Page 194 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Ireland

192  IRELAND REGION B Y REGION

Exploring the Burren Gleninsheen Wedge Tomb, a
If you are interested in the style of grave which marks the
unique geology and natural transition between Stone and
history of the Burren, head for Bronze Age cultures. The more
Mullaghmore, to the south east famous Poulnabrone Dolmen
of the area. This is one of the nearby is a striking portal tomb
wildest parts of the plateau dating back to 2500–2000 BC.
and reaches a height of 191-m Continuing south you reach the
(626-ft), with some of the best ghostly shell of Leamaneagh
limestone pave ments in the area. Castle, a 17th-century mansion
A good place to begin a tour that incorporates an earlier tower
of the more accessible parts of house built by the O’Briens.
the Burren is at the Cliffs of On the southern fringe of the
Moher (see p188). From here it Burren lies Kilfenora, a Catholic
is a short drive north to Doolin, diocese which, by a historical
near the port for the Aran Music shop in Doolin quirk, has the Pope for its bishop.
Islands (see pp216–17). One of The village’s modest cathedral,
the world’s largest free hanging its colourful pubs and its one of many 12th-century
stalactites is in Doolin Cave. matchmaking festival (see p54). churches in the Burren, has a
The village is renowned for its To the north along the N67 roofless chancel with finely
traditional music; Gus O’Connor’s lies Ballyvaughan, a fishing sculpted capitals. Kilfenora,
pub (see p328) acts as a focus village dotted with slate-roofed however, is more famous for its
for music lovers in the area. The cottages and busy with tourists High Crosses: there are several
coastal road runs north from in summer. It is well placed in the graveyard. Best
Doolin to a desolate limestone for reaching a number preserved is the Doorty
outcrop at Black Head, while of sights. Nearby Cross, with a carving
turning inland will take you to Bishop’s Quarter of a bishop and two
Lisdoonvarna. The Victorians has a sheltered beach other clerics on the
developed the town as a spa, with glorious views east face. Next door,
but it is now most renowned for across a lagoon to- the Burren Centre
wards Galway Bay. offers an excellent
Aillwee Cave, to the Carved capital in multidimensional
south, is just one of Kilfenora Cathedral exhibition giving infor-
thousands of caves in mation on the geology
the Burren. In the first, known and fauna of the area and man’s
as Bear Haven, the remains of impact on the landscape.
hibernation pits used by bears
are still visible. } Aillwee Cave
Ruined forts and castles and Ballyvaughan. Tel 065 707 7036.
numerous prehistoric sites dot Open daily. & 8 - =
the landscape. Just west of E Burren Centre
Aillwee Cave is Cahermore Kilfenora. Tel 065 708 8030.
Poulnabrone Dolmen in the heart of the Stone Fort, which has a lintelled Open Mar–Oct: daily. & 7 - =
Burren’s limestone plateau doorway, and to the south is ∑ theburrencentre.ie
The Burren Region Black Head J
Bishop’s
Key Quarter J
Exposed limestone R477 Beach N67
Ballyvaughan
Minor roads SLIEVECARRAN
Major roads Cahermore Stone
Fort Aillwee Cave
Viewpoint
SLIEVE ELVA Gleninsheen Wedge
N67 Caherconnell Tomb
R479 Doolin Stone Fort Poulnabrone
Cave
Dolmen
Lisdoonvarna
0 kilometres 10 R481 J
0 miles 5 Doolin R476 R480
Leamaneagh MULLAGHMORE
J Castle
Cliffs of R478 N67 Kilfenora
Moher R476 R460
For key to symbols see back flap

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Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Catalogue template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2)
Date 14th November 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm