THE BURREN & CLIFFS OF MOHER
The Burren and the Cliffs of Moher form an extraordinary region where stark, lunar-like landscapes meet the raw, dramatic beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way. This area is a testament to nature’s power, blending unique geology with ancient human history.
This is a land of fascinating contrasts, from the dazzling white limestone pavements to the sheer, dark cliffs plunging into the ocean. It’s a must-see for those seeking geological wonders, vibrant traditional music, and breathtaking coastal views.
Most Popular Attractions
Geological Wonders & Coastal Sites
The Cliffs of Moher: Ireland’s most visited natural attraction, soaring up to 214 meters above the Atlantic Ocean and offering spectacular views.
The Burren National Park: A vast expanse of glaciated karst landscape, home to unique flora, including Arctic, Mediterranean, and Alpine plants.
Aillwee Cave: A popular show cave in the heart of the Burren, featuring an underground river, waterfall, and large stalactites.
Doolin Cave: Home to the longest known free-hanging stalactite in the Northern Hemisphere, measuring 7.3 meters.
Fanore Beach: A stunning sandy beach backed by the Burren’s limestone pavements, popular for surfing and birdwatching.
The Burren Ecotourism Centre: A hub for sustainable tourism, offering guided walks and information on the area’s geology and ecology.
Doolin Cliff Walk: A marked path offering a stunning, less crowded walk along the clifftops between Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre.
Black Head Loop: A scenic driving route offering stunning views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands, with limestone pavement stretching to the coast.
Archaeology & Heritage Sites
Poulnabrone Dolmen: An iconic portal tomb dating back to the Neolithic period (4200 BC to 2900 BC), a powerful symbol of the Burren’s ancient history.
O’Brien’s Tower: A historic 19th-century viewing tower located on the highest point of the Cliffs of Moher, built for Victorian tourists.
Corcomroe Abbey: The impressive, well-preserved ruins of a 13th-century Cistercian monastery set in a peaceful valley.
Leamaneh Castle: A striking, ruined 17th-century manor house and tower house located near Kilfenora.
Dysert O’Dea Castle & Archaeology Centre: A restored 15th-century tower house with a museum dedicated to the rich archaeology of the surrounding area.
Caherconnell Stone Fort: A well-preserved ringfort (cahair) dating from the 10th century, with an excellent visitor experience and sheepdog demonstrations.
Kilfenora Cathedral: The ruins of a medieval cathedral known for its ancient High Crosses, including the impressive Kilfenora High Cross.
Carran Church: The small, secluded ruins of a medieval church located deep within the Burren.
Gleninagh Castle: A well-preserved 16th-century tower house located near Black Head, overlooking Galway Bay.
Towns, Villages & Culture
Doolin: The undisputed capital of traditional Irish music, famous for its lively pubs and ferry connections to the Aran Islands.
Ballyvaughan: A charming coastal village with a picturesque harbour, known for its seafood and proximity to many Burren attractions.
Kinvara: A beautiful village on the Galway Bay side, home to the striking medieval Dunguaire Castle, often hosting medieval banquets.
Lisdoonvarna: Famous for its annual Matchmaking Festival, a spa town with a lively, traditional atmosphere.
The Burren Perfumery: A small, family-run company that makes cosmetics and perfumes using natural ingredients from the Burren.
Vaughan’s Anchor Inn (Liscannor): A popular spot for traditional music sessions and excellent local food near the Cliffs of Moher.
The Wild Atlantic Way: The entire region forms a spectacular stretch of this famous coastal touring route.
Gus O’Connor’s Pub (Doolin): One of the most famous pubs in Ireland, a legendary venue for traditional music.
Activities & Experiences
Walk the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Trail: Hike the dramatic cliff-edge path between Liscannor and Doolin (or a section thereof) for unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands.
Take a Cliffs of Moher Boat Tour: View the sheer magnitude of the cliffs from below on a ferry trip from Doolin, offering a unique perspective and excellent birdwatching opportunities for species like Puffins (seasonal).
