ROUTES
an karst
120km, 9am 21st June 2025
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 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: 18KM
60km – 78km
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 4: 42km
78km – 120km
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.
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.
