What to do and see in The Burren, Province of Munster: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do

December 9, 2021 Mikaela Didonna

Discover the best top things to do in The Burren, Ireland including Mountain View Horse Riding Centre, Heart of Burren Walks, Burren Birds of Prey Centre, Irish Crafts, Burren Exposure, Lisdoonvarna Spa Wells, Doolin Cave, Michael Cusack Centre, Burren Perfumery, Fanore Beach.
Restaurants in The Burren

1. Mountain View Horse Riding Centre

Poulnagun, Lisdoonvarna Ireland +353 87 634 5776 [email protected] http://www.mountainviewtrekking.com/
Excellent
96%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 351 reviews

Mountain View Horse Riding Centre

Located just outside Doolin village on the outskirts of the Burren. Enjoy fantastic views of the magestic Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, Connemara Mountains and Galway Bay on horseback. Gallop along the beach on Ireland's west coast. Caters for everyone from beginner to advanced rider offering treks from 1 to 6 hours long.

Reviewed By kcmpbll

I came to Ireland specifically to ride, so my expectations were fairly high. Mountain View exceeded them. Sweet, well-cared for, beautiful horses and LOVELY and welcoming guides, stunning views during the rides-- the beach ride was probably the most amazing thing I've done on any trip in my entire life. The weather was super rainy for me but I still had the time of my life. The weather didn't both the horses at all, Wear rain gear! A ride with Mountain View is a must if you're in the area (or if you aren't in the area, I came in from Dublin and was very glad I did).

2. Heart of Burren Walks

Excellent
94%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 582 reviews

Heart of Burren Walks

Guided walks in the Burren County Clare. Walks usually last about 2.5 hours. Highlights include limestone pavement, wild flowers and archaeo.ogical monuments.

3. Burren Birds of Prey Centre

Aillwee Cave, Ballyvaughan Ireland +353 65 707 7036 http://www.aillweecave.ie/birdsofprey.html
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 688 reviews

Burren Birds of Prey Centre

DYNAMIC FLYING DISPLAYS where the visitor can interact and get up close and personal to the birds as they fly overhead and through the audience. A HOME to Eagles, Falcons, Hawks, and Owls from all over the world.EDUCATION into the amazing world of Raptors, their biology, conservation and the ancient art of Falconry.HAWK WALKS which are a once in a life time opportunity to interact with some of nature's top predators. Guided and instructed by experienced Falconers, this hour long 'Walk with a Hawk' through hazel woodland and across Burren limestone pavement is tailor made for anybody seeking a totally unique experience.

Reviewed By 346katier

The centre is staffed by knowledgable and friendly people. The birds are well-kept and in great condition. Toilets (importantly!) also clean. There's a shop with a good collection and also a farm shop with local produce. The bird show is informative and the staff clearly engaged very much in conservation: staff are also very much on hand and welcome questions. In the show we saw, volunteers were allowed to have a hawk fly to their fist which was done as part of the show very well indeed. We loved it, and I am certain fellow visitors did too. It was lovely to see handlers so clearly interested in conservation and bird welfare. Very well done.

4. Irish Crafts

Doolin V95 W9N2 Ireland +353 65 707 5836 [email protected] http://www.irishcraftsonline.com
Excellent
86%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 130 reviews

Irish Crafts

The perfect stop for stress free shopping and a relaxing cuppa & cake! Huge selection of Crafts, Design & Textiles. Free Parking, Tax Free Shopping, Worldwide Shipping , Expert Advice. Carrying brands including McConnell,Enibas, Solvar, Wild Goose, Foxford Woolen Mills, Mucross Weavers, Studio Donegal, Ireland’s Eye, Castle Arch pottery, Irish Handmade Glass & Aran Woollen Mills, Aran Crafts, Lee River as well as many more!

Reviewed By murphytravels3210 - San Francisco, United States

We purchased several blankets and sweaters on our visit to the shop. Everything was top notch quality and the shipping arrived exactly when scheduled! You can't go wrong here....and the people?? They are super helpful with shopping and so nice and fun!! Natalie even gave us a ride to the Pub in the pouring rain!!! This is a shop not to be missed!

5. Burren Exposure

Galway Road, Ballyvaughan Ireland +353 65 707 7277 http://www.theburren.ie
Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 135 reviews

Burren Exposure

Reviewed By swtraveler15 - Springfield, United States

We have traveled through the Burren twice during our trips to Ireland and they are simply stunning to see. Totally unlike anything you have ever seen. We hope to make another trip to see them during the spring or summer months when they apparently have wildflowers scattered among the area. Truly lovely area to experience

6. Lisdoonvarna Spa Wells

Sulphur Hill, Lisdoonvarna V95 H983 Ireland +353 86 071 4753 [email protected] http://lisdoonvarna-spa-wells.org
Excellent
80%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 40 reviews

Lisdoonvarna Spa Wells

Entry: FREE (Contributions gratefully accepted in our donations box. All our staff are volunteers. ) Lisdoonvarna Spa Wells Heritage Centre & Pump Room is Ireland's only remaining spa. Visit our Award Winning Exhibition on the history of spas, the discovery of the mineral wells in Lisdoonvarna, the scientists who wrote about the health-giving qualities of our waters, the growth of Lisdoonvarna into a Victorian Spa Resort, and how Lisdoonvarna became the venue for Ireland's premier MatchMaking Festival. Why not try our health-giving Sulphur Water Tasting from our Pump Room? Coach parties, families, hikers and dogs welcome!

