Suggested Half Day Itinerary
Kilfenora – Michael Cusack Centre – Kilfenora
Short on time but eager to experience the essence of the Burren? This relaxed half-day journey from Kilfenora offers the perfect blend of culture, history, and local flavour. Departing at 12:50 PM, you’ll travel through the iconic limestone landscape to the Michael Cusack Centre, where the story of the GAA’s founding and rural Irish life comes to life. Back in Kilfenora, dive deeper into the region at the Burren Visitor Centre before unwinding with a delicious meal at Vaughan’s Pub. With its mix of heritage, scenery, and warm hospitality, this half-day experience is a perfect snapshot of the Burren’s unique charm.
12:50 – Depart Kilfenora (20 mins)
Set off through the scenic Burren landscape • Enjoy views of limestone pavements and rolling countryside
13:10 – Arrive at Michael Cusack Centre (1 hr 10 mins)
Discover the birthplace of GAA founder Michael Cusack • Explore interactive exhibits • Learn about Irish sporting heritage and rural life
14:20 – Depart Michael Cusack Centre (20 mins)
Relax on the return journey • Take in more of the unique Burren scenery
14:40 – Arrive back in Kilfenora
Visit the Burren Visitor Centre
Learn about the geology, wildlife, and history of the Burren • Browse informative displays and local insights
Lunch at Vaughan’s Pub
Enjoy a hearty meal in a traditional Irish pub • Experience local hospitality • Relax and reflect on the day’s highlights
Suggested 1 Day Itinerary
Corofin – Michael Cusack Center – Kilfenora – Slieve Carran Nature Reserve – Corofin
Looking to immerse yourself in the rich heritage and wild beauty of the Burren? Begin your full-day journey from the welcoming village of Corofin at 9:15 AM and travel deep into one of Ireland’s most captivating landscapes. From exploring the roots of Irish sport at the Michael Cusack Centre to discovering the historic charm of Kilfenora, this itinerary blends history, scenery, and local character. Take in sweeping views across the Burren before enjoying an extended stop at Slieve Carran Nature Reserve, where Burren trails and unique flora await. Perfect for walkers and explorers alike, this curated day offers a deeper connection to the Burren’s natural and cultural treasures.
09:15 – Depart Corofin (40 mins)
Set off through the heart of the Burren • Enjoy scenic limestone landscapes along the way
09:55 – Arrive at Michael Cusack Centre (1 hr 10 mins)
Explore the birthplace of Michael Cusack • Learn about the origins of the Gaelic Athletic Association • Discover local heritage exhibits
11:05 – Depart Michael Cusack Centre (20 mins)
Relax on the short drive • Take in more Burren views
11:25 – Arrive in Kilfenora (1 hr 25 mins)
Visit the Burren Visitor Centre • Enjoy tea and light bites in the tea rooms • Wander this historic village known for its high crosses
12:50 – Depart Kilfenora (30 mins)
Travel through winding Burren roads • Keep an eye out for unique rock formations
13:20 – Glen Hill Viewing Point (5 mins)
Quick photo stop • Capture panoramic views of the Burren landscape
13:50 – Arrive at Slieve Carran (3 hrs 15 mins)
Choose from a selection of scenic hikes • Experience native flora and peaceful woodland surroundings • More information on trails available here
17:05 – Depart Slieve Carran (1 hr 10 mins)
Return journey • Relax after the hike
18:15 – Arrive back in Corofin
Reflect on a day exploring the Burren’s natural beauty
Corofin
Burren National Park Information Point
The best way to experience the National Park is to firstly visit the Burren National Park Information Point in the village of Corofin and then take the bus which departs from just outside. At the Information Point, you can speak with our experienced guides to find the best things to see and do, get advice on hiking routes or pick up a map of the Walking Trails. The Information Point also offers an audio visual display of the geology and management of the Burren National Park or check out of bulletin board to see what flowers are in bloom as well as other wildlife sightings. Our guided will also be happy to advise you on forthcoming events or book you in for a free guided walk. There are also toilet facilities available at this location.