Explore the Burren National Park: Hike one of the waymarked trails (e.g., the Mullaghmore Loop) to discover the unique karst landscape, with its limestone pavement, dolmens, and diverse, unusual flora.
Visit Poulnabrone Dolmen: Stand before this iconic Neolithic portal tomb, dating back to 3600 BC, an essential piece of the Burren’s ancient archaeological heritage.
Delve into Doolin Cave: Go underground to witness the “Great Stalactite,” the longest free-hanging stalactite in the Northern Hemisphere.
Experience a Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstration: Explore the well-preserved ancient stone fort and watch skilled local farmers demonstrate traditional sheepdog herding.
Taste Local Flavours on the Burren Food Trail: Follow this award-winning trail to sample artisan cheese, smoked salmon at the Burren Smokehouse, craft beer, and other local produce.
Go Caving or Rock Climbing: For the adventurous, engage in outdoor activities like caving or rock climbing, making use of the region’s distinctive geological features.
Explore the Aillwee Burren Experience: Visit Aillwee Cave for a guided tour, and enjoy the Birds of Prey Centre to see flying demonstrations with hawks, falcons, and owls.
Enjoy Traditional Irish Music in Doolin: Spend an evening in the village of Doolin, often considered the home of traditional Irish music, listening to live sessions in its famous pubs.
Cycle the Burren Discovery Trail: Rent a bike and explore the quiet coastal and inland roads, taking in the stunning scenery at your own pace.
Take a Ferry to the Aran Islands: Use Doolin Pier as a gateway to Inis Oírr (Inisheer), the smallest of the Aran Islands, for a deep dive into traditional Irish language and culture.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is the Easiest: The most convenient way to explore the Burren’s vast, spread-out landscape, charming villages, and hidden archaeological sites is by car. Narrow, winding, sometimes single-lane roads are common, especially on the coastal route (part of the Wild Atlantic Way).
Seasonal Shuttle Bus: During the peak summer season (typically May to August), a free “Burren & Cliffs Explorer” shuttle bus often operates, connecting major towns and sites like Corofin, Kilfenora, Doolin, and the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre. Check local timetables, as services are infrequent outside of summer.
Public Bus (Bus Éireann): Route 350 connects Galway to Ennis via the Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, and Lisdoonvarna. While useful for linking major hubs, services are limited and require careful planning.
Walking & Cycling: The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk and the Burren Way walking route are excellent for covering the distance on foot. For cyclists, the area is world-renowned, but be prepared for hilly terrain and weather exposure.
Dress for Four Seasons in One Day: The weather on Ireland’s Atlantic coast is notoriously unpredictable. Always wear layers and bring waterproof/windproof outerwear and sturdy, waterproof walking boots, regardless of the forecast. The winds at the Cliffs of Moher can be very strong.
The Burren’s Unique Landscape: The term “Burren” (from the Irish Boíreann) means “stony place.” It’s a UNESCO Global Geopark. Respect the unique ecosystem: stay on marked trails to protect the fragile flora—which includes Arctic, Alpine, and Mediterranean species growing side-by-side.
Traditional Irish Music: The area, particularly Doolin, is a hotspot for trad (traditional) music. Don’t just show up to a pub—ask a local when the music is scheduled. Seating is often first-come, first-served, and sessions are a lively, social affair, not a formal concert.
Cliff Safety: The Cliffs of Moher are a natural wonder and can be dangerous. Stay behind the safety barriers and ropes. Do not walk on unstable ground near the edge, especially during high winds or wet weather.
Tours from the Sea: For the most dramatic and comprehensive view of the Cliffs, a boat trip is highly recommended. The perspective from the Atlantic is vastly different from the clifftop view.
Dining Culture: Pubs often serve lunch and dinner, but dining is generally earlier than in Mediterranean countries. Fish and Chips and locally-sourced seafood are staples.
Hidden Gems:
- The Flaggy Shore: Immortalized by Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney, this is a beautiful spot for a seaside stroll, offering stunning views across Galway Bay.
