The Megalithic Burren 160km

ROUTES

The Megalithic Burren

160km, 9am 20th June 2026

STRAVA ROUTE LINK 160km cycle: Click Here

RIDE WITH GPS ROUTE LINK 160km cycle: Click Here

Significant Climbs

Approx. after 63km – Sliabh Eilbhe – 3.25km, 196m, 6%
Approx. after 90km – Poulnabrone Climb – 4.66km, 134m, 2%
160km & 125km routes share the first 80km to the top of the Corkscrew Hill.
All riders share the same route home from Kilnaboy to Barefield.

ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS

Food & Water stops are in Ballyvaughan GAA Field 50km & Kilnaboy National School 140km mark
Shop in Fanore before climb of the day
At 78km mark you may refuel bottles at water stop at top of Corkscrew Hill or continue on route to Kilnaboy
Kilfenora village (shop, restaurant & cafe)
Carran Village – Repair Station
Approx. 128km Glann Hill descent
Passing Fr Teds House and Mullaghmore
140km Kilnaboy National School food stop
Essential you bring 2 water bottles & snack fuel

Barefield: Eircode V95 YX37
Ballyvaughan Food Stop: Eircode H91 F6P2
Kilnaboy Refreshment Stop: Eircode V95 HX58

Please do not unnecessarily delay or cause traffic build up – pull into a safe spot and allow traffic to flow. Share the road and have respect for all road users.
Cycle 2 abreast and indicate hazards to others in time.

Section 1:

Barefield to Ballyvaughan

This route will take you out of Barefield to the village of Crusheen and onto the village of Tubber and along the New Line to the bottom of Corker Hill.
At this point you will commence the Climb of Corker Hill.
This road is frequented by tourist traffic especially coaches and tour buses. Proceed with caution and expect to be overtaken.

From the Top of Corker Hill you will shortly take a right into Bell Harbour and then left out onto the N67 for Ballyvaughan.

As you enter Ballyvaughan proceed with extra caution. There is normally a farmers market in the village on the left hand side on Saturday morning.

In Ballyvaughan you will turn right and just over the bridge you turn left for the Food Stop at Ballyvaughan GAA grounds. Caution entering and exiting needed.

The food stop in Ballyvaughan GAA Field will close at 3.30pm.

Section 2:

Ballyvaughan to Corkscrew Hill

Ballyvaughan Loop via Fanore

After the food stop you head for the coast road, Black Head Lighthouse and Fanore. At O’Donoghues Pub you will turn left to commence the Sliabh Eilbhe climb. A narrow road so single out and climb at your own pace.

There is a sharp step descent at 70km so please exercise caution, slow down before bends and expect to meet traffic. At the end of the descent is a busy crossroads so STOP before exiting left for the top of the Corkscrew.

You will descend the Corkscrew Hill so caution required on descent. Expect to meet tourist traffic and coaches that swing wide on the hairpins.

You can return to the food stop in Ballyvaughan for a top up before 3.30pm otherwise utilise the Snack and Water stop on the top of the Corkscrew Hill.

Section 3:

Ballyvaughan (bottom of Corkscrew Hill) to Kilnaboy

If you decide not to return into Ballyvaughan village you can swing RIGHT for the Aillwee Caves / Ennis and Kilfenora.

You will turn Left at Leamenah Castle for Carran. Caution on the descent of Glann Hill after Carran aka the mini Corkscrew. You will pass Fr Teds House, please have respect for the owners.

Shortly after Fr Teds house there is a busy crossroads known as Gortlecka in the Burren National Park as tourists park vehicles to visit Mullaghmore, again proceed with caution.
It’s a busy time for the farming community with silage harvesting so expect to meet farm machinery, pull in safely and allow them to pass.

Section 4:

Kilnaboy to Barefield

Extra Caution is also required as you leave the food stop in Kilnaboy National School as you exit out onto the R476 the main road to Ennis. You return home through the Village of Corofin, a busy village and be prepared to stop due to traffic. As you exit Corofin there is a narrow bridge, proceed with caution. You will turn Left out the road for Ruan and Dromore Nature Reserve before heading for Barefield.

Full route