The Heron’s Rest Boutique Self-Catering Galway City Accommodation is perfectly situated along the Wild Atlantic Way to enable you to enjoy a daytrip to one of Ireland’s stunning natural heritage sites. There are many amazing scenic trips you can take from our Galway City Holiday Homes. One of Ireland’s most captivating sights is the huge, lunar-like Burren in County Clare. The chilly grey limestone, engraved with gaps and cracks, cascades down to the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. The result is a massive rocky pavement speckled with rock formations, caverns, and fossils, as well as a remarkable assortment of flowers, ranging from native species to Arctic, Alpine, and Mediterranean flora. The limestone environment of the Burren, formed millions of years ago beneath long-forgotten tropical seas, has resulted in a durable kind of farming with a 6,000-year history. Winterage or allowing cattle to graze the hills in the winter, is still practiced today, clearing the ground of difficult grasses, and allowing plant life to grow in the spring.
The Burren possesses a poetic beauty that has captivated the hearts and minds of poets, painters, artists, and writers for such a rocky region. As you stroll down butter coloured Fanore Beach, which is backed by a stark limestone slope and kissed by the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll sense it. You’ll notice it when you stroll over rocky terraces that tumble down to the sea, or as you marvel at the gravity defying Poulnabrone Dolmen, which was built over 5,800 years ago and is nestled inside this rocky landscape.
The Burren is a destination rich in heritage, music, adventure, and delicious local cuisine. Cosy up in wonderful music pubs where the bodhran’s pounding keeps your toes tapping. Relax with a platter of Irish tapas in Burren Food & Wine’s garden or learn about the history and legacy of smoked salmon on a tour of the Burren Smokehouse.
Other highlights of a trip to the Burren include Ailwee Caves, where you can explore life underground in one of Ireland’s most fascinating caves. While there, you can also take the opportunity to see majestic birds of prey up close in the Birds of Prey Centre. A fun day out for all ages!
Of course, no visit to the Burren is complete without visiting the Cliffs of Moher as they tower out over the rugged west county Clare Coast and drop down into the wild Atlantic Sea. These cliffs are breathtakingly visually spectacular. The cliffs rise out of the Atlantic waters to a height of over 700ft at O’Brien’s Tower and span along the cost of Clare for 14 kilometres. The cliffs were formed well over 320 million years ago and will leave a lasting impression on all who view their majestic beauty.
Getting there
By car, you can enjoy a scenic drive taking in the coastal sites along the way depending on your chosen route Galway City to the Burren National Park. There are also day tours if you would rather someone else do the driving! If you manage to still have some of your tempting foods left from your complimentary gourmet hamper, you might like to make up a picnic and stop at many of the wonderful scenic points along the way. Of course, it is always lovely to stop in one of the many quaint pubs & cafes along your route for a quick bite. After your day of taking in the sea air and absorbing all the wonder the west coast has to offer, your comfortable bed and soothing seaside sounds will be awaiting you at your Galway coastal holiday home.