For more information on the Burren National Park click here!
Clare Heritage & Genealogy Centre
If you are interested in tracing your roots why not visit the longest established genealogy centre in Ireland situated in Corofin village upstairs from the Burren National Park Information Point. The Genealogy Centre houses the most comprehensive collection of records for Co. Clare. Their highly informed and experienced staff can provide you with an outline of steps and source material to assist you in researching your family tree and can also compile an in-depth family history report. For more information, click here!
Bofey Quinns Bar & Restaurant
This family-run restaurant caters for families, with traditional music every Thursday to Saturday night. There is also a large outdoor beer garden. Enjoy delicious food, including locally sourced sirloin steak, fresh fish from Doolin, burgers, pizza, and lamb stew. They also offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, and special lunch offers.
Limestone Yoga
Operated by Colette Nagle, a qualified 500 hour Vinyasa flow Yoga Teacher, Pregnancy Yoga Teacher, Mother and Baby Yoga, Baby Massage Instructor, Children’s Yoga, and Teen Yoga Instructor together with her husband, Oliver. Limestone Yoga is open all year round in a safe environmentally friendly Yoga studio and retreat centre.
Dysart O’Dea Castle (3km from Corofin)
Dysert O’Dea Castle in County Clare is a former stronghold of the O’Dea clan. A 15th century tower house badly damaged by Cromwell’s forces in 1651. It was restored and reopened in 1986 and now houses an extensive museum, audio visual presentation and various fascinating exhibitions.
Kilfenora
Burren Visitor Centre
The Burren Visitor Centre in the historic village of Kilfenora is the licensed information point for the Burren and North Clare, where visitors can gain bespoke advice on what to see, where to go and how to get there, as well as picking up useful maps and discount vouchers. The Burren Visitor Centre also houses ‘The Burren Exhibition’, which provides a fascinating insight into the identity of The Burren, from its extraordinary landscapes, array of flora and wildlife, megalithic tombs and archaeological monuments older than Egypt’s pyramids, to the history, culture and traditional values of the people of the Burren, past and present.
Vaughans Pub
Indulge in delectable homemade meals paired with a curated selection of beverages. The chefs at Vaughan’s Pub meticulously source fresh, local ingredients to craft culinary delights. Enjoy daily creations featuring the finest locally caught seafood, a testament to their commitment to exceptional dining. Home of the infamous Kilfenora Céilí Band, enjoy the great atmosphere in the pub, with traditional Céilí music sessions every Friday and Sunday night.
Ted Tours
Ted Tours operates tours of Father Ted Country. We visit the locations from the hit TV series. We provide expert guides and fancy dress for those all important photo opportunities. So don’t miss out on the ‘craic’, come on a Ted Tour. Careful Now!
Kilfenora Cathedral and Crosses
This cathedral ruin and the accompanying graveyard are indeed an off the beaten path Irish treasure. There are numerous ancient crosses, all with a story to tell. Some of the crosses have accompanying plaques explaining the detailed history of each. Some of the graves and headstones date back hundreds of years. There are modern graves and headstones as well, indicating local Kilfenora families still utilize this sacred place to bury their precious family members. This wonderful find is only a few steps from The Burren Visitor Centre.
E-Whizz
E-whizz offers guided and self-guided electric bike tours in the Burren, County Clare. So now you can explore the incredible history, landscape, wildflowers and folklore of the Burren on a bike, regardless of your fitness levels.
