Fieldtrip Useful Info
Useful information for your Burren visit
A Typical Day out on the Burren
What to Bring:
For those of you who are not familiar with this part of the world, it rains on average 200 days of the year in the Burren – you need to be prepared that the day you visit could be one of these, so bring rain jackets and waterproof or quick dry trousers if you have them. If you are visiting when the weather is warm and hot, don’t forget suncream and a sunhat – there are few trees to shelter under. Much of the Burren terrain is rocky and uneven – good hiking shoes/boots are recommended to best navigate the landscape. We also recommend an appropriate insect repellent as there are ticks in the Burren and there have been reported cases of Lyme disease. It is handy to pop a snack and some water in your daypack, a camera to record your outing, but most of all bring a smile as the Burren is a fascinating place that could quite possibly captivate you but at the very least, charm you into looking a bit further as to what it has on offer!
What to Expect:
As you can see from the numerous photos on this website, the Burren could possibly be a landscape like none other you have visited. From a distance, it looks just like masses of grey rock, however up close each step you take will open up a new question of discovery; why are so many different types of flowers growing here? How do cattle survive outdoors in the winter? How did so many monuments manage to exist here compared to elsewhere in Ireland? etc etc. It is an exciting landscape that opens up a Pandora’s box at each turn.
The Burren is a large region with no ‘centre’. There is a national park (Burren National Park) and three nature reserves (Slieve Carron, Dromore, and Coole Garryland) that are state managed lands and open to the public free of charge. However, roughly 95% of the Burren is privately owned land. Please respect this when considering climbing over walls and opening gates etc. Leave everything as you found it.
Finally for those of you are dependent on internet and mobile connections, please be prepared that the Burren has limited access to both – but embracing nature in all of its glory is why its so much fun.
Coming to an event based in Kinvara
Where to sleep
If you’re coming to a Burrenbeo Trust event please mention us when booking.
There are many different types of accommodation options in Kinvara or elsewhere in the Burren on www.airbnb.com.
Kinvara Guest House in the centre of Kinvara has either double rooms or dorm rooms available. These are approximately €50 a night for single occupancy (though not really available in July or August) and €65-90 for a double (depending on the time of the year). Book directly with them on 091 638562.
Fallons B&B is convenient in the centre of the village. Average prices are €35 per person sharing per night or €45 for single occupancy. Contact 091 638088 to book.
The Merriman Hotel is also in the centre of the village. Prices range from sharing €45 a night and single occupancy €70 a night. More information on (091) 638 222 and www.merrimanhotel.com
Rates accurate as of January 2016. View these and other accommodation options at www.kinvara.ie, www.burren.ie or www.burrenecotourism.com
Food
Food is generally not provided at Burrenbeo events. However, there are some great options in the village including;
Cafés: There is no shortage of caffeine fixes in the village. Wild Beans, Siar, Graze and Foxes are probably your best options.
Restaurants: The Pier Head, the Tide Full Inn, Zen Asian, Graze, Keoghs are all in Kinvara. For a change of scene, The Gallery Café in Gort has a great reputation whilst Linnanes in Newquay and L’Arco and Gregans Castle in Ballyvaughan are all highly recommended.
Self-catering: If you have decided to go for a self-catering option or just fancy picking up some nibbles on route, then Kinvara has two well-stocked supermarkets. Eurospar is on the main street and Fallons is at the top of the village en route to Ballyvaughan.
Other bits & bobs
What to wear: Don’t forget waterproof clothing and prepare for the Atlantic weather (i.e. warm clothes)! Plus the Burren has very uneven terrain, please bring sensible walking shoes or preferably sturdy boots with ankle support for any of the outdoor activities.
ATM: There is an ATM in Eurospar supermarket on the main street of Kinvara. If this is out of order, then some businesses will offer cash back facilities.
Guide books: Burrenbeo offers a fantastic selection of laminated Burren field guides (€10) which are great to know the region. These are available to buy in our centre. Both Eurospar supermarket and Fallons supermarkets also offer a variety of local guide books.
Map: A tear-away version of the Burren map is available from us which will give you your bearings in the region. This provides information on public owned areas, archaeological sites and walking routes in the Burren region.
What to do in the Burren: The Burren region has plenty of activities, good food and interesting places to stay. The Burren Ecotourism Network is a great place to look for environmental, community driven initiatives in the region.
Music & Craic: There is no shortage of music in Kinvara throughout the year with a lot of live music available. Tullys, Keoghs, & Sextons all offer regular sessions. Luckily they are all a short walk between each other so easy to get around.
Need some help? The Burrenbeo Trust Centre is here for any queries, contact us on [email protected] or on 091 638096