The Burren Visitor Centre

20/07/2024

Hon the Banner 💛💙
Tag us for Shares 💛💙
Let’s turn the Socials Saffron and Blue! 💛💙

12/07/2024

B U R R E N • B R E A K F A S T 🍳

Available daily until 11.30am, our Burren Breakfast features a Ham & Cheese Omelette with Grilled Irish Bacon, Tournafulla Black Pudding, and Grilled Beef Tomato.

(Options: Omelette also available Plain, and a Vegetarian Version of our Burren Breakfast with Vegan Rashers is also available.)

Why not treat yourself to breakfast in The Burren this week?

🍳🥓🍞

12/07/2024

F E A T U R E • F R I D A Y 🙌

Large areas of Ireland are of course made up of bogland; in fact Ireland holds 60% of Europe’s remaining active raised bogs, of which many hectares can be found here in County Clare.

One man has found an unusual, but creative, use for the centuries old turf contained in them.

Brian McGirr of makes use of this vast resource to make small, cultural pieces of craftwork, so that you can take a small piece of Ireland back home.

It all started in 1980 when Brian’s hobby began to evolve into something more. Brian’s background was as a craft teacher and originally he carved musical instruments from mahogany including full sized Celtic harps.

Here in the Burren Visitor Centre Craft Shop, being based in Kilfenora, City of Crosses, we fittingly have a range of Celtic Cross souvenirs, pendants and keyrings, lovingly handcrafted by Brian McGirr with traditional Celtic imagery from Ireland’s culture, and made entirely from turf, 5000 years in the making, cut from Irish boglands.

What a truly unique gift or souvenir!

10/07/2024

It’s Wednesday which means that today we turn our attention to wellbeing here in the Burren, and where to start!?

There is simply so much going on in this region with regards health and wellness which makes those of us who live here extremely lucky, but also offers opportunities for visitors to also tap in to what makes the people of the Burren feel so good!

So first up, we want to showcase a fellow tourism network member who is just down the road at Corofin.

Colette Nagle opened her very own studio not so very long ago, after teaching classes in the community centres and halls of the locality for a number of years.

Her studio is open from 6.30am to 9.30pm 7 days a week and offers a wide variety of classes, workshops and retreats, so whether you are a local looking for a new class or new experience, or a visitor to the area missing your yoga practice while on holiday, Colette probably has a class available for you to dip into.

Her studio is located on their family working farm with attached sensory garden, and is right at the edge of the Gateway to the Burren.

Why not give her a follow or check out her website for more details.

09/07/2024

T O U R I S T • T U E S D A Y ⛪️

Kilfenora Cathedral dates to somewhere around the late 1100s. It was built on the site of a former monastery that was founded by St. Fachtnan around the 6th century.

Kilfenora Cathedral holds a very unfortunate history: the earliest reference to the church in the annals is when, in 1055, Murrough O’Brien burned down the abbey church, this is before the current structure was built.

Repairs were carried out a year later, only for the church to be plundered in 1079, and then accidentally burned down again in 1100.

The structure visible today was built around 1200 in the transitional style, referring to the blend of both traditional and modern technique.

In 1152, Kilfenora Cathedral was given diocesan status at the Synod of Kells. It is believed that the high crosses, of which Kilfenora is famous, were created to mark this auspicious occasion.

The most famous cross, the Doorty Cross, is accessible to view today, and was reassembled from its broken fragments, before installing pride of place under the renovated glass roof of the ‘Lady Chapel’ – a term used to describe a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

This Lady Chapel was a later addition to the Cathedral, and the glass roof was erected in 2004 in order to protect the chancel and high crosses.

Today, Kilfenora is known as the city of the seven crosses, as it has one of the largest collections of high crosses in Ireland.

There is so much more we could tell you, but you’ll have to join us for a village walk.

Of course, The Burren Visitor Centre is right next door to the Cathedral for interpretation on the site, as well as the surrounding Burren area.

