Hiking the Burren Nationalpark, County Clare – My Experience on the Moon-Rock Trail

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4. Nov. 2025
6 Min. Lesezeit

Aktualisiert: 5. Nov. 2025

If you’re looking for a hiking experience unlike any other in Ireland, the Burren is an outstanding choice. I recently spent a full day exploring its trails, and below I’ll walk you through every available marked route in the park, share how I did it (including transport and accommodation), and give you practical details (trail lengths, grades, bus times, etc.) so you can plan your own trip.

Why hiking the Burren Nationalpark?

The Burren National Park in County Clare, Ireland, is one of the most extraordinary landscapes in Europe — a region where geology, ecology, and history blend into something almost otherworldly. When you first step onto its limestone pavement, you feel like you’ve landed on another planet. The cracked grey rocks form a mosaic known as karst, shaped over millions of years by wind, rain, and the slow dissolution of limestone.

Yet, for all its apparent barrenness, the Burren is astonishingly alive. Between the slabs of stone, tiny crevices shelter a surprising variety of wildflowers and rare orchids — species that grow nowhere else in Ireland.

In spring and early summer, Alpine, Mediterranean, and Arctic plants bloom side by side, making the Burren one of the most botanically diverse areas in Western Europe. Walking across it, I saw delicate bloody cranesbill, spring gentians, and pyramidal orchids growing directly from the rock.

The landscape is not only a natural wonder but also a living museum of Irish heritage. Ancient stone forts, wedge tombs, and Celtic ruins are scattered across the hillsides, silent reminders of people who once lived and farmed here thousands of years ago. Standing among them, with the Atlantic winds sweeping across the plateau, you can almost feel the deep time beneath your feet.

When I was hiking the Burren Nationalpark, I felt both isolated and energized — as if the land itself was breathing history. The terrain is exposed, the air sharp with salt and stone dust, and the views stretch endlessly across County Clare and the distant Wild Atlantic Way. Every step echoes with the crunch of rock and the whisper of wind through the hazel scrub. It’s a landscape that humbles you, reminding you how small and temporary we are compared to the ancient bones of the Earth.

If you’re looking for a place in Ireland that combines challenging hiking trails, geological fascination, and untouched natural beauty, the Burren is unmatched. It’s not just a hike — it’s an encounter with deep time, solitude, and the wild spirit of Ireland itself.

Accommodation & Where to Stay – Corofin, the Gateway to the Burren

If you’re planning to hike in the Burren National Park, I can’t recommend Corofin enough as your base. This small but lovely village in County Clare sits right at the edge of the Burren, offering the perfect balance between convenience and peace. It’s close to all the main trailheads — and at the same time, it still feels like an authentic Irish village, not a tourist hub.

During my stay, I camped just outside Corofin at one of the well-kept camping and caravan parks (there are a few options around town). I stayed at Corofin Camping Park, a very friendly and clean site that welcomes touring campervans, tents, and hikers alike. The facilities were great — hot showers, laundry, and even a small common room where travelers exchanged hiking tips. From there, it was only a short walk into the center of Corofin.

Corofin Camping Park - Touring Campervans and Tents - Ireland

For those who prefer a roof over their heads, Corofin also has a hostel and several cozy B&Bs, many of which cater specifically to walkers and cyclists exploring the Burren and the Wild Atlantic Way. The Corofin Hostel is centrally located and offers simple, comfortable accommodation at a reasonable price.

Despite its small size, Corofin has everything a hiker needs after a long day on the trails. There are two grocery shops, a petrol station, and several pubs and restaurants serving hearty local food and often have live music on weekends. There’s also The Market House café, perfect for breakfast or a strong coffee before hitting the trails.

One of the biggest advantages of staying in Corofin is its excellent connection to the Burren National Park.

During the summer months (May to August), a free shuttle bus runs from the Corofin National Park Information Point directly to Gortlecka Cross, the main trailhead for the park.

Outside the summer season, public transport options like Bus Éireann Route 350 connect Corofin with Ennis, Doolin, and Galway, making it easy to reach even in autumn.

