Description
The Burren Way is a premier long-distance walking trail located in the heart of County Clare, offering a world-class look into Ireland's unique geological and rural heritage for walkers of all age groups. Skirting the scenic Atlantic coastline before moving inland across spectacular terraced limestone hills, it serves as an excellent option for families looking for real outdoor adventures, stunning landscapes, and wild explorations. As one of Ireland's leading waymarked trails, it provides a fantastic mix of coastal beauty and ancient history, making it one of the best things to do with kids in County Clare.
Access to this remarkable linear trail costs absolutely nothing, making it an incredibly good-value option for a family day out. Because there are no entry tickets or standard booking fees, families can freely choose to walk shorter, custom-tailored sections of the route without spending a penny. It is always best to check the weather forecast ahead of time, as advanced planning ensures your family stays comfortable along the open, exposed karst terrain.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, this authentic and beautifully situated trail delivers an exceptional mix of interactive nature walks and dramatic scenery. From spotting rare wildflowers sprouting out of rocky limestone crevices to exploring historic village trailheads, it offers an enriching experience that will keep young minds thoroughly entertained. It stands out as a top-tier choice for introducing children to the world of unique ecosystems, rambling stone walls, and wide-open mountain landscapes.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
Key Features
- Vast Limestone Karst Pavements: The trail crosses an extraordinary, moon-like expanse of exposed limestone terraces, creating an otherworldly outdoor playground.
- Scenic Coastal Track Options: Sections of the route trace the dramatic Wild Atlantic Way coastline, treating families to sweeping views over the ocean.
- Abundant Arctic-Alpine Flora: Children can hunt for unique native wildflowers, such as gentians and mountain avens, growing directly out of rocky cracks.
- Rambling Ancient Stone Walls: The landscape is crisscrossed by hundreds of miles of classic drystone walls and historic farm boundaries.
- Six Welcoming Trailhead Villages: The route weaves seamlessly through local hubs, making it incredibly easy to break the walk into small, child-friendly segments.
Highlights
- The Cliffs of Moher Section: A breathtaking coastal stretch near the Doolin trailhead, featuring some of the highest and most iconic sea cliffs in Europe.
- The Slieve Elva Mountain Shoulder: The highest point of the trail, ascending 344 metres to provide panoramic views over the surrounding hills.
- The Black Head Coastline: A rugged, bare limestone headland on the northernmost part of the path, looking straight out towards Galway Bay.
- The Caher River Valley: A scenic section near Fanore featuring one of the very few over-ground, flowing rivers in the entire limestone Burren region.
- Early Christian Church Ruins: Fascinating, centuries-old stone ruins and medieval relics scattered discretely along the inland trail routes.
Beyond the Main Attraction
- The Burren Centre: Located in the historic village of Kilfenora, this fantastic visitor center offers interactive local history exhibitions and a cozy tearoom.
- Fanore Beach: A stunning, golden sandy beach located directly along the trail route, perfect for building sandcastles and exploring tidal rockpools.
- Doolin Village: A colourful seaside hub famous as the traditional music capital of Ireland, offering family-friendly pubs, sweet shops, and daily Aran Island ferries.
7.53 miles
