Lough Avalla Farm loop
Grade
Moderate
Length
5.2 km
Time
2 hours 30 minutes
Format
Loop
Ascent
140 m
Dogs Allowed
No
Waymarking
Purple arrow
Start Point
Lay-by at Gortlecka Crossroads, Mullaghmor, Burren National Park
Finish Point
Lay-by at Gortlecka Crossroads, Mullaghmor, Burren National Park
Nearest Town to Start
Corofin
Grid Ref.
R 303 944
Lat. and Long.
52.996638, -9.036644
This loop is waymarked with standing stone slabs and passes through an old celtic farm, touching on the shores of Lough Avalla. On sandy roadways, farm tracks, laneways and open Burren ground it includes an ascent to a stone cairn, a line of high €˜cliffs' and a mix of stone fields, scrub and pastures with great views, particularly of Mullaghmore.
Maps and other information
External Links
The landowner asks for your co-operation that no dogs are brought along the Lough Avalla Farm loop.
OSI Maps
Discovery Series Sheet 51
Devon from United States
One of the most beautiful hikes ever. Very diverse landscapes. Loved it.
Declan from Kildare
Possibly the best trail in Ireland. Challenging in terms of terrain and distance over lesser, easier offerings in the area, but this will reward the rambler at every turn. Cairns, limestone pavement, lakes, hazel woods dripping with moss... it's all here. And when you've paid your respects at the holy well, marvelled at the views over Mullaghmore, and met the goats and saddleback pigs en route, and possibly returned your complimentary hazel walking stick, you must have tea and scones at the Avalla Farm Tea Rooms. How else to finish the best trail in Ireland but with a visit to the best tea shop as well? Rain or shine, it doesn't get any better than this.
Angela from Clare
If you can only do one hike in the Burren this is the one to do.
My friend and I did this walk yesterday in glorious sunshine and it was magic from beginning to end. I echo everything said in all the other reviews about the excellence of the signage, the care, thought and generosity of the landowners in creating, designing and maintaining this walk; everything they have done enhances what nature provided which is as close to heaven on earth as you can get. You could do this walk in the 2.5 hours mentioned but you won't want to rush round when you have a holy well, tree-lined paths, wide limestone pavement, brilliant views over Mullaghmore & the National Park, wide vistas over the county to the east and south, flower filled meadows, a lake, a tomb and a cairn, climbs and descents, not to forget the visit to the farmhouse to include in your visit to Lough Avalla.
Botany, archaeology, geology, agriculture, local history, craftsmanship and ingenuity (pay attention to the gates and stiles!) - all are here for you.
Take the descents slowly especially in wet weather - the guard rails are a great help and perfectly positioned.
So charge your camera, put your boots on and come and let this place "catch the heart off guard and blow it open" to quote Seamus Heaney about another equally, but differently, beautiful part of Co Clare.
My friend and I did this walk yesterday in glorious sunshine and it was magic from beginning to end. I echo everything said in all the other reviews about the excellence of the signage, the care, thought and generosity of the landowners in creating, designing and maintaining this walk; everything they have done enhances what nature provided which is as close to heaven on earth as you can get. You could do this walk in the 2.5 hours mentioned but you won't want to rush round when you have a holy well, tree-lined paths, wide limestone pavement, brilliant views over Mullaghmore & the National Park, wide vistas over the county to the east and south, flower filled meadows, a lake, a tomb and a cairn, climbs and descents, not to forget the visit to the farmhouse to include in your visit to Lough Avalla.
Botany, archaeology, geology, agriculture, local history, craftsmanship and ingenuity (pay attention to the gates and stiles!) - all are here for you.
Take the descents slowly especially in wet weather - the guard rails are a great help and perfectly positioned.
So charge your camera, put your boots on and come and let this place "catch the heart off guard and blow it open" to quote Seamus Heaney about another equally, but differently, beautiful part of Co Clare.
Cormac from Galway
Fantastic walk. Don't miss a visit into the farmhouse for tea at the end. It also allows you to make a contribution to the family for building this trail fully on their own farm
Anne from Kilkenny
Fantastic walk, views were amazing. Went with my parents - took me about 2 hours, took them about 3.5. Tea and scones at the end were well earned! Care needed if you have trouble with slightly uneven ground but I had no trouble and highly recommend this. Do wear good footwear and bring your camera!
Nicola from Cork
Lovely walk through the Burren. Stopped off at the farm after for coffee and homemade cake, and met the owners too, definitely worth a visit!
marion from Clare
Wonderful , wonderful. My sister and I just did this walk today our first time but not our last. Go and enjoy it: the scenery, nature and those cheeky little fellas the goats!
Maura from Dublin
This has to be one of my favourite walks in Clare. It has a bit of everything - Burren paving, hazel forest, a holy well, an adorable goat farm, a lake with jetty, fantastic views over Mullaghmore etc. etc. and all packed into 6 km of relatively easy walking. I note that the instructions all say it is a 2.5H walk, but I would add at least another hour for the numerous stops you will find yourself making to admire the view, hang over the fence calling to the baby goats, swinging your legs on the jetty. Bring a bottle of water, something to snack on and a camera (or decent camera phone) - trust me you will kick yourself if you don't. No need to bring a walking stick, as these are kindly provided at the start of the hazel wood.
Stephen Leech celbridge Kildare from _none
One of the best walking trails you will find in Ireland. Stunning views over The Burren. It is not a steep walk, varies from a country lane to walking over fields and stone track. Take great care over the stone track parts as the stone is very smooth and slippy. It took my wife and me 2 hours.
David from Dublin