Visit the Burren

Corofin was, for me, the perfect base — quiet enough to relax, yet close enough to everything I needed for a few days of hiking and exploring. After spending my days among the wild limestone hills of the Burren, coming back to a warm pub and a friendly local chat felt like the perfect balance of wilderness and comfort

Getting There & Practicalities

Start at the Burren National Park Information Point in the village of Corofin (Co. Clare). The information point is open year-round.
For the summer season (May to end of August) a free shuttle bus runs from Corofin to the trailhead at Gortlecka Cross / Kilnaboy. The first bus leaves Corofin at 09:30, and the last bus from the park returns at ~17:15.
The main trailhead is at Gortlecka Crossroads (near Mullaghmore), a small lay-by accessed via R476 → Kilnaboy → L1112.
Dress in sturdy boots, bring waterproofs, map/downloaded route, and plenty of water. The terrain is exposed, rocky and can be slippery.

The Trails – Detailed Route Descriptions

Here are all the way-marked walking trails inside the park and adjacent Slieve Carran reserve, with my impressions:

1. Nature Trail (White Route)

Distance: ~1.5 km, Time: ~40 min, Grade: Moderate. National Parks of Ireland
Description: A short loop near the trailhead, passing through ash/hazel woodland, grasslands and limestone pavement. Ideal as a warm-up or with children.
My experience: I took this right after arriving. It was quiet, easy to follow, and allowed me to warm up and take in the landscape’s mood.

2. Knockaunroe Turlough (Orange Route)

Distance: ~1.3 km, Time: ~30 min, Grade: Moderate. National Parks of Ireland
Description: This loop passes a turlough (a seasonal lake), meadow wildflowers, and woodland. Easy access from the main parking/lay-by.

3. Slieve Carran Brown & Yellow Routes

Brown: ~2.5 km, ~1h30, Grade: Moderate. Yellow: ~2.0 km, ~1h, Grade: Moderate. Visit the Burren
Description: Located in the Slieve Carran Nature Reserve (east Burren). Woodland, limestone pavement, historic oratory, holy well. National Parks of Ireland

4. Mullaghmore Routes – The Big Ones

These are more demanding hikes over the central hill of Mullaghmore.

Mullaghmore Loop (Blue Route): ~7.5 km, ~2-3 hours, ascent ~140 m, Very Difficult. theoutbound.com
Mullaghmore Return (Green Route): ~6.5 km, ~2h45, ascent ~140 m. National Parks of Ireland
Mullaghmore Traverse (Red Route): ~6 km (one-way), ~3h, Very Difficult. If you return the same way it doubles. illy

My experience on the Blue Loop:

I followed the Blue Route (Mullaghmore Loop). Starting at the lay-by at Gortlecka Cross, I followed the blue markers, up through limestone pavement, skirting Lough Gealáin, ascending to the summit of Mullaghmore. The terrain became rougher, the limestone cracked and slick in places. At the top, the panorama of the Burren’s bleached rock, meadows and distant Galway Bay was unforgettable. Descending, I just followed the way back where I came from.

Final Thoughts

Walking the Burren National Park was one of the most unusual and rewarding hiking experiences I’ve ever had. The mix of rugged limestone hills, ancient ruins, and open skies makes it feel unlike anywhere else in Ireland — wild, raw, and endlessly fascinating. The trails offer everything from gentle nature loops to demanding upland climbs, and every step feels like a journey through deep geological and cultural history.

When I visited in September, the weather truly showed its Irish character. I had hours of drizzle, sudden bursts of heavy rain, and long stretches of strong Atlantic wind sweeping across the open landscape. The rock underfoot became slick and challenging, and I was grateful every minute for my sturdy hiking boots with good grip and ankle support. Without them, the rough limestone pavement would have been difficult — even dangerous — to cross safely.

Yet, that mix of weather made the Burren even more dramatic. Watching the clouds race over Mullaghmore, hearing the wind rush through the hazel scrub, and feeling completely alone on the trail gave the hike a powerful, almost spiritual atmosphere. It reminded me why I love hiking in Ireland — it’s never predictable, always humbling, and full of moments that connect you deeply to nature.

Staying in Corofin and exploring several routes over three days turned it into the perfect slow-travel adventure. Everything was easy, relaxed, and authentically Irish — from the friendly locals to the post-hike pint in the village pub.

If you go, bring proper waterproof boots and gear, check shuttle and bus times (especially outside summer), and take your time. The Burren isn’t a place to rush through — it’s a landscape to listen to, to feel, and to walk quietly across. When you do, you’ll understand why this strange, wind-carved region of County Clare stays in your heart long after you leave.