THE BURREN REGION
An Boireann (rocky land)
North County Clare

The Burren region of North Clare derives its name from the Irish word Boireann, which means "rocky land". This is the perfect name for an area of land that more resembles a lunar surface than a rich tapestry full of life. Oliver Cromwell's surveyor, in the mid 17th century, described the Burren as "a savage land, yielding neither water enough to drown a man, nor tree to hang him, nor soil enough to bury him." Little did he know!

This glacial region developed over 350 million years ago and is approximately 300 square kilometers of fissured limestone, also called grykes, and is the largest such area in western Europe. Grykes are formed when rainwater penetrates the weak lines in the limestone and cause virtical cracks, and in many areas, caves and river systems. It's these cracks where many of the Burren's wildlife can be found. In fact, the Burren is one of Europe’s richest

botanical areas. It is home to around seven hundred different plant species, nearly three quarters of Ireland’s native flora.

The Burren is of huge international significance for three reasons--

Archaeological -- Humans first made their imprint in the Burren region some 6000 years ago. They were attracted by the prospect of year round grazing in protected lowlands. Today, visitors can see some of the archaeological artifacts left behind, such as the burial chambers of Poulnabrone Dolmen and Gleninsheen Wedge Tomb, and Caherconnell Stone Fort, including later sites such as Leamaneh Castle and Kilfenora Abbey.

Flora and Fauna -- By all appearances, the Burren is a barren and desolate place, but in fact, the grykes are home to a number of Alpine, Arctic and Mediterranean plant species, some of which don't normally grow well in limey soil, such as the Hoary Rock Rose and Wild Orchid. You may also see some of the wildlife that lives in the area, such as Irish Hare, Whooper Swans and tiny rare butterflies. Badgers, Hedgehogs and Pygmy Shrews are also common. And there are three species of bat, including the Leisler's Bat and Horseshoe Bat.

Geological -- The limestone in this region was formed about 350 million years ago, but what makes this region unusual is that so much of that limestone has been exposed. There are a number of reasons for this, the utmost including intensive land cultivation by prehistoric farmers who removed much of the topsoil.

Some interesting facts about the Burren region--

• Human occupation of the lands of the Burren date back more than 6000 years.
• Prior to the Great Famine, the population in the Burren was as many as 400 people per square kilometer.
• The Burren has a population of feral goats (Capra hircus) are known as Old Irish Goats and date back to when Stone Age farmers kept them. While wild, it's common for them to mate with domestic flocks.
• This region has one of the densest populations of archaeological sites in all of Europe.
• This is the only place on Earth where Arctic, Alpine and Meditrerranean plant species live side-by-side.
• Turloughs/seasonal lakes dot the region.
• The Burren has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site...approval pending.

~ Free natural attractions around the region
~ Some Fees for privately owned sites
~ Pay at Burren Centre for theater show
~ Free car parking available around the region
~ No access onto unpaved landscape, us discretion at each location

http://www.theburrencentre.ie