Overview:
As part of the celebration of its Golden Jubilee The IBIOLI invites its members, families, friends and members of the public, in conjunction with Burrenbeo Trust to a guided walk around Lough Avalla, in the heart of the Burren, Co Clare. Join us for a ramble in the Burren along the Lough Avalla loop walk and catch the last of the summer blossoms.
Guided by Harry Jeuken, the landowner at Lough Avalla, who and has a wealth of knowledge of the holy wells, the winterage, and the story of the local land. Harry and his family are certified organic farmers and also farm biodynamically. Amongst other things Harry’s family make cheese from their own goat herd. The walk will take us on a tour of the land farmed by Harry and his family taking a look at the archaeology, geology, botany, history and agriculture of the area.
While not strenuous, this can be challenging terrain – walking on limestone pavement which can be slippery when wet. The walk will take c. 2 ½ – 3 hours and will be followed by an optional trip to the farmhouse for tea and cake (for an extra donation – €5 suggested).
Due to presence of livestock on the land no dogs are allowed on the walk.
Meet Up:
Meeting time of 2.15pm at Gortlecka Cross (51R 304 945) or you can take the 2pm NPWS bus from Corofin and meet us there. This walk is open to everyone. However, it is free for Burrenbeo Trust Members and a donation of €5 is suggested from non-members. It is also free to members of the Institute of Biology of Ireland as the Institute will carry the cost involved (membership cards, please on the day).
Please bring good walking shoes and waterproofs, if needed.
Directions:
From the North (Kinvara) Leaving Kinvara head West along the N67 and take the first turn left after c.500m. Drive c.4km along the road keeping left, passing the graveyard, until you reach a 4-way crossroads (signposted for the Burren perfumery). Go straight through and drive on for c.2.5km, then keep left when you get to a fork. Follow this road for another c.4km then you get to a T-junction, take a left, after c.2km take a right then drive straight for another c.4.5km and you will reach Gortlecka Cross. Park here.
From the West (Ballyvaughan) Drive South on the N67 from Ballyvaughan. After c.1.5km take a left towards Poulnabrone Dolmen on the R480. Carry on straight for approximately for c.13kms until you pass Leamaneagh Castle. Take a left here on the R476 for c.4.5kms. In Kilnaboy village turn left for another c.2km, then left again for another c.2kms. Here you will reach Gortlecka Cross. Park here.
From the East (Crusheen) Drive through Crusheen and after 1.2km past the village take the first left turn (signposted for Tubber). Drive straight through for c.8kms, passing Tubber) until you reach a 4-way crossroads (signposted for the Burren perfumery). Take a left turn here onto the R460. Drive on for c.5.5kms then take the second turn right. Follow this road for less than c.1kms. Here you will reach the base of Mullaghmore. Continue along until you get to a crossroads. Park here.
From the South (Corofin- Kilfenora) Travel to the village of Kilnaboy on the R476 northwards from Corofin, which is c.4km. In Kilnaboy village turn right for another c.2kms, then left again for just under 3kms. Here you will reach Gortlecka Cross. Park here.
