FEATURES - Burren Farmers Offer Guided Tours

Monday, 09 August 2010 12:48

Written by Mike Fanning

In our daily lives of convenience shopping, modern-day technologies and comfortable warm housing there are few obvious reminders of our ancestral past, writes Mike Fanning.

Whenever we do slow down a bit and look around we can however see many traces still. In particular of course in our beautiful and unique Burren landscape apparent signs of pre-historical life and work as well as more recent traditions in farming and living can be found. For most of us these are however tied to a lot questions like:
- How did pre-historical societies seek shelter from enemies and wild beasts?
- How did farmers access and store water in the Burren?
- The story of Maire Rua – murdering mad-woman or legendary skilled spouse?

These and similarly exciting questions will be answered during the guided tours by recently founded Clare Farm Heritage Tours Co-op. The co-operative of nine North Clare farmers continue a tradition of farming in the Burren which dates back over 6000 years. More than 100 archaeological sites and monuments have been identified throughout land currently farmed and managed by members of the co-op. With the establishment of the Clare Farm Heritage Tours Co-op, the landowners can now offer guided access to these sites and monuments, which are representative of the treasurers of north Clare.

“Growing up in the Burren, the knowledge of its ancient history and the heritage farming practices used here were part of our everyday education since early childhood. We enjoy sharing that knowledge and are open and excited to learn bits of new information that other Burren experts can offer. Every farm tour is as much an experience to us as we are aspiring to make it a day to remember for our visitors.” said Frank O’Grady, Secretary of Clare Farm Heritage Tours.

The nine members of the Co-op are Pat McCormack (Kilnaboy), Harry Jeuken (Kilnaboy), Michael Vaughan (Lahinch), Michael Killeen (Corofin), Patrick Nagle (Corofin), Frank O’Grady (Kilnaboy), Robert Cassidy (Carron), Michael Curtis (Kilnaboy) and Michael Davoren (Kilcorney). Clare Farm Heritage Tours is a member of the Burren Ecotourism Network and as such employs local people in promoting heritage, archaeology, geology and farming practice while also educating visitors about the fragility of the Burren and the importance of its conservation for future generations.

Geologist Ronan Hennessy of Burren Connect joined one of the first tours and commented: “The newly established Clare Farm Heritage Tours represent some of the most exciting developments in guided walks in the Burren. I partook in a Farm Heritage Tours earlier this month, and over the course of an afternoon was introduced to tales and facts, both ancient and recent, about the landscape around Kilnaboy, and further afield.” He continued to say “The archaeological, historical and geological sites were introduced very well, and professionally. For a primary school visit, the tour would be very interesting and safe. And for adults, it is a hugely valuable opportunity to learn about the Burren first hand from experts.”

The Farm Tours are both educational and fun, allowing visitors to hear about the landscape of the Burren direct from the people who live and work in the Burren. The farm tours are provided by individual landowners, who share their inherent wealth of knowledge about local history and archaeology, landscape heritage and geology, and farming practices (both old and new), as well as innumerable anecdotes and tales about the Burren and its people.

“Clare Farm Heritage Tours is a great off-the-beaten-track opportunity for people to get an insight into the Burren’s rich heritage and culture both past and present with those that know it best, the landowners.” Said Brigid Barry, Burrenbeo Trust Coordinator. She further explained, “The Burren is a patchwork quilt of past remnants. Each piece of farmland has its own story, its own archaeological, historical and geological features. And each of these Clare Farm Heritage individuals are experts of their patch with information on the land, the folklore and the environment has been passed down through the generations that adds to the vast story that is the Burren. Having access to this information is a great privilege for visitors to the area.”

The tours run daily at 2pm from the Michael Cusack Centre in Carron. Tours take about 2 hours and sturdy shoes are advisable. Please ring ahead on 065 7089944 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .