ROUTES
an karst
120km, 9am 21st June 2025
The routes are subject to change. The examples provided below offer a strong indication of the route on the day.
Link to view 120km route map: Click Here
Cycle Back in Time
This is a spectacular route across the unique Burren landscape and you may feel you’ve stepped back in time or are on a different planet. There are two significant climbs – but fuel right, approach with respect and you’ll be grand! The road surface is good, with just a couple of bumpy stretches that are well worth it for the incredible Burren views.
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 pedaled 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: 33km
40km – 73km
Carran to Ballyvaughan
As you leave Carran you will head for the home of Red Mary, Màire Rua O’Brien. No its not a cocktail, it’s the home of a notorious aristocrat, Leamaneh Castle.
If you escape her grasp you’ll head for the village of Kilfenora, Chèile band country. From there you’ll spin along the Barony of the Burren towards the Dolmen. You will descend down Ballyallaban, passing the Aillwee Caves and into Ballyvaughan for the foodstop..
Section 3: 17KM
73km – 90km
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. Be aware 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 4: 35km
90km – 125km
Carran to Barefield
You will leave Carron for the second time and travel back down to Leamanagh Castle but this time you will turn left for Kilnaboy. There is a water stop in Kilnaboy National School.
You will travel on to the village of Corofin. Please be cautious going through Corofin village as it is always a busy village. Outside Corofin on the Ennis Road you will take a left for Ruan village.
In Ruan village you will take a left at the shop and just after Ruan National School you will take a right for Dromore Nature Reserve.
After Dromore Nature Reserve you will take a right hand turn and eventually exit out onto the main Crusheen Road, turning right for Barefield Village.
You are now on the home straight.
Congratulations you have completed the Tour de Burren 2025!
Overall route
An Karst
RECOMMENDATIONS
25-28mm tyres for road bikes with appropriate psi or gravel bikes with 35-40mm tyres with about 35psi and a comfier spin.
Difficulty Rating: 7/10
HOT TIP
With a total of 1200mtrs to climb, DO NOT wait until food stops to drink or eat. Nibble and sip fluid as you go. And don’t go too hard too early, spin those gears.
Please be aware that the roads in these areas have local traffic as well as tourist traffic. When safe allow traffic to pass.
