Burren National Park - County Clare, Ireland
N 53° 03.958 W 009° 08.891
29U E 490070 N 5879619
"The Burren" in north County Clare is an amazing place almost too rich in detail to describe. At first, it appears to be nothing but rock but you find that it is filled with scenic vistas, beautiful flowers and ancient history.
Waymark Code: WM6MQF
Location: Munster, Ireland
Date Posted: 06/22/2009
Views: 35
The name Burren derives from the Gaelic bhoireann which means "stony place". That is obvious but there are many features of The Burren that can only been seen or appreciated with a closer look. The park is dotted with ruins of ringforts, churches and tombs, caves, springs and flowers.
It is believed that this area was once forested and covered by fertile topsoil but long ago over the centuries it was deforested by intense human habitation. Constant winds then cleared what was left of the depleted soil.
The Burren is a geological wonder. The rockface spreads across the expanse and up the hillsides as far as you can see. There are unique formations, springs and caves.
Evidence of human habitation is everywhere. Hundreds of ringforts still dot the landscape here. Typically, a ringfort was a circular enclosure that protected a farmer, his family and his domestic animals. The Celt economy here was based on cattle, and raids were not uncommon. The ringfort would have shelters inside and be circled by walls and ditches for protection. Remains of several of these forts can be visited.
The coordinates for this listing will bring you to the famous Poulnabrone portal dolmen tomb, one of Ireland's most famous images. It is but one of the sights to see in this park. A guidebook or map which can be purchased at Irish visitor centers is highly recommended. Guided tours are also available.
The park can be visited for free but some sites are privately owned and charge an entrance fee.
This excellent website is recommended for more information: http://www.burrenbeo.com/homepage.aspx
Park Name: Burren National Park
Historic/Cultural Park: yes
Natural Park: yes
Recreation Area: no
Other Park Type not listed above:
Park Website: [Web Link]
Type of Listing: Major Park Feature
Dates of Access: From: 01/01/2009 To: 12/31/2009
Hiking: yes
Snorkling/Scuba: no
Boating: no
Other Activities:
Visiting natural and historic sites.
Wildlife Refuge: Not Listed
Other Type Detail: Not listed
Fees in Local Currency: Not Listed
Hours available: Not listed
Camping: Not Listed
Bicycling: Not Listed
Horseback Riding: Not Listed
Off-Roading: Not Listed
Swimming: Not Listed
Rock Climbing: Not Listed
Fishing: Not Listed
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Visit Instructions:A log will require a recent photograph at the coordinates. Some of these locations will be placed for the scenery, so a gpsr will just ruin the picture.
If you don't have a digital camera post a descriptive log.