The Burren Scenic Drive (Map + Route Overview)

The Burren Scenic Drive is a 1.5-hour route that covers 64km and that has numerous different versions.

This is a corner of the Wild Atlantic Way that I visit often, so I have go-to route for any time I’m in the area and looking to head for a scenic spin!

In this guide, you’ll find a map of the Burren Drive (right below) and you’ll also find a Google Map with an alternative route at the end.

A map of the Burren Scenic Drive

So, a disclaimer – you’ll find many different versions of the Burren Drive online. This is the route that I think is the most rewarding, based on many drives over the years.

It’s easyish to follow and you don’t need to detour too much to reach some fantastic points of interest

Here’s an overview of each of the stops along the way.

Starting point

You can start the Burren Drive from where ever is most convenient for you. For this guide, I am going to start from the busy little town of Doolin.

Now, there are several things to do in Doolin if you are yet to explore this part of Clare.

Here are some suggestions:

• Doonagore Castle
• Doolin Cave

Stop 1: The Fanore Viewpoint

When you leave Doolin, you need to follow the R477 road that hugs the coast.

You’ll travel along a finely maintained road with the Atlantic on one side and the famous Burren landscape on the other.

The first stop is this viewpoint. Now, as you can see in the photos above, this is accessed by a steep and narrow ‘country’ road.

However, when you reach the top you’ll be treated to glorious views of the Clare coast and beyond.

The fun really begins when you drive back down the way you came – it almost feels like you’re driving into the sea.

Stop 2: Fanore Beach

The next stop on the Burren Scenic Drive is Fanore Beach, which is as good a place as any to stretch the legs!

There’s a grand big car park here that’s rarely busy outside of the summer months.

This is a Blue Flag Beach that is popular with swimmers and surfers throughout the year, however, it’s well worth a visit even if you’re keeping your toes on dry land!

Fanore’s golden sand is set against the backdrop of the Burren’s moon-like-landscape and it’s a fine spot for a stroll before the rest of the drive. 

Stop 3: The Stop That Isn’t A Stop

Like many of Ireland’s most scenic drives, the Burren’s magic isn’t cast through one single landmark.

Instead, its brilliance unfolds through a truly unique landscape, unlike anything you’ll encounter anywhere else in the world.

Along the way, ancient stone walls, quaint villages, and panoramic ocean views create an atmosphere of timelessness

As you drive, you’ll come across random points of interest (like Murroughtuohy Viewpoint and the Pinnacle Well) which you can, if you like, stop and investigate further.

Stop 4: Blackhead Lighthouse

The next stop on the Burren Drive is a slightly unusual one – Blackhead Lighthouse.

A heads-up: parking can be quite tricky here, and the lighthouse often seems to appear out of nowhere (it’ll be on your left).

Be prepared and keep an eye out for the limited parking spots around this area as you approach, as they can be easy to miss.

Blackhead Lighthouse stands 8 meters tall and is visible from the road. Established in 1936, its light reaches up to 11 nautical miles, serving as a key navigational aid along Galway Bay.

This is also a great viewpoint – on clear days you’ll be able to see everywhere from the Aran Islands to the hills of Connemara.

Stop 5: The Ailwee Caves

If you have the time, I’d strongly recommend visiting the Ailwee Caves.

They were only discovered in 1944 and they didn’t open to the public until 1976!

Visitors can expect underground rivers, waterfalls, stalctites and stalgmites and a very enlightening tour.

The remains of bears that dated back over 10,000 years were found inside the Ailwee Caves, which indicate that it may have been a den at one stage.

The complex is also home to the Birds of Prey Centre where visitors can see hawk walks and bird shows.

Stop 7: Poulnabrone Dolmen

Poulnabrone Dolmen is the most famous stop along the Burren Drive, and it’s well worth seeing.

Dating back to between 4,200 and 2,900 BC, Poulnabrone is a portal tomb that was used as a burial site by Neolithic farmers.

The site was excavated twice, in 1986 and 1988, uncovering the remains of 33 individuals.

Free to visit, Poulnabrone is easily accessible from its car park, followed by a short 250-meter walk to the tomb.

Stop 8: Caherconnell Stone Fort

Caherconnell Stone Fort is up next! This is one of the more impressive ring forts in Ireland and it boasts limestone walls that stand 3 meters high and 3 meters wide.

Over 1,000 years old, it was inhabited in until the late 16th century. During many excavations, metalworks, jewellery, glass that originated in Venice were discovered.

You can take a guided tour here where you’ll learn about the history of the area, the discoveries made at the fort and plenty more.

There are also sheepdog demonstrations for those that fancy checking out the stars of a working farm in Ireland.

Stop 9: Leamenah Castle Ruins

Leamaneh Castle is located along the final lap of the Burren Scenic Drive and it’s one that you’re best-off admiring as you pass by, as there is nowhere to safely park nearby.

In the photo on the left above from Google Maps you’ll see someone blocking the gate – please don’t do this as the castle is located on private land.

It started its life as a 15th-century tower house and it was then expanded into a lofty mansion during the 17th century.

Although it isn’t one of the better-known Irish castles, it’s worth a passing glance.

Stop 10: Lisdoonvarna

Lisdoonvarna is the last stop of the Burren Drive (although you could easily extend the drive by following my Clare Road Trip itinerary).

Best known for hosting the famous Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, this vibrant little town is full of charm and makes for a pleasant stroll.

It’s also a great spot to stop for a bite to eat (the Roadside Tavern dishes up high-quality pub grub!).

Explore Clare beyond the Burren

When you finish up the Burren Scenic Drive, there are plenty of other things to do in Clare to keep you occupied.

Here are some of the most popular places to visit:

• The Loop Head Peninsula
• Bunratty Castle
• The Doolin Cliff Walk
• Father Ted’s House
• Inis Mor, Inis Oirr and Inis Meain