The Burren

The Burren is a natural region in County Clare that spreads across wide expanses of grey limestone pavement reaching the west coast and the Atlantic shore. The cracks in the rock form a tight network of crevices and shallow hollows where rainwater collects and small plants grow.

The limestone formed around 320 million years ago in a warm sea, before glaciers shaped the surface during ice ages. People began settling in this area about 6000 years ago, building stone tombs and ringforts.

The name comes from the Irish word meaning "stony place", which describes the bare rock slabs covering the ground. Farmers let their cattle graze here in winter because the limestone cracks shelter them from wind and the grass stays green longer.

Marked walking paths cross the limestone terrain and work well for walks in dry weather, since the surface becomes slippery when wet. Sturdy footwear is important because the cracks are uneven and walking on the slabs requires attention.

Plants from Arctic, Alpine and Mediterranean climates grow side by side here because the rock crevices hold different temperatures and moisture levels. Over two thirds of Ireland's native flower species can be found in this relatively small area.