Burren

region, Ireland

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Last updated

June 22, 2026

Quick Summary

The Burren is a distinctive region in County Clare, western Ireland, characterized by almost horizontal limestone slabs and sparse vegetation. This area features a limestone pavement along the coast and a stony, desert-like plateau edged by steep rock faces. The Burren's vegetation is an unusual mix of north and south European and alpine plants. The region is known for its unique geological formations where rivers often disappear underground due to the limestone. The Burren is part of County Clare, which also includes peat-covered hills in the east and lowlands in central Clare.1

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Clare
The Burren is a distinctive region of almost horizontal limestone slabs and little vegetation; along the coast is a limestone pavement area. The vegetation of the Burren comprises an unusual mixture of north and south European and alpine plants. The Burren plateau has a stony, desertlike…
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The Burren is a distinctive region of almost horizontal limestone slabs and little vegetation; along the coast is a limestone pavement area. The vegetation of the Burren comprises an unusual mixture of north and south European and alpine plants. The Burren plateau has a stony, desertlike…
Read More

cave
Geographic distribution of karst terrain
…and an area called the Burren in County Clare has not only the most caves but also some of the most extensive low-altitude pavement karsts.
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…and an area called the Burren in County Clare has not only the most caves but also some of the most extensive low-altitude pavement karsts.
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