Things to do in The Burren
Discover the best attractions and experiences The Burren has to offer
Historic Monuments
Discover the Burren’s ancient tombs, forts, and stone monuments scattered across its surreal limestone landscape.
Poulnabrone Dolmen
A Neolithic megalithic tomb set in the Burren’s lunar landscape, one of Ireland's most photographed monuments.
Caherconnell Stone Fort
A well-preserved Iron Age ringfort offering sweeping Burren views and a sense of ancient daily life.
Museums
Delve into the Burren’s geology, archaeology, and local culture at small, informative centers.
Kilfenora Heritage Centre
A compact museum in Kilfenora that covers Burren history and local artifacts.
Aillwee Cave Visitor Centre
Exhibits about the Burren’s caves and prehistoric finds, paired with a cave tour.
Religious Monuments
Seek tranquility in ancient abbeys and cathedrals set among the Burren’s stark beauty.
Kilfenora Cathedral
A 12th-century cathedral ruin perched above the Burren with impressive stonework.
Corcomroe Abbey
12th-century Cistercian ruins nestled in the Burren landscape with atmospheric cloisters.
National & Theme Parks
Explore protected landscapes and dramatic coastlines that define the Burren region.
Burren National Park
A protected karst landscape with rare flora, dramatic pavements, and gentle trails.
Cliffs of Moher
Iconic sea cliffs with dramatic views and accessible coastal paths.
Neighborhoods
Base yourself in charming villages that serve as gateways to Burren trails and scenery.
Doolin
A vibrant coastal village famed for traditional music, pubs, and sea views.
Ballyvaughan
A quiet harbor village serving as a gateway to Burren walking routes.
Kinvara
A picturesque harbor town with colorful cottages and coastal walks.
Free Things to Do
Enjoy the Burren without spending a euro with these simple, scenic activities.
Poulnabrone Dolmen (view from car park)
See the ancient dolmen from the nearby car park and take a short stroll.
Burren limestone pavement walk (self-guided)
Explore the Burren’s iconic limestone pavement and wildflowers at your own pace.
Doolin coastal viewpoints
Walk to public viewpoints along the coast for dramatic cliffside scenery.
Gastronomy
Taste the Burren’s standout produce and local specialties from coastal smokehouses to chocolate makers.
Burren Smokehouse
Smoked salmon and other seafood specialties produced locally near Lisdoonvarna.
Doolin Chocolate Shop
Handmade chocolates crafted in a small Doolin workshop.
Aillwee Cave Café
Casual cafe offering light meals with a Burren backdrop near the cave.
Nightlife
Evenings in Burren pubs offer traditional music, warm hospitality, and lively atmosphere.
Gus O'Connor's Pub
A renowned Doolin pub known for lively traditional music sessions.
McDermott’s Pub
Atmospheric pub in Doolin famous for nightly music and stories.
Traditional music sessions in Doolin pubs
Join an informal session where locals and visitors swap tunes.
Entertainment
Live music, cultural events, and shows capture the region’s festive spirit.
Doolin Traditional Irish Music Sessions
Regular live music nights in Doolin that showcase local talent.
Ceili nights in local pubs
Energetic Irish dance and music in intimate pub settings.
Doolin Folk Festival
Annual festival celebrating traditional music and storytelling.
Sports
Hit the links or catch a wave with these active ways to enjoy the coast.
Lahinch Golf Club
Iconic links course with dramatic sea views along the Clare coast.
Surfing at Lahinch Beach
Surf lessons and waves suited for all levels at Lahinch Beach.
Off the Track
Seek out lesser-known, authentic Burren experiences away from the well-trodden paths.
Guided Burren flora and archaeology walk
Small-group walk focusing on Burren ecology and ancient sites.
Doolin boat tours to sea caves
Scenic boat trips along the coast to sea caves and cliff views.
Stargazing in the Burren skies
Guided stargazing under one of Ireland's darkest night skies.