The Burren in the West of Ireland
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What is the Burren?
It is an area of scenic attractions where the clear light, reflected from the stone-grey hills, seems to radiate an air of timelessness, which is made more realistic by the presence of the many prehistoric remains that dot the fields and the valleys beneath.
Here the unfolding layers of limestone form terraces on the slopes of the hills - a limestone desert but with a quick-changing landscape. Within a few miles may be seen verdant valleys, bright, green hills thick with hazel and bramble, while the grey heights are relieved by streaks of coloured vegetation contained in the fissures and rock joints.
Burren
Where is It?
Geology of the Burren
Created over 360 million years ago
The Burren was under a tropical ocean over 360 million years ago, the result being the area covered with limestone. It was the movement of tectonic platesthat raised an area of this ancient seabed into a magnificent plateau that we now know as 'The Burren'.
The Ice Age ploughed through the area widening the river valleys and leaving behind boulder clay. It was after the Ice Age that the landscape went through periods of tundra and may have even been wooded, evidence suggests that early settlers cut down the forest, and allowed the soil to be eroded away.
Limestone is water soluble, so rainfall and ice caused erosion and resulted in parts of the surface dissolving, gradually creating the cracks and crevices (known as grykes) that create the pavement like surfaces (known as clints) which are a distinctive feature of the Burren.
As water penetrated below the surface limestone it eventually met deeper harder rock which was not soluble and was forced to move sideways rather than down. This process created the massive system of caves and underground rivers which lies beneath much of the Burren today.
Centuries of weathering has produced a terrain of fissured limestone pavements, disappearing lakes, terraced mountains, and underground cave systems, the most famous of which is Aillwee Cave.
The Aillwee Cave
The cave is a fairly recent discovery
The Aillwee Cave is near Ballyvaughn, and is one of Irelands oldest caves, it would have been formed when the landscape of the burren was very different from what it is today.Another cave is Pol an Ionain, near Ballynalackan, and to explore this cave you will have a low stoney crawl in water, however the light at the end of the tunnel is a large chamber in which you will find a large stalactite hanging from the roof and at 6.7 metres long - the longest in western Europe
Tourism
Can visitor numbers be sustained?
It has been designated as one of the Republic's six national parks and is valued as a national treasure. In recent times there has been much local debate on how to ensure that tourism and farming can be carried on without harming the unique environment.
Many visitors also take in the nearby Cliffs of Moher and Galway city, a trio of attractions which ensures a constant flow of tourists.The cliffs rise from Doolin and ascend to over 700 feet (213 metres) just three miles south of the village of Doolin. Being almost vertical, their sheer drop into the heaving Atlantic ocean is a haven for sea birds.
Today the public is much more appreciative, while the area's apparent aridity is now known to support a complex ecosystem. Botanically it is regarded as a wonder, since it features, side by side, plants normally found in sub-Arctic areas together with those usually associated with the Mediterranean.
Stark Beauty - Limestone Pavements
Is Tourism Beneficial?
The Fertile Rock: Seasons in the Burren
The Fertile Rock: Seasons in the Burren
Amazon Price: $11.04 (as of 02/15/2012)
List Price: $49.95
Carsten Krieger is a professional photographer who fell in love with the West of Ireland in 1989, and moved there to live in 2001. His photographs are beautiful, and he clearly conveys that in this his first book. Conservation issues play an important part in his work.
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The Burren And The Aran Islands: Exploring The Archaeology
The Burren and the Aran Islands: Exploring the Archaeology
Amazon Price: $36.14 (as of 02/15/2012)
List Price: $49.95
Should heighten knowledge and appreciation of the many fascinating pagan and Christian monuments in the alluring limestone landscape. Peter Harbison
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The Burren Perfumery
Creates products inspired by the landscape and environment that surrounds it
The Perfumery is in Carron, Co. Clare approximately one hour driving time from Shannon or Galway. It was founded 35 years ago at the centre of a quiet valley in the heart of the Burren. There are more than 700 species of flowering plants here, roughly three-quarters or Ireland's native flora. The flowers of the Burren inspired the original Perfumery fragrances: Man of Aran, Ilaun, Frond and Fraoch.
Visitors can view the distillation and soap making areas, visit the herb garden and organic tea rooms and, of course, try out Perfumery fragrances, creams, balms and other products.
Perfumery shop
Guide to Wild Flowers of the Burren
More photographs of the Burren
Aromatherapy Course
Treat yourself
- Aromatherapy
- Reiki
- Eft (emotional Freedom)
- Hypnotherapy
- Sound Therapy
- Crystal Therapy
The Wild Plants of the Burren & the Aran Islands: A Field Guide
The Wild Plants of the Burren & the Aran Islands: A Field Guide
Amazon Price: $17.99 (as of 02/15/2012)
List Price: $29.95
A souvenir field guide to flowers, fruits & ferns.
