The Burren Way

posted in: Ireland 1

We've been through foul weather and foot pain to get here, but at last we're in Doolin in County Clare, enjoying a well earned rest day, and the weather is gorgeous. Clear blue sky and sunshine, and no need to pick up a rucksack ALL DAY - perfect.

But as far as hiking days go, yesterday was pretty perfect too.

We set off from Lehinch along a broad sandy beach, with grey sky and waves in turmoil after a big storm blew in off the Atlantic the night before. Passing by an old ruined church we joined the Burren Way, one of the very few long distance paths in Ireland going in the right direction for us.

As the morning passed the clouds cleared and the sun came out; by the time we got to the Cliffs of Moher, the weather was perfect for a clifftop walk - sunny, blue sky with small clouds, crashing waves with white tops.

We joined the clifftop walk at Hag's Head lookout tower, dating from the Napoleonic wars, an amazingly atmospheric spot. The wind kept knocking us off balance as it caught our rucksacks, so we were careful to stay well back from the edge – the cliffs are up to 200 metres high in places and the gusts of wind very strong and unpredictable. The path follows the top of the cliffs and gives excellent views of the cliffs themselves and the Aran Islands just off the coast.

After about 7km the cliffs start to lower, and the path drops down towards Doolin and the limestone landscape of the Burren beyond.

But the Burren is tomorrow's walk. Today we're off to Lisdoonvarna on the bus for a spot of shopping and rest and relaxation.

 

Neil walking on Lehinch beach

 

Celtic crosses near Liscannor

 

Celtic crosses near Liscannor

 

Lookout tower - Hag's Head

 

Cliffs of Moher

 

Cliffs of Moher

 

Cliffs of Moher

 

Approaching Doolin bay

 

 

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  1. Simon White
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    Enjoy your zero day