Best trails in Burren National Park
Want to find the best trails in Burren National Park for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 12 great trails for hiking and walking and more. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Explore one of 4 easy hiking trails in Burren National Park that are great for the whole family. Looking for a more strenuous hike? We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 62 to 1,414 feet in elevation gain. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Burren National Park.
Top trails
- (1084)•Moderate•4.7 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrThis is a beautiful trail, following the blue waymarkers for the Mullaghmore Loop that leads you up Mullaghmore, one of the most popular destinations in Burren National Park. The trail starts from the lay-by parking on the corner of L1112 and Green Road (the Gortlecka Crossroads). Follow the country road for the first section, which leads you to Lough Gaelan. After passing the lake, the ascent up Mullaghmore begins. You’ll approach the summit from the southern side and descend the northern...
- (663)•Moderate•4.4 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrThis is a lovely trail taking in a great variety of sights as you make your way around. The terrain changes constantly and it has a truly mystical feel when among the hazel trees. There are numerous beautiful sights to see, including a holy well, a burial tomb, an erratic stone altar, and a variety of fauna and flora as well as Burren ground. After rain, the rocks become extremely slippery, therefore suitable hiking equipment is needed. At the start of the trail, the farmer provides...
- (158)•Moderate•4.3 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrEnjoy this fantastic trail that leads to the summit of Mullaghmore Hill. The trail wanders on the flats past Lough Gaelan before it starts the steep and steady climb up to the summit, offering panoramic views of the distinctive landscape. Along the way, hikers traverse rugged rocky terrain of the Burren, with opportunities to observe the unique geological feature, with the downside being, the trail is very uneven, so make sure to wear good shoes and watch your footing here.
- (199)•Moderate•4.3 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrExplore Burren National Park via this marvellous trail. The roads leading to the trailhead are typical Irish narrow country roads. The destination offers rewarding mountaintop views and features neat rock formations where fossils can be found. The terrain is rough and slippery, so hiking boots are recommended. There is no shade along the trail, so bring sunscreen and plenty of water.
- (162)•Easy•1.6 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThe Brown Loop at Slieve Carran Nature Reserve is mostly paved with limestone, with a section in mature woodland. It features wonderful views of Eagle’s Rock cliff and also features a cave and holy well. The National Park bus does not reach this trailhead, however there is a parking area. This trail is flat the majority of the way and is suitable for the whole family. The route is rocky in places so be mindful of wet weather and wear proper shoes.
- (116)•Easy•1.0 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrDiscover a secret garden hidden in the rock on this incredible Burren walk. The cracks in the limestone here create a unique microclimate, allowing rare Arctic, Alpine, and Mediterranean flowers to grow side-by-side. The area is also rich in ancient history, with tombs and field systems over 6,000 years old. This is a challenging walk on very rough, ankle-twisting ground, so proper walking boots are a must.
- (60)•Easy•1.2 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrEnjoy lovely scenery and the interesting limestone pavement and geology as you make your way around this loop. This trail is known for its orchid-rich grassland so take you take your time when these flowers are in season. This route is rocky and loose in places so be mindful of wet weather and wear proper footwear as the paths can be slippery. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on lead.
- (53)•Hard•5.3 miNote: Going up onto the cliff onto the Southern side is best done via the ridge line and NOT through the Hazel. The descent down the northern side is extremely difficult and only for experienced off trail hikers. Slieve Carran Nature Reserve is part of the East Burren Complex Special Area of Conservation and is home to a variety of distinct vegetation communities and a significant Early Medieval heritage site. The cliff above the Reserve is called ‘Eagle’s Rock’.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Burren National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Burren National Park is Mullaghmore Loop: Blue Route, which has a 4.8 star rating from 1,084 reviews. This trail is 4.7 mi long with an elevation gain of 695 ft.
What is the longest trail in Burren National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Burren National Park is Burren National Park From Eagles Rock Car Park Loop. This trail is estimated to be 10.8 mi long.
How many trails are in Burren National Park?
There are 12 trails in Burren National Park. These trails have an average 4.3-star rating from 2,594 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Burren National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Burren National Park has you covered. Eagles Nest Loop boasts the most elevation gain with 1,414 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Burren National Park From Eagles Rock Car Park Loop, which will get you 1,171 ft of elevation gain.
Are there running trails available in Burren National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 10 running trails in Burren National Park and the most popular is Lough Avalla Farm Loop with an average 4.8 star rating from 663 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Burren National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 biking trails in Burren National Park and the most popular is Mullaghmore and Burren Park Circular with an average 4.7 star rating from 199 community reviews.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Burren National Park?
Yes, there are 7 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Burren National Park, including Mullaghmore Loop: Blue Route, Lough Avalla Farm Loop, Mullaghmore Return: Green Route, Mullaghmore and Burren Park Circular, and Mullaghmore Traverse: Red Route.
Are there any trails with historical ruins in Burren National Park?
Yes, there are 2 trails with historical ruins in Burren National Park, including Slieve Carran: Brown Route and Slieve Carran.
Are there any trails with lakes in Burren National Park?
Yes, there are 4 trails with lakes in Burren National Park, including Mullaghmore Loop: Blue Route, Lough Avalla Farm Loop, Mullaghmore Return: Green Route, and Mullaghmore Traverse: Red Route.