Cliffs of Moher DVD
Cliffs of Moher DVD - County Clare - Ireland
Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 02/15/2012)
List Price: $19.99
f you are planning a trip to Ireland or want to know more about the Cliffs of Moher, and the attractions in county Clare then this DVD is a really good buy.
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On the Burren CD
On the Burren
Amazon Price: $2.92 (as of 02/15/2012)
This early Magical Strings album made a fair impression when it was released. The harp and hammered dulcimer combination produced a genuinely fresh and "positive" sound that they have since maintained. The material is both original and traditional in origin. Highly recommended either for background, or for more involved listening.
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Some of the Orchids Found in the Area
24 species are known to exist here
xxPyramidal Orchidxxxxx Common spottedxxxxx O'Kellys OrchidxxxxxxxxxBee OrchidxxxxxxxxxxGoldenrod
Burren Flora
This is what the area is really known for
When it comes to ecological wealth and diversity, the Burren has few parallels elsewhere in Ireland. It supports an enormous diversity of species in its orchid-rich limestone grasslands, heaths and pavements.
In terms of flora, the Burren is especially rich: Webb and Scannell (1983) recorded a total of 635 species from the Burren hills (345 square km), a remarkable tally representing over 70% of Ireland's 900 native species in less than 0.5% of its area!
Though the Burren does contain some much sought after rarities, its real ecological distinction relates to the abundant presence of several species which elsewhere are of very limited distribution.
Some particularly noteworthy features of the flora found in the Burren include the curious mixture of Arctic-Alpine and Mediterranean species, and calcicole (lime-loving) and calcifuge (lime-hating) species, as well as the wealth of orchids. The more interesting members of this rich flora are usually found on upland pastures, dominated by bare rock and thin, intermittent, rendzina soils, a highly stressful growing environment. A reflection of this is the very compact morphology or life form that many of these plants assume, and the high proportion of parasitic plants found among them.
An important factor contributing to the rich floral diversity of the Burren uplands is the traditional practice of grazing these uplands mainly in winter. This practice serves to remove potentially dominant grass and weed species, thus allowing the dormant herb flora sufficient light and resources to prosper over their flowering season, with little threat of being trampled by livestock.
What One of Cromwell's Generals Said of the Burren
Recounting its apparent emptiness
"It is a country where
there is not water enough to drown a man,
wood enough to hang one,
nor earth enough to bury him"
xxxxxSelfhealxxxxxxxxxx Spring Gentianxxxxxxxx Fly OrchidxxxxxxxxxxxxCats pawxxxxxxxxxxxMilkwort
Insider's Guide to Connemara, Galway and the Burren
Insider's Guide to Connemara, Galway and the Burren (Insider's Guides)
Amazon Price: $66.64 (as of 02/15/2012)
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The Secret Places of the Burren
The Secret Places of the Burren
Amazon Price: $14.11 (as of 02/15/2012)
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![[2010 Irlanda] The Burren by aislen404](http://static.flickr.com/5129/5382265394_9cbcc210d3_s.jpg)
Places of Interest
There is so much to do, even on rainy days!
The Cliffs of MoherThis is an extraordinary part of Ireland offering some of the most dramatic and impressive landscape in all of Europe. O'Brien's Tower, a C19 conceit is a 5 min walk away. You can see as far as the Aran Islands from the top of the tower. The cliffs ripple in waves along a 5-mile stretch of coast. They are up to 600 ft high.
Doolin
This little village is world famous for traditional Irish folk music. (People say that backpackers from all over the world come to Dublin airport with no word of English except Doolin. They end up in the right place.) There is a pub called Gus O'Connor's that does good food very reasonably. You should book. They will provide music for you at no charge. There are a couple of small and attractive craft shops in the same street.
Lisdoonvarna
An annual Matchmakers Festival draws singles from all over the world during the month of September, this small village offers a quest for the romance holy grail to hordes of lonely souls - the capturing of an Irish heart. Ah, 'tis a prize indeed.
The Aran Islands
Located just off the west coast of the Burren. You can reach them by taking a day trip from Doolin.
