Burren Way
The Burren Way runs through countryside which is quite unlike the rest of the west of Ireland; made up of bare limestone, treeless and exposed, this remarkable area has a weird beauty all of its own. Although the Burren Way is marked on maps as starting at Liscannor, this first stretch is currently closed and walkers now have to start at the Cliffs of Moher. From here, the path runs parallel to the coast a little way inland; much of this section, however, is close to the road, which is always very busy in high season affording spectacular views across to the Aran Islands and, on a fine day, the mountains of Connemara. The way then descends to Doolin and picks up a gradual ascent past Ballynalacken Castle and on across open fields around the shoulder of Slieve Elva. There are no really steep climbs and as the path descends to the Caher River, a valley of classic Burren scenery opens up all around, with stark grey limestone hills and barely a tree in sight. At this point there is the tantalizing option of wandering two and a half miles down the valley to stop over in Fanore, from where you have access to other great walks. The Burren Way itself follows the quiet road southeast through the valley, round past medieval Newtown Castle and down to the silvery shoreline of Ballyvaughan Bay. It's a gentle walk from here into Ballyvaughan, accompanied by fine views across the great expanse of Galway Bay. Access : It is possible to take the bus from Ennis to Doolin and from Ballyvaughan to Galway, Lisdoonvarna and Doolin. Accommodation: There are numerous B&Bs and hostels in Doolin, a few B&Bs and a fine little cottage hostel at Fanore, and B&B accommodation at Ballyvaughan. Overall distance: 22 miles. Highest point: Slieve Elva (flank) 980ft. Maps and guides: The Ordnance Survey map No. 51 (1:50,000) is quite sufficient; The Burren Way Map and Guide is available in tourist offices.
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