The Burren Scenic Drive

66km Looped drive through the beautiful Burren region

The north west region of County Clare has unique landscape unlike any other place in Ireland. The Burren extends over more than a hundred square miles and most of it is bare, pale grey limestone, with exceptional and rare flora and fauna making it a rock garden of extraordinary proportions.

The Burren Beauty Drive takes in Ballyvaughan, Carran, Kilfenora, Lisdoonvarna, Fanore, Black Head, and returning to Ballyvaughan. A distance of 66km (41 miles), approximately.

Your route encircles the Burren, beginning at the ancient cathedral town of Kilfenora with its excellent Burren Interpretive Centre.

The road westward leads through the spa town of Lisdoonvarna. Signposts for Fanore and Black Head show the way to the coast. Although the road has no verges for most of the route, you’ll find small laybys to pull in and take in the fresh Atlantic air and spectacular landscape. When travelling around Black Head watch out for the little lighthouse below the road and the distant hills of Connemara across Galway Bay.

A few kilometres westward lies the charming coastal village of Ballyvaughan, a perfect spot to break your journey and to explore the Aillwee Cave. From Aillwee the road south will bring you past the ancient monuments of The Poulnabrone Dolmen and Caherconnell Stone Fort. You could also visit the delightful Burren Perfumery in Carran for an extra sensory experience. To the south of Poulnabrone the ruins of Lemaneh Castle (below) stand by the roadside.

A right turn there will bring you back to Kilfenora completing the circuit. But the left turn sets you on the way to Ennis. Passing the beautiful Lough Inchiquin you come to Corofin where the Clare Heritage Centre offers a genealogical research service. Round off your trip in Ennis where you’ll have your choice of accommodation and fine dining.

Burren Drive Route Map