The Burren: Day Trips and Tours from Galway

The rocky landscape of the Burren is an anomaly with little to no soil but an abundance of vivid flora sprouting from the hard ground. The region mimics the surface of the moon in its karst and isolated nature, seemingly bridging the gap between prehistoric times and today.

Here you can see rare and beautiful plants flourish while rock formations dominate the plains. The nearby Cliffs of Moher are also an unmissable part of the region.

Dramatic cliffs plummeting into the ocean served with a side of glacial-karst landscape guarantee one of the best day trips from Galway.

How to get to the Burren from Galway?

The Burren is an expansive 530 square kilometer stretch of land on Ireland’s west coast. It sits in County Clare, with the villages of Lisdoonvarna, Corofin, Gort and Kinvarra roughly marking the four corners of the region.

From Galway to the Burren by car

The drive to the Burren from Galway is simple, and drivers need only follow the N67 east and then south. Kinvarra is the closest point of the Burren to Galway and is only around 40 minutes drive and 30 kilometers away.

The southern edge of the Burren reaches down to Corofin, which is roughly 70 kilometers from Galway. You can easily cover this distance in around an hour if you stick to the M18 and later the R460.

From Galway to the Burren by bus

The most central point to reach by bus is The Burren National Park. The bus takes around an hour and a half to reach the park and the journey costs around €35 to €45.

Guided tour to the Burren from Galway

Guided tours regularly leave Galway to take visitors on a circular trip through The Burren. This allows you to relax and soak in the scenery as a driver and tour guide takes you through the region. These tours include all transportation for the day.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to the Burren from Galway?

A day tour to the Burren from Galway usually starts from around Galway Coach Station or with pickup from your hotel private hotel pickup. Dunguaire Castle is the first stop on the list, and it sits just outside of Kinvarra.

These tours make stops at iconic sites throughout the Burren, including the Gleninsheen Wedge Tomb and the famous Celtic crosses. Most tours include a leisurely stop at the majestic Cliffs of Moher, which are only a short drive southwest of the Burren.

The coastal drive will take you back north through the rocky landscape to enjoy one last view of this unique terrain.

What kinds of tours are available to go to The Burren?

There are a few options when choosing a Burren day trip from Galway. The most popular trips are guided group tours on a luxury coach, but smaller tours and private excursions are easily accessible.

Guided tours to the Burren from Galway

A guided tour is the most economical way to reach the Burren from Galway. These tours will take you along the scenic route of Galway Bay and pass all the major points of interest in the Burren.

The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland’s most famous attraction, are also included in this trip. It includes comfortable transportation by coach, a professional guide, and entrance to the Cliffs of Moher.

Private tour to the Burren from Galway

Enjoy the magnificent sights of western Ireland from the comfort of a luxury vehicle. In this private excursion, these cars also have access to areas that larger busses cannot enter, giving you a more complete experience of the Burren.

The chauffeur will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel and make photo stops in Kinvarra, Corkscrew Hill and the Burren, among others.

Day trip to the Burren plus Aran Islands from Galway

This day trip from Galway includes a stop at the Burren and a boat tour that provides a sea view of Ireland’s most treasured location, The Cliffs of Moher. Hop on a sea cruise to Aran Islands to feel the power of the wild Atlantic waters.

See the mighty cliffs from a different angle and set foot on the smallest of the Aran Islands, Inisheer.

How much does a tour to the Burren from Galway cost?

The most economical group tour to the Burren from Galway costs between €35 and €45. These tours include pickup and drop-off from a central point in Galway and last around 8 hours.

A Burren day trip that includes the Aran Islands costs around €80 and is a full-day tour that includes a boat ride to the island.

Private tours to the Burren from Galway also include visiting the Cliffs of Moher, making it an adventure-filled 8-hour trip. A private luxury tour costs €540 for a group of up to 3 people.

There are also alternative tours like a guided walk for €20 and a horseback adventure which can be enjoyed for €160. These last between 3 and 4 hours, offering you plenty of time to see County Clare from a different point of view.

What will you see and do on a Burren day trip from Galway?

Escaping into the Irish countryside has never been so beautiful. The journey to the Burren from Galway takes you through an eerie and captivating landscape with stops at some ancient locations.

Dungaire Castle is the most famous castle in Ireland. It dates back to the early 1500s, and its cliffside location is straight out of a fairy-tale. Corcomroe Abbey and the Gleninsheen Wedge Tomb are two more fascinating ruins you can explore in the Burren.

Some tours also visit the Burren National Park, a small section of the Burren landscape. Here you will be able to go underground and peek inside the Aillwee Caves. Above ground, there is a string of ancient sites all across the Burren, giving you a peak into Ireland’s long history.

The Cliffs of Moher is the pinnacle of a Burren day trip. The cliffs rise more than 200 meters out of the wild waters below, stretching for 8 kilometers along the coast. It is nature showing off at its best, and you get the chance to walk along the edge of these iconic stone giants.

When is the best time to visit the Burren?

The peak season in the Burren is during summer, but spring is by far the most beautiful. Colorful and rare flowers come into bloom, and the almost alien landscape is at its most vivid in the month of May.

Are there any tours to the Burren from other cities in Ireland?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Ireland:

• Day Trips to the Burren from Dublin

Travel tips

• Bring a weatherproof jacket and umbrella, even in the summer, as rain can creep up unexpectedly in these areas.
• Wear comfortable and sturdy shoes as there may be lots of walking on the tour, and the ground may be uneven in the Burren.
• Pack plenty of snacks as an 8-hour trip can seem very long on an empty stomach.
• You will want to capture the views of the Cliffs of Moher on camera, so make sure you have plenty of memory and battery life on your device.