Drop in and pick up a Village Heritage Walk map, so as to make sure you see everything on offer!

08/07/2024

It’s the perfect day for a smoothie!

Available to takeaway at The BC!

Choose from…
🍓 Burren Berries,
🍍 Gulf Stream, or
🥬 Lucky Charm (📸)

05/07/2024

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04/07/2024

D I D • Y O U • K N O W ? 🤷🏽‍♀️

The Burren Visitor Centre was founded almost 50 years ago, and to this day still runs as a not-for-profit Community Cooperative in the manner that it was established.

The Centre is ‘almost’ entirely self-funding, with the small entrance fee charged for ‘The Burren Exhibition’ providing the Centre with the ability to continue its work providing information, directions, maps, advice and public services on behalf of all attractions in the Burren region.

‘The Burren Exhibition’ is, of course, the only place to start a trip to the region in order to understand its unique landscape, identity and culture before then going out to experience it.

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02/07/2024

T O U R I S T • T U E S D A Y 🌊

This week let’s turn our attention to beaches!

While we all know that the Banner county is best known for the Cliffs and of course the Burren, it also has some of the best beaches in Ireland - even if we do say so ourselves.

One of our faves is of course right here in The Burren - Fanore Beach, with its sandy stretch of waterfront beside the Caher River.

Popular with sun-worshippers (on those rare sunny Irish days) due to its vast expanse of sand, its openness to the Atlantic Ocean also makes it a favourite spot for surfers.

During the summer it has lifeguards, which is an added bonus for those who like a dip, but even if you’re not one for going in the sea, Fanore’s stunning rock pools and impressive dunes are well worth stopping to see.

The dunes are protected by the European Habitats Directive and make the beach a real gem for wildlife. It is estimated they are over 5,000 years old and while they are still home to some really unique flora and fauna, archeological finds in and around the beach show that humans also settled there during the Stone Age.



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ireland

26/06/2024

In the wilds of West Ireland, the Burren is a unique landscape that offers more than just scenic beauty.

It is a sanctuary for wellness.

The rolling limestone hills, interspersed with rare flora and fauna, create a tranquil atmosphere ideal for reconnecting with nature.

Visitors often find solace in the Burren’s serene environment, which provides the perfect backdrop for mindfulness, yoga, and a whole host of other wellness activities.

The Burren isn’t just a place; it’s an experience that rejuvenates the body and soul.

Welcome to where we will introduce you to the wide and varied health and healing experiences that the magical Burren has to offer.

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24/06/2024

23/06/2024

S U M M E R • S O U P S 🫛🥕

We’ve a couple of lighter homemade summer soups on the menu from this week!

Choose from…

🫛 Pea and Mint (homegrown in Kilfenora!)

or

🥕 Lightly Spiced Cream of Carrot

Homemade each morning here at The BC from fresh, local ingredients and served with ciabatta

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22/06/2024

Learn more about Hanne, currently exhibiting in our Local Artist Exhibition Space on Clare FM this Sunday.

On Atlantic Tales this week, we meet artist Hanne T. Fisker, who gave away her belongings, packed a single bag and left Denmark in 2008. She now lives in The Burren in North Clare. Tune in to Pat Flynn this Sunday at 6pm -

21/06/2024

• F E A T U R E • F R I D A Y • 🪵

We are absolutely thrilled to be EXCLUSIVE Clare merchant for the stunning craftwork of local master wood turner, Pat Foudy.

Pat started wood turning in 2004 when he took a short course in Ennis, after which he apprenticed with some of the world’s best master craftsmen, including Richard Raffan in Australia.

His beautiful products use locally sourced, native Irish woods with each piece being completely unique.

Pieces are signed and the wood identified on the underside.

Prices start from just €4 for such beautiful pieces of handcrafting.

Why not drop in to The BC and take a look at his incredible work? 👀

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19/06/2024

• R O A D T R I P P I N G •

The Burren Visitor Centre is a perfect stop off for those taking a road trip down the West Coast or through Clare.

All too often the majesty of The Burren, however, is completely missed by those touring as they simply follow the signs for the

But driving through the Burren is something that should not be missed as it’s such a unique landscape that you just won’t see anywhere else in the world.

And by stopping off here at The BC on your route, we’ve got all the facilities, refreshments, maps and vouchers you need to make sure your time in the region is best utilised.

These lads had travelled all the way from France on their motorbikes, and were delighted with our hospitality, advice and, of course, our perfectly extracted espresso!

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18/06/2024

T O U R I S T • T U E S D A Y 🏔️

This week we turn our attention to yet another spectacular fort in The Burren.

Cahercommaun, or Cathair Chomáin (The Fort of Comán) is located in Kilnaboy just a few kilometres from us here at The BC.

This three-walled stone fort (cashel or caher) stands on a limestone plateau at the edge of a wide ravine.

The fort was probably built sometime around 800AD & served as the central settlement of an important clan of the kingdom of Cashel, which controlled large parts of in the 9th century. However, excavations show that the site had been occupied since at least the 5th Century & probably for a long period before that, as the surrounding countryside shows numerous signs of habitation since prehistoric times.

The fort is roughly D-shaped with the most fascinating feature being the flat edge against the high cliff face of the ravine which protects its northern side.

The main central stronghold had 3m thick walls, which still reach a height of 3.5m in places. Built without mortar, some 16,500 tons of stone would’ve been needed to build the terraced walls which would have been much higher than they are now.

The remains of six houses & a number of workshops or sheds were discovered in the inner enclosure during excavations in 1934.

Each of the principle houses had a souterrain or underground passage. One of these led to a vertical crevice in the cliff face & excitingly may have been used as an escape route.

A silver brooch (for fastening a woollen cloak) was found in one of the souterrains. It appears to have been a treasured heirloom as it was already of some antiquity (7th Century) when it was buried, probably during a raid, sometime in the 9th Century AD.

It seems the fort was finally abandoned sometime in the 10th century.

The actual site of Cahercommaun is definitely worthy of a visit while you are in The Burren, and the service even have a free guided walk of the site at 10.30am on Sunday 23rd June, but before you head on out there, drop in and learn a little more about by seeing our amazing model of Cahercommaun in ‘The Burren Exhibition’ here at The BC.

17/06/2024

• N E W • S T O C K •

We are absolutely delighted to be hosting a beautiful exhibition of art photography of ‘The Burren Landscape’ by this Summer season.

We also have a gorgeous selection of her art cards along with some exclusive glass framed Burren goat photographs available to purchase too.

These beautiful black and white photographs in locally handmade solid oak frames really show off the incredible landscapes that surround us here in , are signed and numbered by the artist and come with a certificate of authenticity.

Why not pop in and take a look! 👀

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12/06/2024

It’s just what we do… 🙌

Make The Burren Visitor Centre and our Burren Exhibition your first stop in any trip to the region.

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11/06/2024

11/06/2024

T O U R I S T • T U E S D A Y 🥾🥾🥾

Every day we get the same question at our Information desk - where can we go for a walk in The Burren?

And our answer is always the same - The Burren National Park

Why?

Because although the Burren is over 100 square miles, the area designated as ‘The Burren National Park’ already has the walking and hiking trails mapped out for you so that you know that where you are walking is safe, legal, and designed to give you the best experience of the local flora, fauna and landscapes.

Not only that, but the National Park Service also provide a completely free shuttle bus service to the start of the trails from their information point in Corofin where you can safely park your car. This helps to protect the Burren environment by reducing traffic and stopping cars from parking alongside already narrow roads.

Want more?

Well the National Park walking guides are also available for completely free guided walks in the National Park, and can design a route suitable just for you. Just drop them an email or give them a call to check their availability or follow their socials for their advertised programme of events.

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07/06/2024

• E X C L U S I V E •

This FEATURE FRIDAY we introduce… US!

The start of our brand 🆕 all exclusive range has arrived in store!

Designed in house at The BC and printed locally by you won’t find these in any other shop anywhere in The Burren!

So far we’ve got T shirts, tote bags, travel mugs, water bottles, tea towels, mugs, bottle openers, mirrors and badges… with hoodies and keyrings planned next.

What other products would you ❤️ to see our designs on?

04/06/2024

T O U R I S T • T U E S D A Y

This week we’ve chosen a little something different to do of an evening when all the attractions of The Burren have closed up for the day.

The Glen River Walk in Ennistymon is just perfect for an evening stroll. Start at The Cascades and follow the river past The Falls Hotel and enjoy the healing sounds of the babbling brook, encountering fairy glens, frog spawn pools, and other curious delights ( be warned - the fairy godmother’s house is seriously creepy though!)

And when you’ve tired of the wonderful sights, the peace and tranquility, why not follow the paths back to the bar of to sit in the window watching the magical cascades with a cheeky pint of the black stuff.

01/06/2024

How quickly June has come about… ☀️ and as we start our Summer Season, we’ve just a few updates of what we’ve been up to over the last few weeks.

May is always a wonderful month in The Burren with the blooming of the wild flowers and we’ve had record numbers through the Visitor Centre this May, which we’ve been diligently tracking, only to find that a whopping 10,042 of you came through our doors to avail of our information, exhibition and services.

In our craft shop, our new local crafters and producers have just had their Spring sale figures and are now busily getting ready to restock us for the Summer ahead!

We’ve a couple of new local suppliers joining us this week too, so watch this space!

And… most excitingly our very own EXCLUSIVE range of products is about to arrive in store too… which we are thrilled to introduce you to, and which in time will also be available in our upcoming online shop.

Our website is currently having a facelift behind the scenes which will feature a brand new online booking system for our Burren Exhibition.

Work on an audio visual tour to accompany our Burren Exhibition is also underway, as is work on an all new guided village tour. More on these to come soon.

Finally, the way we run the cafe is going to have some adjustment from next week to serve us and customers better during the tourist season, with our breakfasts only served until 11am, after which time all food and drink will be served from the counter.

To local businesses, please keep us updated with what you’ve got going on so we can let people know; to our visitors, thankyou for visiting and if we did a great job, please do us a little kindness by leaving us a review; and to The Burren community, thankyou for your continued support.

26/05/2024

24/05/2024

Another great talent from the hotbed of musical genius that blooms in Kilfenora!
😍

Hey guys! My new album was officially launched at the weekend & the link is the comments if you’d like to order it! 💿 I ship all over the world 🌍
All kickstarter orders are being sent this week & I can’t wait for everyone to get their orders!! 🥰

24/05/2024

F E A T U R E • F R I D A Y 📖

Although the title of this amazing book we have in the shop at the moment tells us that in Irish there are 32 words for field, one of the most interesting chapters for us here in the Burren is the chapter which tells us that there are also 45 different words for stone.

The Irish language is the oldest vernacular language in Europe, and this cult book delves into the native tongue in illuminating and provocative detail which particularly shows how important the landscape has always been in the Irish culture.

What is also says about the Irish culture in the fact that there are also 50 words for p***s 🍆 well I’ll leave that one for you to find out in the book!

21/05/2024

T O U R I S T • T U E S D A Y ⛴️

Did you know that the collective word for a group of Puffins is an ‘Improbability of Puffins’?

Well, having taken the Doolin Ferry ride along the Cliffs this week we can certainly say that groups of puffins are not improbable here in Clare!

The Puffin colony is as large as ever, and along with the Guillemots and Razorbills, watching the birds whirling and swooping and circling along the majestic rock face was a sheer delight!

The Cliffs Boat Tour takes about 50 minutes and provides a magnificent view that you just don’t get from up along the cliff walk.

It’s well worth it in our opinion!

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