How to Visit Burren National Park
Read our travel guide on Burren National Park in Ireland. Includes tips on what to see and do, best hikes, how to get there, where to stay, or when to go.
Known for its unique karst landscape, limestone pavement, prehistoric monuments, rare wildflowers, and great trails, Burren National Park is an extraordinary place to visit when road-tripping Wild Atlantic Way.
It's located in the north of County Clare and is among one of six of Ireland's national parks.
Surprisingly, this area still feels very underdeveloped and lacks the crowds of the more famous destinations.
Even though the national park covers only a small part of the larger area known as the Burren, it features some of its most spectacular scenery.
If you think of Ireland as a country of lush green rolling hills and green fields, driving and hiking through this moonscape area will be a true eye-opener of how diverse this island really is. At least it was for us.
Our Ireland road trip was a spontaneous decision, and we didn't have time to do proper research on every destination, so arriving in the Burren area was like landing on a different planet.
As we visited this area for the first time, we have to admit that it was a bit confusing to plan the trip to the heart of the largest Europes karst landscape area.
Hopefully, this guide will answer all your burning questions about Burren National Park.
Things to Know Before You Go
As hinted above, the most important thing you need to know about Burren National Park is that it's only a small part of the larger karst region known as the Burren.
You will often find lists of things to do in Burren National Park with places such as the Cliffs of Moher, Fanore Beach, Corcomroe Abbey, or Doolin Cave on them.
This really is confusing when planning your first trip to this area.
Technically, Burren National Park is located off the coast and is home to several hiking trails and a small visitor center in Corofin.
Yes, even the Poulnabrone Dolmen is situated outside the park boundaries.
Interestingly enough, some wedge tombs and even a Cahercommaun Stone Ring Fort are within the park.
By the way, if you're wondering what the word Burren means, it comes from the Irish boireann, meaning a rocky place.
What to See and Do
Not surprisingly, Burren National Park is best explored on foot.
Luckily, there are plenty of great trails with varying lengths and difficulty to choose from when visiting this area. If you're an avid hiker, you're in for a treat.
You can also just drive through the park if you're pressed for time, but we strongly suggest finding some time to include at least one of the easier trails in your itinerary.
If you don't have time for any of the hikes, we would probably stick to the coastal road R477, which also features this dramatic landscape.
Simply put, the local trails are the main reason to visit Burren National Park, and we believe the extra effort is really worth it.
Best Hikes in Burren National Park
If you're moderately fit and looking for a great adventure, there are three main trails in Burren National Park worth considering.
All three of them revolve around Mullaghmore, a 180-meter-high limestone hill and the crown jewel of the national park.
Alternatively, there are a couple of easy trails ideal for those who just want to get a taste of what this region is all about, plus an additional nature reserve just waiting to be discovered.
Either way, all trails within the national park are well-marked and easy to follow, though foggy conditions will make it a bit more challenging.
Most importantly, all trails share the same trailhead and parking area, which you will find on L1112, about 8 kilometers north of Corofin Information Point (or 5 kilometers northeast of Killinaboy).
Don't worry. We'll talk about it later in the article.
So, what are the best hikes in Burren National Park? Let's find out!
Mullaghmore Return - Green Route
This great out-and-back 6.5-kilometer trail will show you some of the most beautiful places within the national park but has a minor flaw.
Honestly, there is no reason to return to your car via the same trail, so make sure to complete the full loop instead - see the Blue Route below.
Mullaghmore Loop - Blue Route
This was our favorite hike in Burren National Park, and thanks to the unique scenery, we believe Mullaghmore Loop is quite easily one of the best trails in Ireland.
This 7.5-kilometer trail passes along the shore of Lough Gealain, climbs to the top of Mullaghmore Hill, and then loops back to the starting point.
Mullaghmore Traverse - Red Route
Alternatively, you could also hike across the Mullaghmore area via the red route.
However, this is a one-way 6-kilometer trail that ends on the other side of the hills.
You could retrace the steps via the same trail, but it doesn't make much sense.
