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Walking in the Burren

The Burren Walking Lodge is the perfect base for a walking holiday on the West Coast of Ireland. Whether it is serious hillwalking or a peaceful stroll through glorious Irish country side, the Burren, with its huge variety of walks is truly the best way to experience the beauty of Co. Clare. 

The West of Ireland and Shannon Region boast some of the best walks in Ireland. A network of quiet country roads and lanes, forest paths and mountain trails will take you to the heart of the beautiful, rural countryside of Ireland. For serious walkers, there are many well organised walks in the loveliest areas, which are clearly signposted at all junctions with standard way-markers. Eleven of Irelands national, long-distance walking trails traverse the Region's most interesting scenery.

The Burren is the jewel in the crown, a limestone area has many unusual features that make it unique in Europe. Its geology, flora, caves, archaeology and history set it apart as a place of great mystery and beauty. In a 100 square mile area, there are sparkling rivers, brooding castles, tranquil lakes, towering cliffs, lush green valleys, barren rock mountains, green road walks - and everywhere relics of Irelands ancient civilisation - dolmens, stone arches, round towers, ancient churches, high crosses, crannogs, tombs, great houses, monasteries and holy wells. Though it has a wonderful sense of remoteness, it teems with life and is probably most famous for its plant life which defies all of nature's conventional rules. The best way to get to know the Burren is to walk the Burren Way or part of its 26 mile (42 kilometre) signposted walk between Liscannor and Ballyvaughan.

Useful Links:

Ballyvaughan Fanore Walking Club

Burren Marathon Challange 2009

Hylands Burren Hotel & Burren Walking Lodge is proud to assist  Ballyvaughan Fanore Walking Club  with the 2nd Annual Burren Marathon Challange. 

This is a road, green road and a trail challenge across the Burren. Enjoy some of Europe's most unique landscapes and see the Burren in Bloom. Each participant has a choice of full, half or mini marathon. All three challenges start at  The Pier, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare and  back to the finish line at The Pier before for an evening of Irish entertainment at Hylands Burren Hotel.

Full Details are available on the website:

www.clareburrenmarathonchallenge.com

Bens Rock Climbing Clinic. If you have never climbed before or usually climb on an indoor climbing wall, come and experience climbing in the beautiful Burren, Co. Clare. Bens Rockclimbing Clinic offers courses and one off sessions for all levels, you can climb, abseil and push your boundaries higher than you ever thought you could. Bens Rock Climbing clinic has recently been developed and it has been hugely popular. With a large number of new climbing walls developing around the country there is an ever increasing interest in trying it out the real thing. We provide all the equipment and experienced instructors who can set the standard of climb at a suitable level for you know matter what your age, ability or confidence when it comes to heights. Why not come and climb or try an abseil of amazing cliffs in the heart of the Burren. Even in wet weather we can get you up and at it. It’s a great alternative to surfing when there are no waves but also a great experience in it own right (even in the wet). We are a short drive from Lahinch, Lisdoonvarna and Doolin.

Bens Surf Clinic has been up and running in Lahinch for three years. Unlike other schools in the area, as well offering lessons for beginners providing all the gear, including wetsuit and boards, and we also offer those with their own gear the opportunity to learn more on their own boards at whatever level they surf at. Bens Surf Clinic is the only ISA approved school which can offer this advanced service and Ben has been coaching for over 15 years. All our coaches are enthusiastic and have a number of years experience. Groups in the water are kept very small (max of 6) to ensure a good level of coaching and attention. We are a mobile unit so it also means we can move from beach to beach and ensure we get the best waves available at the time rather then being confined to one area.

Hylands Burren Hotel, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare, tel +353 (0) 65 7077037, fax +353 (0) 65 7077131
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