience. Checking the map of the Burren National Park before your visit will help you navigate efficiently and make the most of your trip