Therefore, we believe this trail is more popular among locals who can plan their trip more carefully.
Again, we suggest following the Blue Route instead.
Nature Trail - White Route
This easy 1.5-kilometer looped walk leads along meadows, woodland, and open limestone pavement.
If you're looking for a short and easy hike in Burren National Park, this is always a great choice.
Knockaunroe - Orange Route
Another easy trail is marked as an Orange Trail. It's a 1.3-kilometer looped walk suitable for all ages and abilities.
It's popular for its hazel/ash woodland, badgers (and other wildlife), and rich grasslands.
However, there is no limestone pavement, and that's why we believe there are better trails for first-time visitors.
Corofin Information Point
Situated in the village of Corofin, this seasonal visitor center set in a building of Clare Heritage Centre Interpretative Museum provides information on Burren National Park and is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
In case you want to learn more about the national park, its fauna, flora, or the trails, this is the place to go.
By the way, there is also the Burren Visitor Centre in the village of Kilfenora. Mind you. It's not the same thing.
The free shuttle to Burren National Park departs from Corofin Information Point.
Slieve Carran Nature Reserve
If you still can't get enough of the iconic limestone pavement and stunning views, you can also head out to the nearby Slieve Carran Nature Reserve.
You will find a small parking lot (Slieve Carran - Eagles Rock on Google Maps) and two additional trails here.
You can choose between a 2.5-kilometer Slieve Carran (Brown Route) and a 2-kilometer Slieve Carran (Yellow Route).
The Brown Route also features a stone oratory, a cave, a 7th-century holy well associated with St. Colman MacDuagh, and limestone pavement.
The Yellow Route has limestone pavement as well, plus orchid-rich grasslands.
Opening Hours
While Burren National Park technically has no opening hours, the visitor center in Corofin has.
Corofin Information Point has seasonal opening times, so we always recommend you check them for your chosen visit date.
It's usually open daily from 9:30 AM to 5 PM from June to September. From March to June, it's open from Wednesday to Sunday.
The visitor center is open only on weekends during the off-season (October to March).
Entrance Fee
There is no entry fee to Burren National Park, making it one of the best places to visit in County Clare, especially if you're visiting Ireland on a budget.
How Much Time Do I Need
It usually takes about two to three hours to tackle the longest hike in Burren National Park, plus you will need about thirty minutes to get to the trailhead when departing from the coastal area.
In general, we would say you will need about three to four hours for the national park.
Still, if you want to explore all the trails within this area, you can easily spend a full day here.
When to Go
Burren National Park is beautiful any time of the year, though summer is considered to be the best season for hiking in this karst region.
Nice weather, warm temperatures, and long days are the main draws to visit.
For most travelers, summer is also the best time to visit Ireland, as you can easily explore many spectacular places on this island without worrying too much about the weather.
With appropriate clothing and equipment, autumn is also a great season to explore the Burren area.
Late spring is ideal for those who want to see the wildflowers in bloom.
We visited the national park in May and met only a few other hikers along the trail.
Winter in Burren National Park lacks the crowds of the summer season, but the days are often cold and wet in this area.
Traveling in the off-season has plenty of downsides, but it's one of the best ways to avoid crowds.
What to Pack
Due to the rocky terrain of the local hiking trails, there are several essential items you should pack for Burren National Park.
For starters, the trail surface is variable, so make sure to wear proper footwear. We left our lightweight runners in our car's trunk this time and used our trusty hiking boots instead.
On top of that, the stones get slippery on a rainy day, and you will need shoes with a good grip.
Furthermore, trekking poles will help you maintain your balance on your adventures and reduce some stress from your knees.
As usual, be prepared for changeable weather, and make sure to check the local weather forecast before you go. Despite the sunny skies, it was still quite chilly due to the constant wind.
Always bring a quality rain jacket to stay nice and warm, plus we usually keep our trusty rain pants in your daypack just in case.
Here you will find our complete Ireland packing list.
How to Get There
If you want to get to the heart of Burren National Park, you will most likely need a car to maximize your time in this area.
