Burren Botany Walk and Talk
Discover the Magical Flora of the Burren
Immerse yourself in the world-renowned landscape of the Burren, where plants from all over the world bloom side by side in harmony. The Botany Talk and Walk is an inspiring experience for nature lovers, offering a chance to discover the incredible flora and habitats of this UNESCO Global Geopark.
Read Video Captions
Welcome to Burren Nature Sanctuary, home of the living collection of Burren flora. This conservation site celebrates the rare and beautiful species of the boron, one of the world’s most diverse botanical regions.
In partnership with Galway University and the National Botanic Garden, we’re conducting field studies, building seed banks, and nurturing native nurseries.
Join us on a botany talk and walk where you’ll discover how Burren plants adapt to their unique environment, connecting everybody to the wonders of this surreal biosphere.
Immerse yourself in nature and peace. If you can’t visit, consider supporting the project. Together, we can safeguard our natural heritage.
Guided Botany Talk
(20 mins)
Find out what The Burren is and why it is one of the top locations for botany in the world.
Learn about The Burren Nature Sanctuary, a unique, award winning and innovative conservation project
Learn how Arctic, Alpine, Mediterranean and tropical plants flower side by side in this unique landscape
See flowers in season in the Burren Botany Bubble
Self-Guided Nature Walk
(20 mins)
Continue around the walks with your map and detailed guidebook (self guided) to explore the site (English language only at present)
Find the art installation audio discovery points (English, Irish, French, German and Spanish)
Visit the Disappearing Lake
Walk through the Wild Orchid meadow
Meet the friendly farm pets and rescues
Walk the Burren Loop (1k) through shattered limestone pavement
Ask any questions you have about The Burren, your itinerary or suggestions for free and paid sites to visit in the area
Meet the Friendly Farm Pets
Meet the Friendly Farm Pets:
Say hello to our rescue animals, including goats, alpacas, llamas, donkeys, and pigs. Purchase feed for a hands-on experience and help support their care!
WATCH AND LEARN
Enjoy a short video about the Burren’s history, ecology, and biodiversity, available in our visitor centre.
Guidebook Included:
Take home a full-colour guidebook with photos, maps, and information about the Burren’s flora, fauna, history, and folklore. Use it to plan further adventures across free and paid sites in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will The Burren Botany Talk and Walk take?
Most people stay 1-2 hours.
The talk will take about 20 minutes in the Burren Botany Bubble and Waterfall Garden.
There are two self-guided looped walks of about 20 minutes each.
Visitors continue from The Burren Botany Bubble down the ancient Boreen to the Disappearing Lake (Turlough) walk back towards the cafe through the Wildflower meadow. Feel free to take a break in the cafe if you wish. Continue past the farm pets and rescue animals to enjoy The Burren Walk through shattered limestone pavement past the ruins of a famine village. This loop takes approximately 20 minute through our 25 acre re-wilded area dedicated to wildlife. Foxes, badgers, pinemartins and other nocturnal mammals live here.
Where is The Burren Nature Sanctuary?
We are 1k from the pretty seaside village of Kinvara, in the Galway region of The Burren. We are 30 minutes from Galway City and Ennis.
We are 40 minutes from Shannon airport and about 2 1/2 hours from Dublin.
The 350 bus goes frequently from Galway City to Kinvara. The bus stop is 1k from us about 15/20 minute walk.
What is The Burren Nature Sanctuary?
We are a conservation project and visitor attraction focusing on interpreting the nature of The Burren. Find out more about Burren Nature Sanctuary
Who is your head Gardner?
The gifted plantsman Edward Dee curates the collection. Watch him playing his Cello to the plants in the Burren Botany Bubble
What is The Living Collection of Burren Flora?
Burren Nature Sanctuary in partnership with The National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, Dublin and The Plant Sciences Department, Galway University, started this collection in 2012 as part of a seed saving project for Ireland’s National Native Seed Bank. The Wild Flower Meadow is an important seed collecting site for The Burren area.
Why is The Burren Nature Sanctuary such an important and biodiverse site?
You will learn all about this in The Burren Botany Talk. In a nutshell this 50 acre farm has been certified as organic for 30 years and before that fertilisers or chemicals were never applied.
The farm has a mosaic of Burren Habitats; Orchid Meadow, Woodland, Shattered Limestone Pavement, traditional stone walled paddocks, hedgerow, boreen and a unique Wetland area supporting a wide variety of native wildlife and biodiversity.
What animals can you see on the farm?
We rescue and rehome animals so they can change. Our resident farm pets are Frisky the Feral Burren Goat (rescue), Chino and Mocha the pygmy goats (farm pets) Frank the llama (rescue), Dolly and Zeus the Alpacas (Frank’s companions), Emilia and Flora and the rest of the mini pigs (farm pets), Zorro and Wesley the Vallais Blacknose sheep (farm pets)and the donkeys; Buzby, Bobbie Jo, Nollaig and Honey (rescues), our retired cows Buckle and Braces (Belted Galloways) Petal (Scottish Highland) are part of the conservation management plan for the meadow, Toffee and Bailey the horses (farm pets- Haflinger cross Clydesdale) and Vincent the Shetland (born on the farm after we rescued his mother).
You can purchase feed from a dispenser for 50c (all proceeds to animal welfare) or pick some grass or leaves for the goats! They won’t say no!
Can you donate to support the conservation project and rescue animals?
Yes you can leave a donation for animal upkeep in the bird box donation box in the lobby if you wish.
We would also be delighted if you become a patron of Burren Nature Sanctuary.
The Burren Nature Sanctuary got hit hard by Covid and any support is greatly appreciated.
Can I help in any other way?
Yes! A google rating or review is very valuable to the sanctuary. Tap your phone in the lobby to connect straight to Google.
A trip advisor Viator or Get your guide review is also very helpful
visitor testimonials
Embark on a whimsical adventure with Emilia, our enchanting Juliana pig, as your guide! The Fairy Pig Walk is a one-of-a-kind experience that blends nature, fun, and a sprinkle of magic.
Get up close and personal with the charismatic residents of Burren Nature Sanctuary during our Pig Encounter! Meet Emilia and her fellow Juliana pigs in a hands-on, heartwarming interaction that is fun for all ages.