- Kilfenora High Crosses: Visit the ruined cathedral in the ‘Crosses of Kilfenora’ heritage site to see some of the finest examples of medieval Celtic crosses in Ireland.
- Guerin’s Path (Alternative Cliffs View): A local farmer’s lane provides a less-crowded access point to the cliff walk south of the main visitor centre, often for a smaller fee than the main car park.
Top Restaurants
Monks Ballyvaughan Seafood Restaurant & Bar [$30-$50] – A renowned spot on the pier in Ballyvaughan, offering excellent fresh seafood with stunning views of Galway Bay in a comfortable, relaxed setting.
The Roadside Tavern [$25-$45] – Located in Lisdoonvarna, this pub is a local institution, famous for its award-winning food, including Burren Smokehouse products (which they own) and a microbrewery.
Linnane’s Bar [$25-$40] – A classic, traditional Irish pub in New Quay near the shore, known for its fresh seafood, chowder, and a cozy atmosphere with beautiful views of Galway Bay.
Vaughan’s Pub [$20-$35] – A cherished, traditional Irish pub in Kilfenora, famous for its association with traditional music and offering a mix of hearty pub favorites and traditional Irish dishes.
Gus O’Connor’s Pub [$20-$35] – An iconic, traditional pub in Doolin, known worldwide for its nightly traditional Irish music sessions and serving solid, hearty pub grub like stews and seafood chowder.
Wild Kitchen [$15-$30] – Located in Kinvara (just outside the Geopark), this spot focuses on foraging and cooking with local, wild, and seasonal ingredients, offering a unique, earthy take on local fare (often seasonal/pop-up).
L’Arco Italian Restaurant [$25-$40] – A highly-regarded Italian restaurant in Ballyvaughan, popular with locals for its authentic dishes prepared by Italian chefs using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.
The Wildflower Cottage (at Sheedys Hotel) [$30-$50] – A long-established, family-run hotel restaurant in Lisdoonvarna offering traditional Irish and European cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
Vaughan’s Anchor Inn [$35-$55] – A well-loved, family-run pub and restaurant in Liscannor, known for its welcoming atmosphere and quality Irish cuisine, especially its excellent seafood, using fresh local produce.
The Fish Box [$15-$25] – A popular, casual spot in Kilfenora offering fresh, locally caught fish and chips and other simple, delicious seafood takeaway.
O’Donohue’s Pub [$20-$35] – A traditional, no-frills pub in Fanore offering a warm welcome and simple, satisfying pub food and an authentic feel.
Cassidy’s Bar [$20-$35] – A cozy, traditional pub in Carron known for its warm atmosphere and simple but delicious food, popular with locals and hikers.
McGann’s Pub [$20-$35] – Another well-known spot in Doolin for traditional music and serving good, straightforward pub food.
The Clare Jam Company Café [$10-$20] – A lovely daytime spot near Doolin for light fare, baked goods, and of course, a variety of gourmet jams and chutneys made on-site.
Puffin’s Nest Café [$10-$20] – Located on the ground floor of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, a convenient spot for hot drinks, sandwiches, and soup, using local produce.
Wild Honey Inn [$60-$100] – Ireland’s first Michelin-starred pub (now a luxury guesthouse restaurant), located in Lisdoonvarna, offering refined, classical French-based bistro cooking showcasing top-quality, local Irish produce.
Gregans Castle Hotel Restaurant [$70-$110] – A quietly luxurious country house dining experience in Ballyvaughan, offering a gourmet menu focused on the wonderful foods of the Burren with unparalleled views.
Oar Restaurant & Rooms [$50-$80] – A MICHELIN Guide listed restaurant in Doolin with views towards the Cliffs of Moher, offering modern Irish cuisine crafted using top-notch local produce with care and skill.
Homestead Cottage [$80-$120+] – An intimate, modern cuisine experience in a 200-year-old characterful cottage in Doolin, often offering a tasting menu showcasing local and seasonal ingredients.
