A documentary TV series produced by the Burren Ecotourism Network is featuring local people who live and work in one of Ireland’s most unique environments, The Burren in County Clare.
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The series, titled “People of the Burren,” is intended to introduce visitors to not only the people who live and work there but also give them an insight into the diverse history, geology, archaeology, food, and music that is associated with this part of Ireland.
The Burren, a UNESCO Global Geopark, is actually part of the Burren National Park, one of six protected regions of Ireland.
Its limestone landscape was formed as sediments in a tropical sea that covered Ireland approximately 350 million years ago.
This is why when you walk across the Burren, you will see the remains of ancient inhabitants of that tropical sea, including corals, sea urchins, sea lilies, and ammonites.
The film series will include interviews as well as glimpses of the stunning landscape that these Burren residents call home.
All of them are part of the network, which has more than 70 members.
Some of the more prominent ones include the Cliffs of Moher tourist attraction and the Ailwee Caves, but there are many smaller tourism enterprises in the area that benefit from membership in B.E.N.
Follow the Burren Ecotourism Network on Facebook to learn when the remainder of the documentary films.
What to Do in The Burren Area
Villages and towns in the Burren region include Ballyvaughan; Boston; Carron; Corofin; Crusheen; Doolin, a popular mecca for traditional Irish music; Ennistymon; Fanore; Gort; Kilfenora; Kilnaboy; Kilshanny; Kinvara; Lisdoonvarna, a hub for singles looking for a partner, and Tubber.
However, the first stop for many first-time visitors to the area is the Burren Centre.
When you arrive, an audio-visual display and an accompanying exhibition will introduce you to The Burren’s unique archaeology and ecology.
There are plenty of Megalithic tombs and other monuments to be found in the area, as well as ring forts that speak to an ancient civilization.
The Poulnabrone Dolmen is perhaps the most popular and most photographed attraction in The Burren landscape.
This large monument dates from the Neolithic Period (between 4,200 and 2,900 BC) and consists of three standing portal stones supporting a heavy horizontal capstone.
When the site surrounding the monument was excavated in the 1980s, the remains of about 33 humans were found, along with various burial objects.
Walking is the best way to explore The Burren and there are numerous walking guides and companies to show you the way, including local businesses such as Heart of Burren Walks and Marie's Burren Experience Guided Walks, which is featured in the film series.
Visitors can also enjoy a unique farm experience courtesy of Ireland on a Budget Tourism Ambassadors Bronagh and Cathal O'Rourke.
Choose from a Variety of Burren Experiences
Worth Seeing in The Burren
If you’re a keen gardener or just like nature, the Cahir Bridge Garden is most definitely worth seeing.
Based in Fanore, the garden was created by Carl Wright, who moved to Ireland from the U.K. in 1985 to set up a 2-acre haven of beauty in the northwest reaches of The Burren.
The garden, which was constructed around a restored riverside cottage, includes large collections of snowdrops and daffodils, hostas, daylilies, crocosmia, as well as woodland plants, and ferns.
You must make an appointment beforehand.
If you’re looking for a unique gift to bring back home or you just want the scent of this special region, The Burren Perfumery is also worth a stop.
This family-run business makes small-batch natural and organic perfumes and cosmetics that are inspired by the area’s limestone landscape and its unique flora.
Everything is made by hand on-site.
You can get a free guided tour from June through September at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
The facility also includes a tea room, where you’ll find a variety of delicious sweet treats.
Read More: 6 Foodie Destinations in Clare that You Don’t Want to Miss