Burren - National Parks of Ireland (2024)

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3. 4. 2024

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“There is a world apart, of elemental beauty carved by glacier, where tiny wildflowers pierce through limestone..”

The Breathing Burren

by Maureen Grady

Listen to nature’s voice

Welcome to Burren
National Park

The Burren National Park, covering 1,800 hectares in the southeastern corner of the Burren in County Clare, draws its name from the Irish boíreann, or rocky place. But the Burren has been referred to as fertile rock, internationally famous for its landscape and unique flora.

Lime-loving and acid-loving plants grow beside one another, and woodland plants grow out in the open, without a tree nearby for shade – all surviving in a land that appears to be composed entirely of limestone pavement.

Explore the park’s fascinating flora and geology, discover our walking trails, or learn about how we manage the land to protect nature in the National Park. Our Information Point in Corofin, a village 8 km from the park, is open year round and provides a free shuttle bus, which runs from May to September.

The Burren National Park is situated on the southeastern side of the Burren, in north Co. Clare. To access the park, from Corofin, take the R476 to Kilnaboy. In Kilnaboy, take the right turn (L1112) before the ruined church. Approximately 5 kilometres along this road you will reach a crossroads.

While there is a small lay-by just before this crossroads on the right that can accommodate some cars, we advise visitors to avail of the free Park and Ride service from Corofin during the summer months. Then on foot, turn right, along Crag Road, and the Burren National Park lands are on your left. This is a public road so be careful of traffic.

Boundary Map of Burren National Park

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Area

1,500 ha

S.P.A:

001936

Burren - National Parks of Ireland (9)

Legend

  • Burren - National Parks of Ireland (10)Lake
  • Burren - National Parks of Ireland (11)River
  • Burren - National Parks of Ireland (12)R480 / R460
  • Burren - National Parks of Ireland (13)Mountain Peak
  • Burren - National Parks of Ireland (14)Trailhead
  • Burren - National Parks of Ireland (15)Park Boundary
  • Burren - National Parks of Ireland (16)Woodland

This map is for illustrative purposes only and shall not be held conclusive as to the boundaries or their extent. Please note the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage makes no representation or provides any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or currency of this map. The use of this map, which may be altered or updated at any tiome without notice, is at the sole risk of the user.

Picks of the Park

Karst Landscape Habitat

Habitats

The limestone pavement of the Burren is part of Europe’s largest karst landscape. Limestone pavement has become synonymous with the Burren and covers most of the National Park, although usually in a mosaic with other habitats. Find out more about this unique habitat by clicking the link below.

Habitats

Orchids of the Burren

Flora and Fauna

Orchid species flourish in the Burren. In fact, 23 of Ireland’s 27 orchid species can be found in the park. The first to flower each spring are the early purple orchid and the dense-flowered orchid. Other species here include fly orchid, bee orchid, butterfly orchid and four species of helleborine, including the rare sword-leaved helleborine.

Flora

Visitor Information Point

Learning & Education

The Burren National Park Information Point is open six months of the year from April until the end of September. Our Visitor Guides also offer an outreach programme to local schools providing information about the Burren National Park and the plants and animals that live there.

Learn

Walking & Hiking

There are many opportunities for hiking and walking in Burren National Park. For all the information on our trails, check out the dedicated “Hiking & Walking” section.

Knockaunroe Turlough

Mullaghmore Loop

Nature Trail

Slieve Carran

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Protecting nature is the main aim of a National Park. Conservation work goes hand in hand with responsible outdoor recreation and visitors can help play their part by following these useful tips.

Useful Tips

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Keep to the marked trails to protect the landscape and it’s habitats.

It is important to keep to the marked trails to protect the landscape and prevent disturbance to the wildlife. Check the weather and make sure you have everything you need to bring before you set off.

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Protect ancient structures

Many of the walls in the Burren are ancient structures. Please use stiles provided and refrain from climbing over walls.

Burren - National Parks of Ireland (20)

Be Considerate

See Also
Ireland

Remember to close any gates behind you.

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Respect Privacy

No drone use is permitted without a licence and permission.

Burren - National Parks of Ireland (22)

Leave What You Find

Please do not move or remove any rocks or fossils, and do not pick any plants or interfere with the wildlife.

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Dispose of Waste Properly

Litter is a huge threat to nature. By bringing your waste home, you help protect the park and its wildlife, and keep the Burren beautiful.

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Protect our waters

Please remember that fishing is not permitted in the lakes, turloughs or water systems in the Burren National Park.

Heritage & Culture

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The landscape of the Burren has been home to people for millennia, with successive generations leaving the marks of their culture and traditions on the landscape. Prehistoric monuments, as well as structures from our more recent past, may be found throughout the park, while beautiful and rare wildflower meadows created through centuries of traditional farming practices adorn the landscape in summer. Our National Park staff can provide guided tours that will help bring the natural and cultural heritage of the Burren to life.

A Place to Learn

Explore learning opportunities at Burren National Park through nature and ecology themed resources for families, and discover more about the National Parks outreach programme by clicking the link below.

Guided Tour

Visitor Information Point

Family Activities

Our Network

Burren Ecotourism Network

Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark

News & Notices

Read the latest news from the Burren National Park in our Spring Newsletter

31 March 2024

https://www.nationalparks.ie/app/uploads/2024/03/Spring-newsletter-2024.jpg

Read more

Upcoming guided walks in the Burren National Park

22 March 2024

See the Burren this Spring with a Burren National Park guide. Guided walks at Slieve Carran on Easter Monday, 31st March, and Cahercommaun on Sunday 7th April. These events are free but booking is essential as places are limited. Please contact us at 065 6827693 or burrennationalpark@npws.gov.ie for more details and to book. Walks will

Read more

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is inviting applicants for the role of permanent Visitor Guides in the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

21 March 2024

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is inviting applicants for the role of permanent Visitor Guides in the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). For full details application form, please visit: The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s Recruitment Page.

Read more

Newsletter

Download this season’s newsletter by clicking the link.

Autumn 2023 Newsletter

National Park

OPEN:
Year round

ADMISSION:
Free

Corofin Information Point

OPEN:
Open daily 10:00 – 17:00

For more information please go to our Information Point page

Please note that there are no visitor facilities in the Burren National Park.

Toilets are provided in the Information Point in Corofin.

ADDRESS:
Burren National Park Information Point,
Clare Heritage Centre,
Church Street,
Corofin, Co Clare, V95 VX83

PHONE:
065 682 7693

FACEBOOK:
@burrennationalpark

INSTAGRAM:
@burrennationalpark

EMAIL:
burrennationalpark@npws.gov.ie

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