These experiences have been awarded by EcoTourism Ireland.
EARLY BIRD CYCLING TOUR
An early morning guided cycling tour through the heart of the Burren followed by a delicious mouth-watering breakfast at Burren Fine Wine & Food.
Starting from Burren Bike in Ballyvaughan at 7.30am when the roads are quieter and the birds are singing, peacefully pedalling through this spectacular landscape is a magical experience for you and your family to remember for many a day after your Burren visit.
As well as magnificent scenery you will also enjoy a visit to Ballyallaban Ring Fort with its earthen bank.
Cahermore Stone Fort with the remains of internal structures.
One and a half miles from Cahermore is the town land of Gleninsheen famous for its Irish Bronze Age Collar of Gold found here in 1934 and of course Gleninsheen wedge shaped gallery grave (another of Ireland’s many Diarnaid’s and Grainne’s Bed).
Finally, cycle to the top of the famous Corkscrew Hill to enjoy amazingly beautiful views of the valley, and Galway Bay, before coasting down to Burren Fine Wine and Food for breakfast.
Here you will be greeted with aromas of freshly brewed coffee and home baking.
You can choose a breakfast of fresh free-range eggs from a neighbouring farm and hot scones straight from our oven or an Organic Smoked Salmon Bagel using salmon from the Burren Smokehouse and bagels from New Quay.
Free Optional extras:
Burren Fine Wine & Food is ideally situated for further exploration of the Burren either on foot or by bike. If you are availing of the morning bike hire you may drop the bike back to us. If using your own bike you are welcome to lock it up and leave it at Burren Fine Wine while you explore the Burren on foot.
BURREN STEPS AND BITES!
A guided walking tour of the majestic, rocky Burren in North Clare with expert local guide Tony Kirby (author of The Burren and the Aran islands A Walking Guide) followed by a two-course lunch in Cathleen Connole’s Burren Fine Wine & Food highlighting the best of local produce.
The walk itself takes place in the beautiful, secluded valley of Rathborney just south of Ballyvaughan. The valley is rich in antiquities including a huge ring fort, a medieval ecclesiastical site and an 18th century church.
Other highlights include stunning examples of the region’s limestone pavement and the world famous Arctic/Alpine/Mediterranean mix of wildflowers. The start and end point of the walk is the magnificently restored stone-built café Burren Food and Wine.
Walkers can enjoy an excellent two-course lunch here after the invigorating walk. Some of the specialities include Warm Chicken Mango Salad, Baked Galway Bay Crab, served with delicious salad and freshly baked brown bread followed by a choice of mouth-watering homemade desserts.
The package is available every Wednesday morning at 10.00 a.m. in June, July and August. The walk itself is at an easy pace and lasts two and half hours. By choosing this package you are supporting two small-scale local tourism businesses and so all your money remains in the local economy, both businesses are Fáilte Ireland accredited eco-tourism enterprises and have a strong conservation ethos.
Step out in style and eat without guilt as you make a very light footprint on the planet!
Please visit our Ecotourism page for more information on accreditation and Environment policies.
As well as magnificent scenery you will also enjoy a visit to Ballyallaban Ring Fort with its earthen bank.
Finally, cycle to the top of the famous Corkscrew Hill to enjoy amazingly beautiful views of the valley, and Galway Bay, before coasting down to Burren Fine Wine and Food for breakfast.