The Dining Room (at Gregans Castle Hotel) [$70-$110] – The formal dining experience at Gregans Castle, known for Head Chef Robbie McCauley’s commitment to sourcing ingredients from the Burren landscape.
Burren Storehouse [$25-$45] – An innovative space in Lisdoonvarna adjacent to the Roadside Tavern and Burren Smokehouse, offering a more modern dining experience with an emphasis on local produce, including their own craft beer.
The Liscannor Seafood Bar [$30-$50] – A modern spot that focuses on fresh, local seafood with a contemporary preparation in the village of Liscannor, close to the Cliffs.
The Doolin Inn Restaurant [$25-$45] – The restaurant at the Doolin Inn offers a fresh, modern menu focusing on local suppliers and seasonal produce in a stylish setting.
The Fiddle + Bow Restaurant [$30-$50] – Located in Doolin, this restaurant offers modern Irish cuisine in a vibrant setting, with an emphasis on local and high-quality ingredients.
Burren Fine Wine & Food [$20-$40] – Located in Ballyvaughan, primarily a charming daytime spot but also offering locally-flavoured bites, afternoon tea, and a unique wine selection in a scenic setting.
Wild Atlantic Lodge Restaurant [$25-$45] – Located in Ballyvaughan, offering a modern menu that highlights local seafood and Irish classics with a contemporary flair.
The Rusty Nail [$25-$45] – A popular, modern bar and restaurant in Lisdoonvarna offering a contemporary menu with a great atmosphere.
Moher Cottage [$10-$20] – A lovely spot near St. Brigid’s Well and the Cliffs of Moher offering coffee, baked goods, and stunning views, focusing on local Burren produce and artisan products.
The Aillwee Cave Farmshop [$10-$25] – Not just a restaurant, but a place where you can taste and buy the locally produced Burren Gold Cheese, alongside other regional products.
Linnalla Pure Irish Ice Cream [$5-$10] – A unique stop in New Quay for delicious, award-winning ice cream made on the Fahy’s farm with milk and cream from their own herd of shorthorn cows.
Hylands Burren Hotel Bistro Restaurant [$25-$45] – Located in Ballyvaughan, offering a comfortable dining experience with a menu that prominently features locally sourced Burren foods.
The Cliffs View Café [$15-$30] – Located on the first floor of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, offering traditional Irish food with spectacular views, committed to sourcing local Burren ingredients.
Hazel Mountain Chocolate Cafe [$10-$20] – Located in Bellharbour, this is Ireland’s first bean-to-bar chocolate factory. The café offers delicious hot chocolate, coffee, and baked goods, a truly unique stop for a sweet treat.
The Market House [$20-$35] – Located in Ennistimon, this spot often features great local produce and a vibrant atmosphere.
An Fear Gorta (Tea & Garden Rooms) [$15-$30] – A delightful stone restaurant in Ballyvaughan, dating back to 1790, offering traditional Afternoon Tea and locally-flavoured daytime bites.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Gus O’Connor’s Pub (Doolin): Arguably the most famous pub in Doolin for its traditional music sessions, which are held nightly. It’s an iconic and historic pub known globally as a key stop for music enthusiasts.
McGann’s Pub (Doolin): A family-run traditional pub in the heart of Doolin, known for its warm atmosphere, excellent pub food, and non-stop traditional Irish music sessions, popular with both locals and tourists.
McDermott’s Pub (Doolin): Another of Doolin’s renowned music venues, offering high-energy traditional Irish music sessions in a rustic and charming setting, a short walk from the other Doolin pubs.
Fitz’s Pub (Doolin): Located at Hotel Doolin, this spot often offers a blend of traditional music and modern folk in a contemporary yet cozy setting, a great place for a pint and a variety of tunes.
The Bloody Cranesbill Bar (Liscannor, near Cliffs of Moher): Found within the Cliffs of Moher Hotel, this bar offers a good selection of premium Irish whiskeys and craft gins, alongside live traditional music, providing a welcoming atmosphere close to the famous cliffs.
