THE BURREN | COUNTY CLARE
What is the Burren?
Walking in the Burren
Abbey Hill & Black Head
The Burren is a unique limestone landscape in County Clare, formed over millions of years by ancient seas and glaciers. The name comes from the Irish Boireann, meaning “a rocky place” — though that barely hints at its character.
What surprises most visitors is how alive it is. Rare wildflowers grow between the stones, alpine and Mediterranean plants appear side by side, and wildlife thrives in what first appears to be a stark environment. It’s one of the most botanically rich places in Europe.
Walking is one of the best ways to experience the Burren, and there are routes for every level — from gentle coastal strolls to more demanding hill walks.
One of the joys of staying at Bayfield House is being just steps away from excellent walking trails that can be accessed straight from the door.
Flaggy Shore Walk - Just a few minutes from the house, the Flaggy Shore offers a gentle coastal walk along limestone shoreline, with calm waters and long views across Galway Bay to Connemara. It’s ideal at any time of day and particularly lovely in the evening light.
Abbey Hill (visible from the garden at Bayfield) offers a rewarding climb with panoramic views over the Burren and Galway Bay.
Black Head is more challenging, but on a clear day, the views are exceptional.
Maxx’s tip: For those who prefer expert insight, guided walks such as Hidden Burren Walks are excellent and bring the landscape to life in a deeper way.
Ancient History & Stone Monuments
The Burren and the Atlantic Coast
The Burren is one of the richest archaeological landscapes in Europe. Stone forts, tombs, churches, and ancient field systems are scattered across the hills, often blending so naturally into the landscape that you almost miss them.
Poulnabrone Dolmen - One of Ireland’s most iconic prehistoric sites, this 5,000-year-old tomb stands out on the limestone plateau. It’s a simple, striking place and best visited early in the morning or later in the day when it’s quieter.
Corcomroe Abbey - A beautiful 12th-century Cistercian abbey near Bellharbour. Peaceful, atmospheric, and closely connected to the history of the area — and to our own family. This is also the arrival of our recommended Abbey Hill Walk.
One of the most distinctive things about the Burren is how it meets the sea. Limestone hills give way directly to the Atlantic, creating a dramatic and constantly changing coastline.
Places such as Fanore Beach, Black Head, and the shoreline near Ballyvaughan are ideal for combining walking, swimming, and sightseeing. On calm days, swimming along the Flaggy Shore is wonderfully refreshing, locals do it year-round.
“There’s no wrong time to visit — just different moods.”
Caves, Nature & Wildlife
Villages, Food & Everyday Life
Beneath the Burren lies a vast network of underground rivers and caves, carved by water over thousands of years.
Aillwee Cave & Birds of Prey Centre - Near Ballyvaughan, Aillwee Cave offers guided tours through the underground chambers and a birds of prey centre that’s particularly popular with families. It’s a great introduction to how the Burren works below the surface.
Wildlife is everywhere if you look carefully — birds of prey overhead, hares moving across the limestone, seals along the coast, and a huge variety of insects and wildflowers in summer.
The Burren isn’t just a landscape — it’s a living place with small villages that feel part of the land rather than imposed on it.
Kinvara & Ballyvaughan - Kinvara has cafés, traditional pubs, andDunguaire Castle right on the water. Ballyvaughan is smaller and quieter, perfect for a relaxed lunch or a stroll along the pier.
Linnane’s Lobster Bar - Just down the road from Bayfield, Linnane’s is a local institution — simple, unfussy food, fresh seafood, and views over the water. Booking ahead is strongly recommended.
The Burren Through the Seasons
Why Stay Near the Burren at Bayfield House
The Burren changes dramatically with the seasons. Spring brings wildflowers, summer offers long evenings and swimming, autumn is quieter with beautiful light, and winter has its own raw beauty — dramatic skies, roaring seas, and cosy nights by the fire.
There’s no wrong time to visit — just different moods.
Staying at Bayfield House gives you the freedom to explore the Burren at your own pace. You can head out for full days of walking and sightseeing, or simply wander down to the shore and spend the afternoon close to home.
Many guests tell us that their favourite moments are the quiet ones — sitting in the garden watching the light move over the hills, or cooking together in the farmhouse kitchen after a day out.
The Burren has a way of slowing people down. We hope Bayfield does the same.