an Boireann mór

ROUTES

160km, 9am 21st June 2025

Go All the Way

This spin gives you everything the Burren has to offer – from Lough Bunny and the Burren Lowlands to Fanore and the Clare coastline. Experience this haunting part of the world at its most wild and wonderful and recall the legendary words of Oliver Cromwell about the Burren (An Boirinn – The Great Rock): “There isn’t a tree to hang a man, water to drown a man, nor soil to bury a man.”

You’ll enjoy relatively good road surface with just a few bumpy spots, together with unmatched views of the Burren National Park. Tourist traffic is a hazard so please be extra cautious and do not take risks.

Section 1: 40km

0 – 40km

Barefield to Carran

Leaving Barefield, riders I’ll head for Crusheen and onto Tubber. From here you will get glimpses of your destination, The Burren National Park and its unique Karst landscape.

To get there you will pedal through the Burren Lowlands. The first 28km’s is mostly flat and you’ll be nicely warmed up as you head through the Valley of Goats.

Keep an eye out for our wild goats as you head for the bottom of Glann Hill aka The Mini Corkscrew. If you took part in the TdeB24 you pedalled down this climb on the way home.

At the 35km mark approximately you will begin your first climb of the day , Glann Hill 1.3km in length. If climbing is difficult for you there is a get out clause , talk to our marshals. Get into your easy gear and spin up to the top where you’ll have a fantastic view of the Burren and The Lowlands below. A beautiful spot.

Congrats you’ve just completed Section 1 of your Tour.

Section 2: 20km

40km – 60km

Carran to Ballyvaughan

Having 40km done its now time to take on another 20km’s over some rolling terrain across the top of the Burren. You’ll pass ancient ruins , Carran Church , Caherconnell Stone Fort & Cafe aswell as the famous Poulnabrone Dolmen.

After the Dolmen you’ll begin your descent to Ballyvaughan. Caution on the hairpins please, brake well before them not on them, knock off your speed early. Heed the warning signs.

After passing the famous Aillwee caves you’ll turn right for Ballyvaughan and the Foodstop. You’ve about 60km done so fuel up and stay hydrated.

Congrats you have 60km’s done and now its time to get ready for the home stretch.

Section 3: 48km

60km – 108km

Ballyvaughan Loop via Black Head & Sliabh Elva

After fueling up in Ballyvaughan you will head off on a 48km loop. You’ll head along the coast road to Black Head Lighthouse with hopefully spectacular views of Galway Bay , Connemara and the Arann Islands.

In Fanore village you will take a left turn to commence the second mist significant climb of your day ,Sliabh Elva about a 4km climb. As you head up you will have fantastic views of the coast and the Islands. The beginning of this climb is the steepest so get into the right gear before you turn off the coast road.

Caution again on the descent as you head for Lisdoonvarna and Kilfenora. You will eventually reach the top of the famous Corkscrew Hill. Take time to admire the view and be careful negotiating the hairpins. You will sweep into Ballyvaughan for the second time. You can refuel again here. You’ve covered about 110kms.

Section 4: 18km

108km – 126km

Ballyvaughan to Carran

This is the run for home but you’ve a bit of work to do yet. You leave Ballyvaughan for Bell Harbour along the coast road. Beaware this stretch of road is busy with tourist traffic.

You will turn right at Bell Harbour and you will take on the Carran Drag arriving in Carran Village.

Section 5: 42km

126km – 160km Home

Carran to Barefield

There is a toilet stop in Carran village.

A short distance out the road you will turn left for The Commons. The roads are narrow so beware of oncoming local traffic on bends , stay to your left.

You travel along a plateau for 9km before dropping down to Kilnaboy (Refreshment Station). Caution as you navigate a few sharp hairpins on the descent. Please heed the warning signs.

You will turn left exiting the Commons onto a busy road the R476. In Kilnaboy village you will turn left for Mullaghmore.

You will reach the viewing point at Mullaghmore. After taking a few pics you’ll head for the village of Corofin.

You will leave Corofin turning left for Ruan Village, Dromore Woods and back to Barefield.

Congratulations you have completeed the Tour de Burren 2025!

RECOMMENDATIONS

25-28mm tyres for road bikes with appropriate psi or gravel bikes with 35-40mm tyres with about 35psi and a comfier spin. An MTB is fine too, but please no tribars.

Difficulty Rating: 9/10