The Megalithic Burren 160km

ROUTES

The Megalithic Burren

160km, 9am 20th June 2026

Routes are subject to change.

Significant Climbs

After 69km – Sliabh Eilbhe – 3.25km, 196m, 6%

After 92km – Poulnabrone Climb – 4.66km, 134m, 2%

Section 1: 53km

0 – 53km

Barefield to Ballyvaughan

This route will take you out of Barefield to the village of Crusheen and onto the village of Tubber.

After Tubber you will turn left for Boston and head for Glen Columbkille. You’re now entering the heart of the Burren. Just before Glann Hill you will turn right for Kinvara pedalling between the Burren mountains and after passing Eagles Rock on your left you will turn left onto the New Line and head for Ballyvaughan.
You will arrive at the bottom of Corker Hill where you will exit out onto the N67. This road will have tourist traffic and passing coaches so extra care required. If required pull in at a safe location and allow traffic to pass. You will arrive at Ballyvaughan village where you will turn right for the food stop.

Section 2: 37km

53km – 90km

Ballyvaughan Loop via Fanore

Turn Left after exiting the food stop and head along the coast road R477 to Black Head lighthouse and Fanore.

In Fanore at O’Donoghue’s Pub you will turn left and commence the climb of Sliabh Eilbhe. Caution on descending as you exit out onto the N67 turning left for the top of the Corkscrew.

You will descend the Corkscrew with care especially if wet conditions and remember there will be tourist traffic as it’s a popular scenic location.

You will arrive into Ballyvaughan for the second time…

Section 3: 48km

90km – 138km

Ballyvaughan to Kilnaboy

Note if you do not require further fueling you will turn right for Aillwee Caves and The Ballyallaban Climb heading for Poulnabrone Dolmen & the Megalithic Tombs.

You will eventually swing left for Carron Village before turning right for the top of Glann Hill “The mini Corkscrew” , descend carefully to Glencolumbkille before turning right for Fr Teds House , Mullaghmore and Kilnaboy refreshment stop.

Section 4: 22km

138km – 160km

Kilnaboy to Barefield

After Kilnaboy you will head for home via Corofin and Ruan.
In Barefield there will be a fresh 99 ice cream waiting to greet you. You will deserve it!

Full route

The Megalithic Burren 160km

Link to view route map for 160km cycle: Click Here

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