7. Doolin Cave

Doolin Waves Craggycorradan East, Doolin V95 RP29 Ireland +353 65 707 5761 [email protected] http://doolincave.ie/
Excellent
66%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,163 reviews

Doolin Cave

Discover Doolin Cave, an extraordinary underground caving experience in the Burren, County Clare. Take a fully guided tour of one of Europe’s most compelling cave attractions, and go over 200 feet under the limestone of the Burren landscape. Travel back in time over 350 million years and see how the Burren was formed. You’ll journey through a system of passages before emerging in a large chamber which is home to one of the greatest natural wonders of the world, the Great Stalactite - which was once beautifully described as “the palest gleam in the darkest deep”. It is the longest free-hanging stalactite in the northern hemisphere! At 7.3 metres long and weighing an estimated 10 tonnes, it naturally suspends from the cave ceiling like a chandelier. It is hard to believe that this enormous calcite formation was formed from a single drop of water over hundreds of thousands of years. Take the opportunity to experience the third-largest stalactite in the world, on a Doolin Cave Tour!

Reviewed By mariemG5117LM

Doolin caves are a real treat. Perfect for a rainy day. The guide was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the caves, it made the experience really interesting and fun. The stalactite is a must see. Unbelievable to see it up close. The history of it is extraordinary and to be able to travel safely into caves that are over 250,000 years old is amazing. Well done doolin caves for bringing this to the public.

8. Michael Cusack Centre

Carron Co Clare, Carran Ireland +353 65 708 9944 [email protected] http://www.michaelcusack.ie/
Excellent
74%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 39 reviews

Michael Cusack Centre

Born in Carron in 1847, Michael Cusack founded the largest amateur sporting organisation in the world, the Gaelic Athletic Association. The Centre in Carron is dedicated to the memory of the man who is widely regarded as the saviour of Irish sports. The lovingly restored traditional thatched cottage reflects the character of 19th century Ireland. The dwelling appears today in its original state and is typical of famine cottages of the era. Even the courtyard and surrounding fields remain largely untouched. The contemporary display in our award winning visitor centre offers a unique perspective on Irish history, heritage and culture. Some interesting free attractions also in the area include the 6km Cusack Way walk (opened Oct 2013)from the Michael Cusack Centre to Cahercommaun Cliff Fort and Poulnabrone Dolmen. The centre caters for school tours, individuals and groups. Open April to 30th September, 7 days a week from 10 - 5pm,

Reviewed By 0philipbb - Derry, United Kingdom

I would really recommend this visit to any GAA enthusiast. It was humbling to visit the actual home that one of the founders of the GAA who met in Hayes' Hotel in Thurles in 1884 grew up in and went on to found the association.

9. Burren Perfumery

480 Off of R Fahee North, Carran V95 KC61 Ireland +353 65 708 9102 [email protected] http://www.burrenperfumery.com/
Excellent
71%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 567 reviews

Burren Perfumery

Free Admission. Open daily all year. Working factory. Free Film. Gardens. Shop. The Burren Perfumery is located in the heart of the Burren in County Clare and is Ireland's longest-established perfume house. Since opening its doors 43 years ago, the Perfumery has drawn inspiration from the flora and beauty of the Burren landscape to create its signature scents, which are hand-blended and bottled on the Perfumery's premises. Today, the Burren Perfumery creates its artisan range, which includes hand-crafted soaps, certified organic creams and candles, using the very best natural and organic ingredients sourced from all around the world. Visitors are welcome to come along and experience the Burren Perfumery first-hand. A busy working factory, visitors are welcome free-of-charge and all-year-round to check out its home and hub in Carron, County Clare. Open from 9am to 7pm in the Summer and from 10am to 5pm in the Winter, visitors can observe the Perfumery team members as they go about their daily work in the Manufacturing Workshops and browse the Perfumery's products and offerings in its Gift Shop. For visitors interested in gaining some insight into just how special and spectacular the Burren's natural offerings are, a beautiful, locally-shot short film (free of charge) featuring the unique local flora and landscape of the Burren truly sets the scene. The Perfumery's Tea Rooms, which are open Summer-long, offer an opportunity to relax and unwind over a selection of freshly baked organic cakes, garden soups, tea, herbal teas and coffee, while visitors can also meander through and enjoy the Perfumery's organic show Garden.

Reviewed By DGandSAG

It's well worth following either GPS or the Perfumery's own website to find this off-the-beaten path gem. Even if you get a little lost along the way or aren't sure if you're "there" yet, hang in there, as it's well worth the quest to find it. Once you're there, you can enjoy wonderfully fresh breads, soups, salads, and more either indoors or out on a small patio. You also can buy an amazing number of herb teas, soaps, sachets, and, of course, perfumes that are one-of-a-kind mementoes. Even if things were still busy during our late-lunch visit, service was still friendly and quick in the cafe. In addition to enjoying a delicious carrot soup, we had an artfully arranged plate of salads accompanied by incredibly fresh and tasty breads (see photo). All in all, this was well worth a special visit, the kind of place that will stay in your mind long after you've returned home.

10. Fanore Beach

Fanore Ireland
Excellent
65%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 152 reviews

Fanore Beach

Reviewed By jeanl108

This is a beautiful and very popular beach. On a sunny day, the water is warm and lovely to swim in. There are plenty of rock pools for children to play in. There is a surfing school available with equipment for hire at a reasonable cost.

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