Lisdoonvarna

Additional Information

"We invite you to join us and get involved in our Burren food story. We are passionate about our food, growing and producing it locally for you to enjoy."

The fertile valleys of the Burren have long been known for their quality food produce. In recent years, this food tradition has expanded through the emergence of many award-winning chef-led restaurants and high quality artisan food producers, as well as an increase in practising market gardeners and growers.

The Burren Food Trail is more than a listing of quality food establishments in the area – it aims to uncover for you the path that your food takes from field to plate. You can decide for yourself how to follow the trail – stop at every point or else dip in and out along the way, according to your taste, interest and location.

Featured Businesses in Lisdoonvarna:
Wild Honey Inn
Burren Brewery at The Roadside Tavern
Burren Smokehouse Experience
Kieran's Kitchen at The Roadside Tavern
Sheedy's Hotel and Restaurant


See 'Other information' for full member details and Burren Trail map

Downloads:-

• Burren Food Trail Map
• Burren Food Trail Members

Additional Information

Trailheads: The cycleway starts and ends in Lisdoonvarna.
Services: Lisdoonvarna, Kilfenora and Ballyvaughan.
Distance: 45km
Time: Approximately 1 day
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Terrain: Hilly, low gears recommended. Experience the Burren countryside at its best.
To Suit: Suitable for people of medium levels of fitness.

Map available in 'Other Information'.

Downloads:-

• Dolmen Cycle way Map

Additional Information

Loop Overview

DISTANCE: 1km
DIFFICULTY: Easy
DURATION: 0.5 hrs
TERRAIN: Gravel path, roadside path
MINIMUM GEAR: Walking shoes, raingear, fluid, mobile phone

Lisdoonvarna and its Spa Waters Three small rivers flow through Lisdoonvarna, the Aille, Gowlaun and Kilmoon, all in deep ravines. Each has broken through the upper layer of shale and now flows on top of the underlying limestone. The shales are rich in phosphate, iron sulphide, calcium carbonate and organic matter. Where the shale meets the limestone, there is a layer particularly rich in phosphate and a number of mineral springs discharge from the shale at this point. The town of Lisdoonvarna developed around these natural spring wells, famous for their health-giving sulphur water and they became a major spa tourist attraction in the 19th century.

1. Rivers and Ravines
Lisdoonvarna is nestled within a landscape of rounded hills of shale rock. This shale was formed approximately 300 million years ago when clay sediments settled on the bed of a deep dark sea. Underneath this shale rock is the limestone, that is visible on the surface further north in the Burren. Unlike limestone, shale is not dissolved by water and the rivers flow on the surface. However, because the shale is made from clay particles it breaks and chips easily. Flowing to the left of the trail is the River Aille. The river has dug into the shale over the centuries and created a deep ravine.

2. Wetland Vegetation
Walking along the trail, you are surrounded by vegetation which prefers wet conditions. This reflects the impervious nature of the underlying shale which often causes water logging on the surface when drainage is impeded. Rushes, horsetails, willow herb, ragged robin and sedges grow among the grass of the parkland. The trees that line the ravine of the Aille River include birch, alder, willow, sycamore, scots pine and oak. On the opposite side of the ravine the rounded hills are covered by bog vegetation, including sphagnum mosses, black bog rush, sedges and furze.

3. The Twin Wells
Descending the steps, you are passing through the shale layer to where the Aille River has reached the underlying limestone. In a short space of time, you have climbed down through approximately 20 million years of geological history. At the bottom of the steps are the ‘Twin Wells’. Discovered in the mid-1700s, these wells are a source of chalybeate and magnesia and unusually the two separate wells spring from the same rock. Due to the popularity of the wells in the 1800s, steps were made down from the road above in 1870. An attendant working at the Twin Wells in 1908 earned 10 shillings (60 cent) a week.

4. Riparian woodland
Ascending the steps to rejoin the trail, a second river flows in the ravine to your left. This is the Kilmoon stream which is flowing to meet the Aille River near the Twin wells. All along the banks of the Kilmoon Steam, large trees line the banks. Beech, horse chestnut, sycamore, ash, alder and willow adorned with mosses and lichens are underlain with a shrub layer of holly, hazel, hawthorn, elder, blackthorn and ivy and a colourful ground layer of speedwell, herb robert, cross stitch, celandines and ferns.

5. Pump House
Continuing straight along the trail, passing to the rear of the Burren Salmon Smokehouse, you reach a pedestrian entrance gate to the park. On the opposite side of the road is the Town Library, housed in the former Pump Room of the ‘iron and magnesia wells’ of the Kilmoon stream. It was recommended that people first took a course of magnesia before taking the iron water. The magnesia water was said to be beneficial for those with ‘weak stomachs’, while the iron water was used as a blood tonic and particularly recommended to ‘young and weak females’.