Photos of Ireland
The Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Ireland Framed Photographic Poster Print
The Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Ireland Framed Photographic Poster Print by Martin Fox, 21x17
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Early-purple Orchid
See For Yourself - The Charm & The Beauty
Ireland's Whistling Ambassador
Ireland's Whistling Ambassador: Tin Whistle Music and Songs from Doolin, County Clare
Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 02/15/2012)
Having learned to play by ear under the influence of the concertina certainly shaped his playing in a way that it is completely distinguishable from any other whistle player. He is one of the few musicians who can effectively use the space between the notes in a musical way. His stories and the history of the tunes that he offers are all part of the show and just as touching as the music. After hearing this album it is easy to see why this man was loved by his audiences across the world. From his whistling to the stomping of his foot in the background to his stories and songs, this album captures the essence of one of Ireland's greatest musicians.
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A Few Facts About The Burren
~ The unusual geological formations of the region has lain unspoiled since the ice age and is composed of karstic limestone - the largest area of such in Western Europe.~ It is an interesting place for botanists, archaeologists and ecologists alike and occupies an area of approximately 300 sq. kilometers.
~ The area itself is very bleak in appearance with little glacial soil. However is does have sufficient soil to grow a wide variety of the most unusual and rarest of plants.
~ There are relics of humans living here dating back almost 6000 years.
~ This area has some of the finest tombs in Ireland, if not in Western Europe.
~ The most famous is the vortal tomb, or portal dolman, at Poulnabrone.
~ In this area alone there are more than 60 wedge tombs and the densest concentration in Ireland.
~ The Ailwee Caves were discovered in the 1940's and can be explored by visitors who will marvel at the magnificent stalagmite and stalactite formations.
Ballyvaughan Bay
Musical Session Down in Doolin
Down in Doolin
Amazon Price: (as of 02/15/2012)
Irish Musical Instruments
Weathered Rock
Some Great Irish Bands and Music
Top artists from Ireland
The Luck of the Irish!
Top o' the morning to you!
Some Beautiful Prints of the Area
Captured scenic beauty!
Evening on the Cliffs of MoherEvening on the Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Ireland
24x18 Photographic Print, Gareth McCormack - $49.99
Buy
Cliffs of MoherHigh Angle View of the Cliffs of Mother, County Clare, Ireland
60x20 Photographic Print Panoramic Images - $149.99
Buy
Limestone Landscape of the BurrenNear Fanore, Burren, County Clare, Ireland
32x24 Photographic Print Gareth McCormack - $69.99
Buy
Cliffs of Moher at Sunset
Cliffs of Moher at Sunset, County Clare, Ireland
16x12 Photographic Print Holger Leue - $39.99
Buy
Poulnabrone DolmenPoulnabarone Dolmen, 5,000 Year Old Megalithic Tomb, the Burren, Ireland
16x12 Photographic Print Corey Wise - $39.99
Buy
Getting There
Fly to Shannon - only an hour from the Burren!
Fly direct from the USA. Find your ticket!
To Do List
Enjoy the Irish music in the pubs of Doolin
Take a boat trip to the Aran islands
Visit Lisdoonvarna's Matchmaker's Festival
But most of all savour the beauty all around
Sweater Shop, Doolin
I Hope You Enjoyed the Lens
Have you ever visited this part of Ireland, if so what did you think of it?
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Northbright
May 19, 2011 @ 10:38 pm | delete
- I have included your lens in my new leans Health and Freedom - True Wealth For All . Hope you find time to visit it.
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Northbright
Apr 15, 2011 @ 7:59 am | delete
- Magnificent indeed! I would love to see these places, sit inside the pubs and listen for hours to Irish music and as you wrote simply savour the beauty around. Thank you so much.
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SweetMarie83
Mar 7, 2011 @ 10:57 pm | delete
- Beautiful lens! I love to read things about Ireland, it's a vicarious thrill until the day I finally get there! I didn't know much about the Burren - very interesting, thank you for sharing!
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TheWhistler
Feb 3, 2010 @ 6:02 pm | delete
- What a wonderfully arranged lens, with beautifully presented photographs. Thank you.
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kimmanleyort
Jul 6, 2009 @ 7:49 am | delete
- This is an excellent tribute to the Burren. 5*
I visited there in 2008 and fell in love with the place.
Lensrolled to http://www.squidoo.com/johnodonohueireland
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Dunguaire Castle
Near Kinvara
by Rob3
The Burren has such a beautiful unique landscape. Take great photos and enjoy an Irish Coffee on St.Patrick's Day - have some craic! more »
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Spectacular Ireland
Spectacular Ireland
Amazon Price: $15.13 (as of 02/15/2012)
This is an essential book for anyone of Irish descent or who simply loves and wants to learn more about Ireland.
It features brief historical information and many large breathtaking photos on premium glossy stock.
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