Unless you take a private guided tour or use the free shuttle that runs only during the summer season, getting to this area without your own transport will prove difficult.
The local roads are quite narrow, so drive carefully. Here you will find more tips on driving in Ireland and renting a car in Ireland.
Parking
There are basically three main areas from where you can explore Burren National Park.
The most popular parking area (P1) is located in the heart of the national park, on the crossroads of L1112 and Green Road.
It's also known as Gortlecka Crossroads. Here you will find a designated parking lot with limited capacity.
As it fills up quickly during the peak season, visitors usually leave their vehicles on the side of the adjacent roads.
If you find this solution not ideal, you can park your car in Corofin, where you will find the Visitor Center.
During the summer, a free shuttle bus departs from here.
Alternatively, Cooloorta (P2) is situated on the eastern edge of the Burren National Park. It's also a starting (or ending) point of Mullaghmore Traverse (Red Route).
Unfortunately, there is practically no place to park your car, and leaving your car on the side of a narrow road is not optimal in this area.
Car
Whether you start in Doolin, Lahinch, Kinvara, or Ballyvaughan, you will need about thirty minutes to reach the Green Road from the coast.
It takes about an hour to get to the national park from Galway, which is about the same amount of time when driving here from Limerick.
Dublin is about three-hour drive east of here. Cork is situated in the south, and it takes about two hours to reach this area from there.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Shuttle Bus
In the peak season, a free shuttle bus service provides transport from the Visitor Center in Corofin to the national park.
This option is often recommended even for those exploring Burren National Park by car.
Bus
Getting to Corofin by bus is not impossible, but not very convenient for tourists pressed for time.
Bus routes 350 and 417, run by Bus Eireann, connect Galway with Ennis (or Tuam) and make a stop at Corofin.
Where to Stay
When it comes to accommodation, it all depends on your travel itinerary. The nearest large city is Galway, but many travelers also decide to stay in Limmerick, Shannon, or Ennis, depending on the direction of travel.
However, for the majority of tourists, the main highlight of this area is the Cliffs of Moher, and you can find plenty of hotels and bed and breakfasts along the coastline.
Especially the villages of Doolin, Lahinch or Liscannor are popular.
So here are the best hotels near Burren National Park.
Ennis | Temple Gate Hotel - Set in the historic center of Ennis, this beautiful hotel features cozy rooms, an on-site restaurant, free private parking, and hosts traditional Irish music.
Lahinch | Lahinch Coast Hotel and Suites - Situated beside the beach in the small village of Lahinch, this stylish hotel has a fantastic location for exploring the entire Burren, not just the national park. It has spacious rooms, a seasonal pool and sauna, and free private parking.
Galway | Leonardo Hotel Galway - Set in the heart of Galway, this hotel is always a safe choice when looking for accommodation near Burren. The rooms have modern decor, and the location in the city center is extremely convenient.
Staying Safe
In general, Burren National Park is a safe place to visit, but you will still need to use your common sense to avoid any potential risks.
While the landscape in Burren National Park may not seem at first as treacherous as the mountains in Connemara National Park or the Wicklow Mountains, make sure to come prepared.
The weather in this area is still very unpredictable and should not be underestimated, especially when exploring Burren National Park in the off-season.
While the local trails are not as difficult as their official ratings suggest, a good amount of concentration is required to negotiate the uneven terrain.
Sturdy footwear and even hiking poles will really help.
When leaving your car for any length of time, keep all your belongings and valuables out of sight so the thieves won't see what's inside your vehicle.
Here you will find helpful tips on staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Burren National Park Worth Visiting?
Thanks to its unique landscape, superb views, and amazing hiking trails, Burren National Park is definitely worth visiting.
It's among the best things to do in County Clare, and we were really happy that we incorporated it into our Ireland road trip itinerary.
Sure, you can see this epic karst scenery even through your car window when driving along the coastal road R477, but we would argue it's not the same experience.
There is something magical about Burren's karst landscape, and there is no better place to get really a sense of it than here in the national park.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
