The region is a UNESCO-supported Global Geopark in recognition of the region’s significant geological, ecological and cultural value, as well as its sustainable tourism practices.
County Clare is recognised for its archaeological significance. There are dozens of megalithic tombs and Celtic crosses, a ruined Cistercian Abbey from the 12th Century and abandoned villages to explore. We can provide lots of information for you to find your way around the Geopark during your stay.
One of the most famous and photographed sites is Poulnabrone Portal, a 6,000 year old Dolmen. Its name means 'The hole of the sorrows' and when excavated in 1986 the remains of bodies were discovered to have been placed there.
UNESCO Global Geoparks are internationally recognised places with unique geology, landscapes, history and culture. Geoparks are managed with a focus on education, conservation, sustainable tourism and community engagement.
The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark was awarded UNESCO Global Geopark designation in 2016.
Sea View House is an Official Tourism Partner of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geo Park. www.burrengeopark.ie
The area of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark covers 530 square kilometers. Its boundary is marked to the West and North by the coast from Hag’s Head to the county border at New Quay. It then runs south along the county border to Tubber and westwards through Corofin, Kilfenora, north of Kilshanny and on to Hag’s Head.
Top 10 Geology Facts:
The Burren, covering roughly 360 sq KM, is in one of Ireland's three Geoparks. It boasts the most extensive area of limestone pavemenet in Europe and is a botanist's dream It harbours a unique floral diversity with Arctic, Mediterranean and Alpine flowers blooming side by side - Spring Gentian, Mountain Avens , Maidenhair Fern, Mediterranean Orchid. Towards the end of the Stone Age, man was drawn to the Burren by the dry and wooded uplands and immediately embarked on large-scale forest clearance. This and the constant action of wind on the cleared areas together with overgrazing resulted in exhaustion of the soil and, by medieval times, the stark landscape we see today. The land was bought by the Government for nature conservation and public access. It contains examples of all the major habitats within the Burren; limestone pavement, calcareous grassland, hazel scrub, ash/hazel woodland, turloughs, lakes, petrifying springs, cliffs and fen.
At the centre of the Wild Atlantic Way in Co Clare are the stunning Cliffs of Moher. Stretching out into the mist along the North Clare coastline, the Cliffs of Moher are jaw-droppingly beautiful. Their sheer drop into the heaving Atlantic ocean is a well known haven for sea birds. Waves crash below, seabirds whirl above and paths wind along the cliff-edge between villages with photo opportunities all the way.
The spectacular coastal walking trail linking the village of Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher and on to Hags Head and Liscannor starts right outside Sea View House. The full trail from Doolin to Liscannor is 18 km long but the section from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher is 8km long and takes about 2 hrs each way. Download the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk - Map
Local farmer Pat Sweeney has decided to share his local knowledge with visitors to Doolin by offering Guided Walks along the new path to the Cliffs of Moher. The path brings you up close with the natural habitats of the sea birds nesting along the rugged coastline where the Cliffs of Moher meet the Atlantic ocean. There are an estimated 30,000 birds living on the cliffs, representing more than 20 different species. See Cliffs-Moher.com for more details.
You can hire electric bikes from E-Whiz in Kilfenora, who will deliver them to Sea View House. You will be supplied with everything you need. If you bring your own bikes we can provide secure storage. The North Clare Cycle network has Doolin as its hub.
If cycling is not your thing we can recommend private chauffeurs and tour guides as well.
