Drives

The Burren and Cliffs of Moher

Starts from Galway

This drive leads to the limestone plateaux of The Burren, with its natural and historical riches. The Burren is a gently sloping carboniferous limestone lanscape, dissected by numerous joints running from North to South. In addition to its rockey landscape, the Burren is famous for its unusual flowers.

Corcomore Abbey, Lemaneagh Castle, Kilfenora High Cross, burial tombs and Corkscrew Hillare among the sights on your journey.

Leave Galway on th N18 passing the villages of Oranmore and Clarenbridge. At Kilcolgan go right to Kinvarawhich has a unique Galway boat festival each August.

Continue to Ballyvaughan and visit the Aillwee Caves. These 2 million year old caves lead to the heart of the Burren's underground. Continue to Kilfenora and its ancient cathedral.

At Kilfenora turn right for Lisdoonvarna, known for its September Matchmaking Festival, and its Spa waters. Here, take the N67 to Ennistymon and turn right for the seaside resort of Lahinch. North of here is Liscannor, famous for its flagstones.

Drive north along the Cliffs of Moher, which rise to a height of nearly 200 meters, giving a wonderful view of the Aran Islands. The cliffs have a fine watchtower and a visitor's center.

Continue, to a crossroads. Turn left a Doolin. Leave Doolin by the R479, turning left at the 'T' junction. From here, follow the road past Ballinalacken Castle to Fanore - On your left are the Aran Islands and to your right is Slieve Elva, the Burren's highest mountain.

Continue along by Black Head, to Ballyvaughan, back to Kinvara and on to Galway. Distance 200km/125miles(approx).

Alternative return route: After visiting the Cliffs of Moher return to Ballyvaughan via Lisdoonvarna in order to take in the magnificient views from Corkscrew Hill.

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