Visit the Burren Nature Sanctuary

Set on a 50 acre organic farm, Burren Nature Sanctuary is a perfect introduction to the magical Burren landscape.

Set on a 50 acre organic farm, Burren Nature Sanctuary is a perfect introduction to the magical Burren landscape. Stroll through ancient ash and hazel woodland, shattered limestone pavement, and wildflower meadow. Stop at the disappearing lake. Meet friendly farm animals: goats, pigs and donkeys. Visit the Botany Bubble, home to the National Collection of Burren orchids and wildflowers in season. Relax in the Sanctuary Cafe, try the Burren Food Trail signature dish, a savoury scone made with spinach, cheddar, walnut, served with Burren Gold cheese, salad and a seaweed garnish.

Explore the Burren Nature Sanctuary Interpretive Trail which showcases features of Burren geology and biodiversity through interpretive panels and audio tour. Discover fossils from ancient tropical seas in the limestone rocks formed over millions of years. Identify seasonal wild flowers growing in the spaces between the rocks. Look out for butterflies and orchids in the organic meadow; migratory birds at the Turlough, a freshwater tidal lake that empties every 11 hours and is a rare phenomenon. Stroll through the hedgerow of native Irish trees lining the ancient green road or boreen.

Connect with nature, yourself and each other in the peace and tranquility of this ancient landscape. Visit the Botany Bubble, home to the National Botanical Collection of unique and diverse Burren flora, where seasonal Alpine, Mediterranean, Arctic and tropical plants grow alongside native Irish wildflowers. Meet the farm animals: donkeys, pigs and sheep. Say hello to Frisky the feral Burren goat. Find the fairy houses in the native Hazel Woodland. Relax in the Sanctuary Café, enjoy fresh local produce.

Highlights

Looped Nature Trail
The Botany Bubble, home to the National Collection of Burren orchids and wildflowers in season
Farm pets
Orchid rich wildflower meadow
Botanical Exhibit

Open

Open Year Round

April – September: Daily 10:00 – 18:00
October – March: Wednesday to Sunday 09:00 – 17:00
Open Bank Holidays & School Mid-Term Breaks

Closed: December 23 to February 1
Last admission: one hour before closing
Approx. visit duration: Allow time to browse our Avoca gift shop and to relax in our Sanctuary Café

Prices

Admission Prices 2020

Adult: €8.00
Senior (aged 65+) €6.00
Child (aged 4 and over): €11.00
Child (aged 3 and under): €6.00
Babies (not walking): Free
Family (2 adults and 3 children): €37.00
Special Needs Adults: €4.00
Carers accompanying people with special needs: Free

General tickets not accepted for Santa, school tours, birthdays and other special events

Useful Information

Check out their range of facilities, services, accessibility, and other useful information.

DINING / REFRESHMENTS: The Sanctuary Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, cakes and coffee. Daily specials and a choice of homemade soups, tempting cakes and great coffee. Try the Burren Nature Sanctuary Café Menu Burren Food Trail Signature Dish, a delicious savoury scone made with spinach, cheddar and hazelnut served with local Burren Gold Cheese and a seaweed salad garnish. Produce at the Sanctuary Cafe is sourced locally and from their own polytunnel. Open 10:00 – 17:30, lunch is between 12:00 and 16:45.

PICNIC: Picnic facilities onsite

SHOPPING: Avoca Gift Shop, craft products, pottery, candles, blankets, children’s toys.

CHILDREN: Farm Animals. Discover fairy houses in the hazel wood and meet friendly goats pigs and donkeys. Explore the adventure playgrounds and indoor Nature Quest play area.Baby-changing facilities available.

PARKING: Free car and coach parking onsite.

ACCESSIBILITY AND GUIDEDOGS: Partly accessible, with accessible toilets. Hazel Woodland and Fairy Village are not accessible. Assistance dogs permitted.

GROUPS: Groups welcome. Group discounts available for groups of 10 or over, by pre-booking. .

WIFI: Free WiFi

ACCOLADES AND AWARDS

2017 Geopark LIFE A well-understood Heritage Award
2016 Irish Responsible Tourism Award
2014 Visitor Interpretation Award
2018 Trip Advisor No.1 thing to do in Kinvara

Getting There

Located in the picturesque village of Kinvara, along the Wild Atlantic Way, ideally situated en-route from Galway or Dublin to the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark. 60 km from Shannon Airport.

Map Location: 53.129711, -8.928023

Contact Burren Nature Sanctuary

Burren Nature Sanctuary
Cloonasee, Kinvara, Co. Galway

Eircode: H91 PTK7
T: +353 (0)91 637 444
E: info@bns.ie
W: www.bns.ie