6. The Pavilion
Returning back into the park through the pedestrian gate and along the path, turn left where the trail divides. The Pavilion was built in 1913 on land acquired for a park and recreation area. Mr Roughan of Ennistymon laid the foundation at a cost of £210 and Humphreys of Dublin constructed it at a cost of £1114, with steel from Harland and Wolff of Belfast. Lit by gas, with a maple floor and seating for 1,000 people it became a venue for theatre, dance and general entertainment. Eamon de Valera addressed a crowd of 3,000 people in the Pavilion on 30 July 1917 as part of his election campaign. Today, managed by the Lisdoonvarna Fáilte Development Group it remains a successful centre for varied activities set within a well developed activities park.

7. Gowlaun Spa Wells
Leaving the grounds of the Pavilion, cross to the opposite side of the road, continue over the bridge and turn left into the park. Close to the bridge the Gowlaun River joins the Aille. According to local information, sulphur springs were discovered on the Gowlaun River in the early 1700s when a man out hunting was assailed by the strong smell of ‘rotten eggs’. The smell came from hydrogen sulphide gas which is released from the sulphur rich spring waters. Analysed in 1713, the springs contain large quantities of sulphur and iron. In 1867 Capt. Stacpoole, the landlord, built two small houses over the Gowlaun wells and installed a pump. In 1875 the first bath house was constructed here. By 1878 over 5,000 visitors were recorded. The existing bath house was built between 1939 and 1945.

Downloads:-

• Lisdoonvarna Heritage Trail Map

Additional Information

Open from April to October. Visit the pump room where you can sample the sulpher water for free – donations towards the restoration fund are always welcome.

The Spa Wells is a Geosite.

Lisdoonvarna (Lios Dúin Bhearna, meaning the Fort of the Gap) is set within a landscape of steep shale hills, interspersed with the deep gorges of the Aille, Gowlaun and Kilmoon rivers. Where the upper shale layer meets the underlying limestone a number of mineral springs rich in sulphur, iron, magnesium and calcium emerge, providing Lisdoonvarna with the health-giving water that has attracted visitors to the town for over 150 years.

Additional Information

Trailheads: The cycleway starts and ends in Lisdoonvarna.
Services: Lisdoonvarna, Kilfenora and Ballyvaughan.
Distance: 45km
Time: Approximately 1 day
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Terrain: Hilly, low gears recommended. Experience the Burren countryside at its best.
To Suit: Suitable for people of medium levels of fitness

Map available in 'Other Information'.

Downloads:-

• Burren Cycle Way

Additional Information

Get a tasting of our smoked salmon and watch a DVD presentation about the smoking process (free of charge).

We are passionate about our local and Irish foods that you can buy in our gourmet shop.

Free parking available, as well as access and facilities for the disabled.

Open all year.

Additional Information

The award-winning food menu is filled with delicious dishes such as traditional Irish bacon & cabbage and a traditional rendition of Irish stew as well as Colcannon with either sausages or Burren hot smoked salmon.

Food served every day Mid March to late October from 12pm to 4pm and 6pm to 9pm.

Kieran's Kitchen is a member of Burren Food Trail, map and details available in 'Other Information'

Downloads:-

• Burren Food Trail Map
• Burren Food Trail Members

Additional Information

An A La Carte Dinner menu is offered in our Restaurant where the ambiance is friendly and informal. A menu is also offered in our Bar, where you can relax by an open turf fire.

All Dishes are freshly cooked to order and John sources as many ingredients as possible from local artisan producers and in our Potager Garden we grow a variety of vegetables and herbs.

Open April to October from 6.30pm with last orders for food at 8.30pm. The Special Value Early bird Menu is served from 6.30pm to 7.15pm.

Members of Burren Food Trail, map and details available in 'Other Information'

Downloads:-

• Burren Food Trail Map
• Burren Food Trail Members

Additional Information

Serving locally sourced free-range and organic food. Michelin Bib Gourmand award for good food at moderate prices.

Open all year (Thurs-Sun only during winter).
Lunch 1pm-3.30pm
Dinner 5pm-9pm
Closed on Tuesdays

Members of Burren Food Trail, map and details available in 'Other Information'

Downloads:-

• Burren Food Trail Map
• Burren Food Trail Members

Additional Information

Welcome to Ballinsheen House nestled in lush landscaped gardens.Countryside peace and tranquility yet only 5 minutes walk from town centre. Friendly atmosphere, delicious fresh breakfasts, home baking, stylish bedrooms.

