Burren Way

The Burren is a national park and one of the world's most unusual landscapes. Its karst limestone bedrock is home to rare flora and fauna and is crossed by a network of ancient roads and laneways ideal for cycling. Inhabited for millennia, it is dotted with hundreds of archaeological sites, including Poulnabrone Dolmen (2,500 BC).

Starting in Galway, this self-guided tour follows Galway Bay's back roads to Kinvara, then crosses the Burren past the Burren Perfumery and Carron to Doolin, a stronghold of traditional Irish music. From Doolin, riders visit the Cliffs of Moher and the surf town of Lahinch, with an optional day trip to the Aran Islands.

The coast road via Fanore and Black Head lighthouse leads to Ballyvaughan. A final ride passes Corcomroe Abbey, the Burren Chocolate factory and the Flaggy Shore to Kinvara, followed by a transfer back to Galway.

Highlights:

• The Burren's unique karst limestone landscape and rare flora
• Prehistoric sites, stone forts, castle ruins and Corcomroe Abbey
• The Cliffs of Moher and the surf town of Lahinch
• Optional day trip to the Aran Islands and Dún Aonghasa
• The Black Head coast road to Ballyvaughan
• Traditional music in the pubs of Doolin and Lisdoonvarna

Surface and terrain:
Quiet sealed back roads and small laneways across the Burren's limestone country, plus coastal roads around Galway Bay. Gradient is rated easy to moderate.

Weather:
The tour runs April to October, so riders should expect changeable Atlantic conditions and pack wet-weather gear.

Suitable for: Recreational riders comfortable with around 35–40 km a day at their own pace, with an interest in history, archaeology and traditional music. Distances can be increased on request.

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