Shannon and the Midlands:Layout 1 02/05/2007 16:27 Page 169
THE BURREN: APPROX 90KM
Ballyvaughan
ROADTRIP
N67
R480
Lisdoonvarna
R478 Kilfenora
Cliffs of
R481
Moher
R476
THIS LEISURELY ROUTE FROM THE TOWN OF ENNIS TAKES IN THE
Liscannor
Ennistymon
Corrofin
Liscannor
Lahinch
SPECTACULAR COASTLINE OF WEST CLARE AND THE HEARTLANDS
Bay
N85
OF THE FAMOUS BURREN REGION BEFORE DOUBLING BACK TO
EITHER COROFIN OR ENNISTYMON.
Ennis
From Ennis, travel north-west for about 35km along the banks of the Cullenagh River to the picturesque town of
Ennistymon. Stop to take in the character of the old shop-fronts and façades and the fine views of the Cullenagh
Waterfalls which can be appreciated from the seven-arch bridge which spans the river or from the grounds of the
Falls Hotel. From Ennistymon, continue west for about 3km to the popular seaside resort of Lahinch. Follow the
road which arcs north-west around Liscannor Bay to the small fishing village of Liscannor where there are fine
views of the entire bay area. From Liscannor, the R478 leads north alongside the popular walking trail of the
Burren Way, past Hag’s Head, and on to the spectacular sandstone Cliffs of Moher where there are numerous
clifftop walks and an excellent visitors’ centre. The best views of the cliffs are from O’Brien’s Tower. From the
Cliffs of Moher, continue north-east to the lively spa town of Lisdoonvarna, which is a good stopping-off point.
Here in the village you can visit the Burren Smokehouse for a free taste of Burren smoked salmon and a picnic
take away of locally produced gourmet foods. From Lisdoonvarna, head north-east to the pretty fishing village of
Ballyvaughan. Before reaching the village, be sure to stop off at Corkscrew Hill for the magnificent view of the
limestone terraces south of Black Head. From Ballyvaughan, backtrack along the N67 for about 2km and bear left
to take the scenic R480 route south through the heart of the Burren. This is one of the best ways to see the
extraordinary other-worldly landscape for which the area is famous. About 2km after joining the R480, turn left to
visit Aillwee Caves which stretch for about 1km deep into the Burren. Alternatively, continue south on the R480
and look out for the impressive megalithic tombs on the east side of the road ahead. The journey south from
Aillwee to Leamaneh Castle continues on through the remarkable limestone landscape for about 12km. Leamaneh
was once a four-storied Elizabethan fortified house and even though only the shell of the original building remains,
it is most atmospheric. The nearby 15th century tower house is also worth seeing, particularly for the excellent
view from the top. From the castle, either join the R476 south-east skirting the banks of the River Fergus to the
village of Corofin, or take the R481 west to Kilfenora on the southern fringes of the Burren. Here you’ll find the
Burren Display Centre and Clare Heritage and Genealogical Centre, as well as the famous 12th century High
Crosses. From here, simply follow the R481 south-west and return to Ennistymon.
shannon and the midlands 169
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