Exploring the Enchanting Landscapes of The Burren

Whispers of the Past, Tastes of the Present

Today was a day of contrasts, where the ancient history of The Burren intertwined with the delightful tastes of modern Ireland. It’s amazing how a single day can hold so much, from solemn monuments to the sweetest chocolate. Liam and I set out with a sense of adventure, eager to explore more of this unique landscape and its hidden gems.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Hylands Burren Hotel. The hotel is located in the charming village of Ballyvaughan. The breakfast included fresh, local ingredients. I had some delicious scrambled eggs and smoked salmon, while Liam enjoyed a full Irish breakfast. Fuelled up, we were ready to explore the Burren National Park.


Experience luxury amidst nature at Hylands Burren Hotel - your gateway to exploring County Clare's breathtaking landscapes.

Wandering Through the Burren National Park

The Burren National Park is unlike any landscape I've ever seen. The vast expanse of limestone pavements stretches out like a lunar surface, yet it’s teeming with life. Despite the autumn chill, the park was alive with hardy plants clinging to the cracks and crevices in the rock. I was in my element, snapping photos of the unique flora and fauna. Liam, ever the patient companion, wandered alongside me, occasionally pointing out interesting rock formations or a particularly vibrant patch of wildflowers. The Burren is known for its rare flowers, and even in October, there were still some blooms to be found.


Explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity of Burren National Park, a unique natural gem in County Clare, Ireland.

We followed one of the marked trails, the crisp air filling our lungs with the scent of damp earth and wild herbs. The silence was broken only by the occasional bleating of sheep in the distance and the crunch of our boots on the rocky path. I tried to capture the essence of the landscape through my lens, hoping to convey the raw beauty and unique character of this place.

Standing in the Shadow of Poulnabrone Dolmen

Next on our itinerary was the Poulnabrone Dolmen, one of Ireland's most iconic archaeological sites. As we approached the ancient tomb, a sense of awe washed over me. This imposing structure, dating back to the Neolithic period (approximately 4200 BC to 2900 BC), has stood for over 5,000 years. The name “Poulnabrone” comes from the Irish “Poll na Brón” which means “Hole of the Quernstone” and is sometimes translated to “Hole of Sorrows”. The dolmen consists of three standing portal stones supporting a heavy horizontal capstone.


Discover the ancient Poulnabrone Dolmen in County Clare, Ireland, a breathtaking prehistoric site surrounded by stunning Burren landscapes.

To stand before Poulnabrone is to connect with the ancient heart of Ireland, a place where time seems to stand still and the echoes of the past whisper on the wind.

I tried to imagine the people who built this monument, the rituals they performed, and the lives they lived. Excavations at the site have revealed the remains of at least 33 people, along with various artifacts. It’s believed that the tomb was used as a burial site for over 600 years. Standing there, I felt a profound connection to the past, a sense of continuity that transcended millennia.

Liam was fascinated by the engineering of the dolmen, marveling at how these massive stones were erected without modern technology. We spent a long time simply absorbing the atmosphere, feeling the weight of history all around us. The wind howled across the desolate landscape, carrying with it the whispers of ancient stories.

A Sweet Interlude at Hazel Mountain Chocolate

After immersing ourselves in history, we decided it was time for a little indulgence. A visit to Hazel Mountain Chocolate was in order. This bean-to-bar chocolate factory is a true gem, crafting exquisite chocolates from ethically sourced cocoa beans. As we stepped inside, the aroma of roasting cocoa filled the air, instantly lifting our spirits.


Discover the sweet taste of artisanal chocolates at Hazel Mountain Chocolate, a hidden gem in the stunning Burren region of Co. Clare.

We sampled a variety of their chocolates, each one a unique and delicious experience. I was particularly impressed by their dark chocolate, which had a rich, complex flavor without being overly bitter. Liam, of course, was drawn to the milk chocolate options, declaring them to be the best he’d ever tasted. We also tried their salted honey hot chocolate, which was the perfect treat on a chilly autumn day.

We watched the chocolate-making process through a large glass window. The staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, explaining the intricacies of bean selection, roasting, and conching. It was fascinating to see the passion and dedication that goes into creating these delectable treats. We left with a bag full of chocolate bars, truffles, and hot chocolate mix, ready to savor the flavors of Hazel Mountain Chocolate back at our guesthouse.

A Culinary Evening in Ballyvaughan

For lunch, we stopped at Monks Ballyvaughan, a charming pub and restaurant right on the pier. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, with a mix of locals and tourists enjoying the hearty fare. Liam ordered the fish and chips, while I opted for the seafood chowder. Both were delicious, showcasing the fresh, local ingredients that Ireland is known for.


Experience authentic Irish hospitality at Monks Ballyvaughan—your perfect coastal retreat for exquisite seafood dining and breathtaking ocean views.

The chowder was creamy and packed with chunks of fish and shellfish, the perfect comfort food on a blustery day. Liam’s fish and chips were perfectly cooked, the batter crispy and the fish flaky and moist. We lingered over our meal, soaking in the lively atmosphere and enjoying the friendly banter of the locals.

Dinner was at Burren Fine Wine & Food, a restaurant known for its focus on local produce and sustainable practices. Tucked away in a stone coach house, the restaurant had a rustic and charming ambiance. The menu featured seasonal dishes, highlighting the best of what the Burren has to offer.


Discover exceptional fine dining at Burren Fine Wine & Food, where local ingredients meet exquisite flavors in scenic County Clare.

I started with a salad of locally grown greens, followed by a main course of Burren lamb. The lamb was tender and flavorful, cooked to perfection and served with roasted vegetables. Liam chose the seafood platter, a generous assortment of fresh catches from the nearby coast. We paired our meal with a bottle of wine from their extensive selection, savoring each sip as we reflected on the day's adventures.

As the evening drew to a close, we walked back to our guesthouse, the stars twinkling above us in the clear night sky. The Burren had once again worked its magic, leaving us feeling both humbled and inspired. Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Aillwee Burren Experience and Caherconnell Stone Fort, eager to uncover more of the region's secrets. Liam is also keen to sample some local brews at McGann's Pub.

The Burren is hosting the Burren Winterage Weekend later this month, from October 24th to 26th. The Burren Winterage Weekend celebrates the Burren's farming tradition of herding cattle onto winterage pastures in the limestone uplands. There are many events during the Burren Winterage Weekend, including the Burren Winterage Cattle Drive, the Burren Food Fayre, farm walks, and talks on farming. I am particularly interested in the Burren Winterage Cattle Drive, where people can join a local farming family in herding their cattle to the winterage pastures.