10 Best hikes and trails in Burren National Park

Best trails in Burren National Park

4.3(2,516 reviews)

Ireland
:
#4 of 6 national parks

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

#1 - Mullaghmore Loop: Blue Route

This 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...

#2 - Lough Avalla Farm Loop

This 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...

#3 - Mullaghmore Return: Green Route

Enjoy 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.

#4 - Mullaghmore and Burren Park Circular

Explore 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.

#5 - Slieve Carran: Brown Route

The 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.

#6 - Nature Trail: White Route

Discover 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.

#7 - Slieve Carran: Yellow Route

Enjoy 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.

#8 - Knockaunroe Turlough: Orange Route

#9 - Mullaghmore Traverse: Red Route

Note: 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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Guides

Top Picks in Burren National Park

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Trail reviews for Burren National Park

4,552 trailgoers Busiest in August

Bibi ILoveIrleland

Aug 10, 2025•Hiking

Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

What an incredible hike! A magnificent trail between forest and mountain, ending at a small lake. The walk is full of surprises and wild landscapes in the heart of the Burren National Park.

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Lough Avalla Farm Loop

Diane Monreal

Sep 8, 2025•Hiking

Great conditionsGreat views

It was a very nice trail in a pretty unique area, The Burren. We commented to each other several times that this may be the best marked trail we’ve ever hiked. The terrain is obviously rocky, and in the damp conditions of the morning some rocks were slippery. Although not a strenuous hike, it is one where you need to watch your footing most of the time on the farm. The only animals on the trail were birds, though we did see several farm animals in the neighboring enclosures. OK, so now we have to mention Harry. He and his wife open up their house to any and all travelers. They provide tea and coffee as well as the desert of the day, in our case apple pie and some chocolates. While they ask for NOTHING in return, we were more than happy to add to the “donation” jar more than the market value of their offering. Now if this were all I’d say this is a pretty unique hike. But what you should also know is that Harry and his family built the trail and the house in which they live. Finally, Harry is one of the most social and likable people you will ever meet. He showed us his gardens, house, and two-day-old baby calf. Though I thought he might be an urban legend, he could easily be the best part of any hike. P.S. Don’t ask about Harry at The Visitors’ Centre. Crazy, but I don’t think they like him.

Difficulty: Moderate

Lough Avalla Farm Loop

Pauline Chossier

Aug 30, 2025•Hiking

Easy to parkNot crowdedDog-friendlyGreat conditionsGreat views

An easy, well-marked route through the Burren park

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Difficulty: Easy

Mullaghmore Loop: Blue Route

Bk Bk

Jun 14, 2025•Walking

Not crowdedGreat views

The Burren is stark, and the temperate forest is really beautiful!

Nature Trail: White Route

Tim Leo and Steve

Mar 12, 2025•Hiking

This is on country road all the way. It is a quiet road so peaceful enough. The scenery is fantastic and you avoid the difficult terrain over the limestone. It is long though at 18km. At the start there are a couple of other marked trails if preferred. One bonus is you pass the Burren Perfumery which is a nice spot for lunch or perfume.

Burren National Park From Eagles Rock Car Park Loop

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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 4.7 star rating from 1,012 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 2,516 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 634 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 4.6 star rating from 198 community reviews.