Ballinsheen House 4 star guest accommodation is located in the pretty village of Lisdoonvarna on the edge of the Burren and only 10 minutes drive from Discovery Point 9 – The Cliffs of Moher on the Wild Atlantic Way.

We are ideally situated to explore The Burren National Park, The Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands.

Architect designed and set in its own beautiful landscaped gardens with several patio/deck areas to sit and enjoy the lovely scenery with ample parking. Ballinsheen House is situated in an elevated position, giving charming views across the countryside and yet only 5 minutes walk into the town centre.

All our rooms are cosy, comfortable with stylish furnishings and original artwork. Double King and family rooms ensuite have complimentary Tea/Coffee & mineral water, hairdryers, flat-screen TV’s, radio-alarm clocks, luggage racks, toiletries in the bathrooms all with lovely garden views.

The Guest lounges have open fires, books, music system, magazines, games, corkscrew and wine glasses.

Breakfast is served from 8.00am until 10.00am in the Dining room and Conservatory with stunning garden views, so you can linger and have a gloriously lazy start to the day.

We are recommended by Rick Steves, Michelin Verde, Rough Guide, Guide du Routard, Trotters and Goa Guide Gallimard.

Ballinsheen House specialises in good food, warm hospitality and friendly service with an Irish Family welcome.

Open March – October

Additional Information

All 11 rooms and suites at Sheedy’s have been individually designed and comfort is guaranteed….crisp white linen, fluffy white towels, luxury toiletries combine with timeless colour schemes to create an atmosphere of relaxation.

All Guest rooms include:
-En Suite Bathrooms with Power Showers and Bathtub
-Multi-Channel TV with DVD Player CD Player and Radio
-Direct Dial Telephone
-Hairdryer
-Tea & Coffee Making Facilities
-Complimentary Mineral Water Luxury Gilcrest and Soames Toiletries
-Cosy Sitting Areas with Books and Magazines
-Writing Tables

The Junior Suites have Large Sitting Areas, Spacious Bathrooms with Separate Power Shower Cubicle to Bath and double sinks.

For Breakfast, all Jams, Marmalade and Breads are all made by John in our own kitchen.


Dining

An A La Carte Dinner menu is offered in our Restaurant where the ambiance is friendly and informal. A menu is also offered in our Bar, where you can relax by an open turf fire. Both Restaurant and Bar are open from 6.30pm with last orders for food at 8.45pm. The Special Value Early bird Menu is served from 6.30pm to 7.15pm.

All Dishes are freshly cooked to order and John sources as many ingredients as possible from local artisan producers and in our Potager Garden we grow a variety of vegetables and herbs.

Prices have been described by Georgina Campbell Guide as “Cooking at a price that is very fair for quality provided”.

Additional Information

Stylish accommodation with award winning restaurant. En-suite bedrooms. Wi-fi available in the Hotel.
Open all year (Thurs-Sun only during winter)

Additional Information

The Roadside Tavern which was established in 1865 as a pub, then was expanded into a bakery, now also harbours a micro-brewery under its roof.

Sample the taster menu of Burren Micrbrewery beers:
Burren Gold - a delicious colourful larger
Burren Red - a spicy, slightly sweet ale which even features a hint of smoke
Burren Black - a smooth and full-bodied stout

Meet the Master Brewer, Peter Curtin, and delve a little deeper into the history of the brewery and the brewing process itself.

Burren Brewery is a member of Burren Food Trail, map and details available in 'Other Information'

Downloads:-

• Burren Food Trail Map
• Burren Food Trail Members

Additional Information

A range of our own smoked organic salmon, smoked mackerel, trout using fish caught or grown in Ireland. Delicacies like jams, chocolates, biscuits, fruit wine from County Clare, mead, seaweed products, seasoning's, honeys and other gift items.

Open daily March to December 9am to 5pm
Open daily January to Mid March from 10am to 4pm

Member of Burren Ecotourism who offer authentic experiences and promote the Burren Geopark as a leading sustainable visitor destination, celebrated for high standards in visitor experience, conservation & learning.

Additional Information

For mass time, please go to the website

Additional Information

Openin Hours:
Mond - Wed:10am-6pm
Thur: 10am-1pm
Frid: 10am-6pm
Sat: 10am-3pm
Closed for lunch 1pm-2pm

Additional Information

Opening hours:
Tues 10am-12.30 & 1pm - 5pm
Thur 10am - 12.30 & 1pm - 5pm & 6pm-8pm

Additional Information

Opening hours:
Mond-Tues-Thur-Frid
09.30am to 12pm & 2pm to 5pm
Wed 09.30 to 12pm

Additional Information

Opening Hours:
Mond-Frid 9am - 1pm & 2pm - 5.30pm
Sat 9am to 1pm

Additional Information

Open: Mond - Sat 9.30M-6pm