Vaughan’s Anchor Inn (Liscannor): A popular bar and restaurant close to the Cliffs of Moher, offering delightful cuisine and a traditional pub atmosphere, great for a post-sightseeing drink.
Joseph McHugh’s Pub (Liscannor): A traditional establishment in Liscannor offering great food and a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for experiencing local Irish culture.
Egan’s Pub (Liscannor): A historic pub established in 1910, famous for its traditional charm, a cosy Victorian interior with a blazing hearth, and for hosting live music sessions, a short drive from the Cliffs of Moher.
Vaughan’s Pub (Kilfenora): Located slightly inland, this pub is a cozy spot famous for its traditional Irish cuisine and music, offering an authentic experience in the heart of the Burren.
Roadside Tavern (Lisdoonvarna): A charming gastropub and home to the Burren Brewery, offering traditional flavors, a wide beer selection, and a slice of Irish hospitality in the old spa town of Lisdoonvarna.
O’Loclainn Whiskey Bar (Ballyvaughan): A quintessential traditional Irish pub and a hidden gem near the harbour in Ballyvaughan, renowned for its extensive collection of over 70 Irish whiskeys, occasionally featuring traditional music.
Greene’s Pub (Ballyvaughan): A traditional music venue in Ballyvaughan, known for hosting sessions, including traditional and folk music, particularly during the summer months.
The Fountain Bar (Ballyvaughan): Located in Hylands Burren Hotel, this bar hosts live music most nights, often featuring Traditional Irish Music sessions on Sunday nights, a central spot in Ballyvaughan.
Connolly’s Downstairs Gastro Music Bar (Kinvara): Located on the shores of Kinvara, this historic bar has been renovated into a gastro-music bar, preserving its legacy as a renowned venue for live Irish music with a focus on local, organic produce.
Green’s Bar (Kinvara): Famed for its impromptu Traditional Sessions, this bar is known for its friendly, intimate venue and for welcoming visiting musicians in the lovely village of Kinvara.
Kenny’s Bar (Lahinch): Evolved from a coachhouse, this is now a well-established pub/restaurant and a highly regarded music venue known as the home of the Whitehorse Sessions, close to the Lahinch beach and surf scene.
The Corner Stone Bar and Restaurant (Lahinch): Offering authentic Irish cuisine and hospitality in Lahinch, this bar is a great spot for a relaxed drink near the coast.
The Edge (Lahinch): A vibrant bar in Lahinch offering stunning ocean views and craft drinks, popular with both locals and surfers after a day in the water.
The Nineteenth Bar (Lahinch): Located in Lahinch, this spot is known for live music and is a popular venue for sports enthusiasts, offering a friendly Irish pub atmosphere.
Cullinans Bar (Ennistymon): A cozy pub in the nearby town of Ennistymon, blending local beers and Irish hospitality.
The Claremont Bar & Nightclub (Lahinch): Serving as both a bar and a nightclub, this spot in Lahinch provides a livelier nightlife option with music and dancing, a step up from the typical pub.
Queens Hotel and Night Club (Ennis): Located in the nearby town of Ennis, this venue contains two separate nightclubs, The Outer Limits and The Sanctuary, offering a large capacity and modern clubbing experience for those seeking a late-night dance. (While outside the immediate Burren, it is the closest significant club venue).
O’Looney’s Surf Bar and Night Club (Lahinch): Combining a surf bar feel with a nightclub setting, this venue in the seaside town of Lahinch provides a more energetic option for late-night music and dancing.
The Attic at Hotel Doolin (Doolin): A unique space at Hotel Doolin that hosts a variety of live music, spoken word, and theatre, serving as a venue for visiting artists and a slightly alternative, modern cultural experience.
Doolin Music House (Doolin): A truly intimate and unique experience where guests are invited into the home of musician Christy Barry for an evening of storytelling and traditional Irish music, offering a deeper connection to the local culture.