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“There is a world apart, of elemental beauty carved by glacier, where tiny wildflowers pierce through limestone..”

 

The Breathing Burren

by Maureen Grady

Listen to nature’s voice

Welcome to Burren
National Park

The Burren National Park, covering 1,800 hectares in the southeastern corner of the Burren in County Clare, draws its name from the Irish boíreann, or rocky place. But the Burren has been referred to as fertile rock, internationally famous for its landscape and unique flora.


Lime-loving and acid-loving plants grow beside one another, and woodland plants grow out in the open, without a tree nearby for shade – all surviving in a land that appears to be composed entirely  of limestone pavement.

Explore the park’s fascinating flora and geology, discover our walking trails, or learn about how we manage the land to protect nature in the National Park. Our Information Point in Corofin, a village 8 km from the park, is open year round and provides a free shuttle bus, which runs from May to September.

The Burren National Park is situated on the southeastern side of the Burren, in north Co. Clare. To access the park, from Corofin, take the R476 to Kilnaboy. In Kilnaboy, take the right turn (L1112) before the ruined church. Approximately 5 kilometres along this road you will reach a crossroads.

While there is a small lay-by just before this crossroads on the right that can accommodate some cars, we advise visitors to avail of the free Park and Ride service from Corofin during the summer months. Then on foot, turn right, along Crag Road, and the Burren National Park lands are on your left. This is a public road so be careful of traffic.

Boundary Map of
Burren National Park

Burren Boundary Map

Area

1,500 ha

S.P.A:

001936

Location in Co.Clare

Location in Co.Clare

Legend

  • Lake
  • River
  • R480 / R460
  • Mountain Peak
  • Trailhead
  • Park Boundary
  • Woodland

This map is for illustrative purposes only and shall not be held conclusive as to the boundaries or their extent. Please note the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage makes no representation or provides any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or currency of this map. The use of this map, which may be altered or updated at any tiome without notice, is at the sole risk of the user.

News & Notices


Minister Noonan launches public consultation on the future of Ireland’s National Parks

10 October 2024


‘Your Parks, Your Say’ is the first phase of a national conversation to inform the definition, purpose and management of our National Parks.
Read more

Burren National Park Summer/Autumn Newsletter

3 September 2024


Read the latest news and events from the Burren National Park. https://www.nationalparks.ie/app/uploads/2024/09/Sum-Aut-Newsletter-2024.pdf
Read more

September Guided Walks

2 September 2024


Read more

Picks of the Park


Karst Landscape Habitat

Habitats


The limestone pavement of the Burren is part of Europe’s largest karst landscape. Limestone pavement has become synonymous with the Burren and covers most of the National Park, although usually in a mosaic with other habitats. Find out more about this unique habitat by clicking the link below.

Habitats

Orchids of the Burren

Flora and Fauna


Orchid species flourish in the Burren. In fact, 23 of Ireland’s 27 orchid species can be found in the park. The first to flower each spring are the early purple orchid and the dense-flowered orchid. Other species here include fly orchid, bee orchid, butterfly orchid and four species of helleborine, including the rare sword-leaved helleborine.

Flora

Visitor Information Point

Learning & Education


The Burren National Park Information Point is open six months of the year from April until the end of September. Our Visitor Guides also offer an outreach programme to local schools providing information about the Burren National Park and the plants and animals that live there.

Learn

About Your Visit


The Burren National Park is comprised of a series of areas of publicly owned land located within the wider Burren region. Much of the rest of the region is privately owned. The Burren National Park lands are managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and can be accessed from a number of locations.

The best way to experience the National Park is to firstly visit the Burren National Park Information Point in the village of Corofin. At the Information Point you can speak with our Guides to find out the best things to see and do, hiking routes, and join of our free guided tours (contact the Information Point to book in advance).

From the Information Point in Corofin we provide a free shuttle bus to the National Park trailhead departing every thirty minutes, and returning from the same point, from May to the end of August. In the village you will find shops, a café and campsite.

Parking is free in Corofin. There are no parking, shop or toilet facilities at the trailhead.

How to Get Here

To get to the Burren National Park Information Point please enter the Eircode V95 VX83 or the coordinates 52.944953,-9.063026 into your navigation device.

We are in Corofin, approximately 15 minutes (10km) from Ennis, Co. Clare, on the R476 road and 30 minutes (23km) from Gort, Co. Galway, on the R460.


Public transport to Corofin

The following bus routes service Corofin:

Free Shuttle Bus


A free shuttle bus service runs from the Burren National Park Information Point in Corofin to the trailhead at Gortlecka Cross, near Kilnaboy in the Burren National Park, daily from the start of May to the end of August.

  • This service runs on a first come, first served basis. Seats on the bus cannot be reserved
  • Visitors are advised to use this service where possible as parking in the park is limited

Shuttle Bus Timetable

Leaving Corofin Leaving the
Burren National Park
9:30 9:45
10:00 10:15
10:30 10:45
11:00 11:15
11:30 11:45
12:00 12:15
12:30 12:45
Lunch Break Lunch Break
14:00 14:15
14:30 14:45
15:00 15:15
15:30 15:45
16:00 16:15
16:30 16:45
17:00 17:15

Protect Nature

Protecting nature is the main aim of a National Park. Conservation work goes hand in hand with responsible outdoor recreation and visitors can help play their part by following these useful tips.

Useful Tips

Keep to the marked trails to protect the landscape and it’s habitats.

It is important to keep to the marked trails to protect the landscape and prevent disturbance to the wildlife. Check the weather and make sure you have everything you need to bring before you set off.

Protect ancient structures

Many of the walls in the Burren are ancient structures. Please use stiles provided and refrain from climbing over walls.

Be Considerate

Remember to close any gates behind you.


Respect Privacy

No drone use is permitted without a licence and permission.

Leave What You Find

Please do not move or remove any rocks or fossils, and do not pick any plants or interfere with the wildlife.

Dispose of Waste Properly

Litter is a huge threat to nature. By bringing your waste home, you help protect the park and its wildlife, and keep the Burren beautiful.


Protect our waters

Please remember that fishing is not permitted in the lakes, turloughs or water systems in the Burren National Park.


Heritage & Culture


Prehistoric Monument

The landscape of the Burren has been home to people for millennia, with successive generations leaving the marks of their culture and traditions on the landscape. Prehistoric monuments, as well as structures from our more recent past, may be found throughout the park, while beautiful and rare wildflower meadows created through centuries of traditional farming practices adorn the landscape in summer. Our National Park staff can provide guided tours that will help bring the natural and cultural heritage of the Burren to life.

Our Network


Burren Ecotourism Network


Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark



Newsletter

Download this season’s newsletter by clicking the link.

National Park

OPEN:
Year round

ADMISSION:
Free

Corofin Information Point

OPEN:
Open daily 10:00 – 17:00

For more information please go to our Information Point page

Please note that there are no visitor facilities in the Burren National Park.
Toilets are provided in the Information Point in Corofin.

ADDRESS:
Burren National Park Information Point,
Clare Heritage Centre,
Church Street,
Corofin, Co Clare, V95 VX83
PHONE:
065 682 7693

FACEBOOK:
@burrennationalpark

INSTAGRAM:
@burrennationalpark