This Ballyvaughan Burren route gives you a day trip away from the Wild Atlantic Way. Windy roads, Burren walks and views, and Father Ted’s House. Visit the Burren Perfumery and the Hazel Mountain Chocolate factory.
What to do in Burren National Park?
This Burren Scenic Drive route is close to the Burren Way walking route. It has a few interesting places to see along the way, like the Ailwee Cave, Poulnabrone Dolmen, Hazel Mountain Chocolate and the Burren Perfumery.
You can go hiking in the Burren and take your picture at Father Ted’s house near the Burren National Park.
Try the seafood at Linnane’s on the water and drive Corkscrew Hill. A nice day trip if you are staying in the Ballyvaughan Hotel Monk’s, for example.
This drive through the Burren only has a small part on the WAW. This route is really a circular loop route that you can do starting and ending in Ballyvaughan.
The Burren Drive Route map
Download the route map for Google Maps with ALL points of interest included here: Alternate Ballyvaughan – Burren Route.
Approx. 79km distance, 1hr 40 minutes driving time
Ballyvaughan alternate route through the Burren
Corkscrew Hill
A very windy road that climbs the hill with great views back to the sea and across the Burren.
Aillwee Cave
Located in the Burren area, the Aillwee cave is the oldest cave in Ireland.
They do cave tours and you can see the remains of a European brown bear found in the cave.
There is also a bird of prey centre. Tours take about an hour.
Poulnabrone Dolmen
This is a Neolithic portal tomb dating back to somewhere around 3-4,000 BC.
There is a car park and a short walk to the tomb, which is roped off to protect from tourists damaging the site. At night there is very little light pollution here so there have been some great photos taken around this tomb with the stars in the background.
The Burren Perfumery
This is a wonderful little place hidden away in the Burren.
They make their own perfumes here from the flora that is found in the Burren area.
There is a cafe and garden and a shop where you can purchase all sorts of oils, scents, creams and soaps.
Well worth a visit.
Leamaneh Castle
These incredible ruins of a 4-storey house are situated on a crossroads between Kilfenora and Corofin.
The house is impressive in size and stature, but alas due to its state of disrepair, not accessible to the public and is fenced off.
The original 5-storey tower house is believed to date back to the 15th century and have belonged to Turlogh O’Brien, the King of Thomond.
Glencolumbkille
This place along this small narrow road has a wonderful view of the Burren landscape.
There is a very windy road descending from this viewpoint into the valley, and the road is only really one car width, so take it easy along here.
Worth going here though just for the view.
Father Ted House
For those of you who know the comedy series Father Ted, this is where the Craggy Island Parochial House is located.
You used to be able to book for a cup of tea there, but alas no longer.
If you do go to take a picture, please respect the owners and do not trespass. The road is quite narrow so you may have an issue passing other cars.
And if you have not yet seen Father Ted, you must before you come to Ireland. It is still laugh-out-loud funny all these years on. And if you do not think it’s amusing, you probably shouldn’t come to Ireland at all……just saying 😉!
Burren National Park
The Burren National Park is about 1,500 hectares in size and contains some lovely nature trails. It makes up only a part of the Burren area.
You can park your car on the side of the road at the location on the map and choose the walk you want to do.
The walks vary from 40 minutes to 3 or 4 hours, depending on your stamina and fitness levels. The walks are not that even so bring some good walking shoes.
Hazel Mountain Chocolate Factory and Cafe
While you are in the Burren, you should definitely visit the Hazel Mountain Chocolate factory, where you can buy some great gifts or Burren chocolate for friends and family back home.
This delightful chocolate shop crafts its own Irish chocolate from sustainable cacao beans at the foothills of the Burren Mountains.
This place is listed as one of the top ten food attractions in Ireland,. You can watch chocolatiers hand painting truffles, making Irish milk chocolate, vegan chocolate creations, and award winning hot chocolate. A great place to visit for a different day out. There is a lovely cafe and plenty of parking.
Also, a super place to buy some delicious Irish chocolate gifts. And yes, the chocolate is delicious!
Linnane’s Lobster Bar
At the end of the day, why not stop here for supper?
It is a wonderful little seafood restaurant, located on the water near a small fishing pier.
The food is great and a wonderful place to stop for lunch or dinner.
Flaggy Shore
One of the WAW discovery points. Once an inspiration for poet Seamus Heaney.
Nice views and close to Linnane’s Lobster Bar.
I hope you enjoy this route through the Burren in Ireland, and it helped you plan your journey. The Burren is a special place and is well worth a visit.
I have spent many (fun) hours creating this website to help people travelling the Wild Atlantic Way. If you found it useful and it helped you plan your trip, please consider donating towards my petrol/gas bill! Many thanks!
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Last Updated on July 6, 2024 by Gav
