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As you travel through the Burren, 7,000 years of history unfolds before your
eyes, with farmsteads from the Stone Age and the Iron Age, churches, abbeys and
high crosses, plus castles and fortresses of local lords.
The unique diversity of the Burren's flora has constantly attracted much
attention and its extraordinary rock formations, spreading over 500 sq km, have
been referred to by many observers including General Ludlow, who led Cromwellian
forces in 1651 as "a lunar landscape".
The Cliffs of Moher
These majestic cliffs stand almost 200m above the Atlantic and stretch 8 km
from Hag's Head to a point beyond O'Brien's Tower.They are also the home of a
wide variety of birds. From the Cliffs one can see Loop Head to the South, the
Aran Islands, Galway Bay, and to the north Connemara. There is a vistors centre.
Aillwee Cave, Ballyvaughan.
Discovered in Jack McCann, a local farmer, in 1944, the 1000 feet long
cave is one of the oldest of the Burren Caves having formed millions of years
ago. Guided tours, lasting 30 minutes, allow you to observe beautiful caverns,
bridged chasms, underground waterfalls, weird mineral formations and the
hibernation chambers of brown bears which have been extinct in Ireland for
centuries.
Facilities include a restaurant, craft shop, information desk and outside, 'The
Hazel wood' crafts village.
Burren Exposure, Ballyvaughan.
Located in the unique Burren, this new visitors' centre provides visitors with
an overview of the area and its unique landscape, its rich human history and its
famous flora. Elaborate audio - visual presentation synchronised large scale
slide panoramas with soundscapes in 3 specially created environments.
Burren Centre, Kilfenora
The Burren's flora, archeology, geology, legends and history make it unique in
Europe. This centre introduces you to this enigma with audio visual and display
supports.
Burren Perfumery, Carron
Ireland's oldest Perfumery is situated in one of the most unique floral
landscapes in the world. The fragrances here all use these flora as their
inspirational source and green base. Includes a flora centre, herb garden, photo
exhibition and outstanding audio visual.
The Burren Smokehouse, Lisdoonvarna
In the visitors centre you can experience the ancient tradition of oak smoking
Atlantic salmon. It also includes a gourmet store and craft shop where you can
enjoy shopping for locally produced crafts and gourmet foods.
Liscannor Stone Story
Learn about the history of quarrying in the area and the properties of the
various flagstones.
Poulawack
(Poll an Bhaic - hole or cave of the angle or bend) is a large cairn, excavated
in 1934 and found to contain the remains of 18 people, some primitive
instruments and some Bronze Age potsherds.
Poulnabrone Dolmen
(Poll na Brón - hole of the quern), a magnificent portal dolmen dated from 2,500
B.C. The capstone projects forward over the entrance or portal and the tomb is
surrounded by a low circular cairn, 9m in diameter.
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