How much time in the Burren?

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dmjordan
dmjordan

Hi,

We only have a few days in Ireland and are trying to maximize our time. We will be starting the day in Doolin, going to the Burren and will then head to Glendalough/Powerscourt area for the night. I know depending on one's interests, one could spend days in the Burren. That being said, we will have a car and I'd be happy driving around the Burren and making a few stops for various sights. How many hours do you think that we will need? Would two hours give us a decent experience?

Thanks,
Dana

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seaneendubh
seaneendubh

Obviously if you're a botanist, or maybe a geologist, the Burren is a fascinating place rich with research opportunities.
If you're a normal Joe, it's a fairly boring expanse of rocky ground with some flowers and the odd stone monument. You'll see enough of it just passing through from Doolin.

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frida1
frida1

I completely disagree with the above poster. The Burren is a fascinating landscape with many evocative historical sites. Aside from the landscape and flora, because of its barrenness, evidence of human habitation from early man to the present is easy to see. It's a shame to pass through it in a couple hours. If that is your plan, a possibility is to follow a route which will take you past some of the most interesting sites, including: The Poulnabrone Dolmen, Caherconnel Stone Fort, Corcomroe Abbey, Leamaneh Castle. If it is a terrible rainy day, the Burren is less pleasant, and then it might be better to go through Kilfenora and visit the Burren Display Center. Kilfenora also has a very evocative Cathedral with some outstanding celtic crosses. If the weather is fairly good, you can leave your car and walk to the Dolmen, Fort, Abbey and Castle without spending alot of time at them. If you visit the Display Center, you probably need 45 minutes to an hour for it to be worth it.

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jedi_knightuk
jedi_knightuk

You could alwasy spend some time looking for Craggy Island Parochial House. Yes it does exist. Takes a little finding........

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dmjordan
dmjordan

Thank you all for replying. You've really helped with my planning and have given me something to think about. I don't think that I need to spend all day there (thanks Sean) but Frida1, I like your itinerary.

Dana

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ambarush
ambarush

You do realize that the Burren and Glendalough are on opposite sides of the country? If you go back up north and take the main Galway /Dublin road it won't take too long a drive 2.5to 3 hours Gal/Dub and then the extra to get south from Dublin to Glendalough. If you go on the minor roads that west east journey will take a lot longer.

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dmjordan
dmjordan

Thanks, Ambarush! Going north to go south does seem counterintuitive at first, but you are right! Thanks for pointing that out.

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