Carran
Michael Cusack Heritage Centre
Discover the birthplace of the founding father of the Gaelic Athletic Association with a visit to the Michael Cusack Heritage Centre! Nestled in the sweet valley of Poulaphuca in the heart of the majestic Burren, our friendly, expert guides will take you on an immersive journey through Irish heritage. Explore the Cusack Family Homestead starting at our exhibition centre, where the visitor will learn about Michael’s story from his childhood in Carron to his legacy in creating what is today the largest amateur sporting organisation in the world. Step back in time when you enter the Cusack family’s thatched Famine-era cottage, Michael’s childhood home. Stroll into our Fairy garden for an encounter with An Púca, the evocative Aidan Harte sculpture. Experience captivating storytelling, rich culture, and breath-taking landscapes. A must-visit for history lovers, families, sports enthusiasts and those looking for an ‘off the beaten track’ experience. To learn more, click here!
Carran Village
Carran Village is a picturesque small village located in the heart of the Burren. It is notable mainly for being the birthplace of Michael Cusack, the inspirer and co-founder of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The Burren Way walking trail passes through the village. The village is also the trailhead for the Carran Loop, which follows minor roads, animal tracks and grassy lanes, taking in views of the Clab Valley, St Fachtnan’s Holy Well, part of Termon Hill and Carran Turlough. Accommodation is available in the village at the Clare’s Rock Hostel, which offers a great central location for exploring the Burren.
The Burren Perfumery
The Burren Perfumery draws inspiration from the flora and beauty of the Burren landscape to create its signature scents, artisan range of hand-crafted soaps, certified organic creams and candles using the very best natural and organic ingredients sourced from all around the world. A busy working factory, visitors are welcome free of charge and year-round to watch the Perfumery team members as they go about their daily tasks. All products are hand-made on-site and can be purchased in the Perfumery shop.
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 archaeological monuments.
Irish Herbal Roots
Lisa Guinan is a professional and well renowned Irish Herbalist. Irish Herbal Roots offers guided herb walks to explore the native healing plants, tucked away behind the ancient stones. Traditional Irish medicine and folklore are both woven through this experience. Also offered are workshops on the art and craft of natural medicine making. Lisa demonstrates the entire process from wild herb harvesting to final product. Skin healing balms, muscle and joint balms, cough bottles and immune tonics are some of the herbal products that can be made. Lisa can be booked privately for a walk, a workshop or a combination of both.
Slieve Carran/Keelhilla Nature’s Reserve (Eagle’s Rock)
Situated in the north-east edge of the Burren plateau, Slieve Carran Nature Reserve was established in 1986 and managed is by the National Parks and Wildlife Service as part of the Burren National Park. Nearly 6 kilometres of marked walking trails meander through good examples of karst topography and a variety of habitats.
The lush Atlantic rainforest of the hazel woodland is home to native mammals, rare lichens and mosses and woodland flora such as Broad-leaved Helleborine, Sanicle, Lords and Ladies and Yellow Pimpernel. The meadows here in summer have a rich variety of wildflowers which provide nectar for many attractive butterfly and moth species. The limestone pavement areas host typical Burren flora with Spring Gentian, Mountain Aven, Mountain Everlasting, Bird’s Foot Trefoil and a host of Orchid species all to be found along the walking trails.
The cliff face known as Eagle’s Rock is 327m high, shaped by the movement of glaciers in a south-westerly direction and provides nesting sites for Ravens and Peregrine Falcons. This is a good site to hear the cuckoo in spring and commonly frequented by the Burren’s other summer visitor, the wheatear. Yellowhammers, now rare in Ireland, can also be spotted here. Slow worms have been seen here and keep an eye out for common lizards basking on the rocks in warm weather.
The site is steeped in history with archaeological monuments such as fulacht fia and a turf thuile present. Ecclesiastical monuments associated with St. Colman McDuagh, who spent time here as a hermit in the 6th century before establishing the monastery at Kilmacduagh near Gort, remain here such as a medieval oratory and holy well. Many local folklore stories are still told today about McDuagh’s life.
Maps of the walking trails are available online here and are best accessed by the new Burren and Cliffs Explorer shuttle which serves two stops at Slieve Carran, 4 times a day.
