The Burren Hostel, Clare

FOR BOOKINGS & QUERIES, PHONE: +353 (0)1 830 4555 or EMAIL: info@anoige.ie

TO CONTACT THE HOSTEL DIRECTLY, PHONE: +353 (0)65 707 4036

The Burren Hostel is a friendly and relaxing hostel located in the heart of the unique geological region of the Burren, Co. Clare. You can be assured of a warm welcome and a comfortable stay in this stunning corner of Ireland. The Hostel is situated just off the Main Street in the village of Lisdoonvarna, in private gardens which include rose beds, rockeries, an impressive herbaceous border, ornamental trees and lawns. The world renowned Cliffs of Moher, including the imaginative and informative Visitors Centre & Atlantic Ridge Experience are just a few minutes drive away- the route is also pleasant to walk or cycle.

The Burren region comprises 400 sq. miles of karst limestone terrain ploughed by the Ice Age, home to many rare species of flora and fauna. It is a favourite with walkers as hidden in the mystical and enigmatic landscape can be found portal dolmens, such as Poulnabrone, caves and castles. Megalithic tombs such as Poulawack cairn, ancient cooking sites, medieval tower-houses, ring-forts, churches, holy wells and breathtaking views are all part of the experience of visiting the Burren.

There are a wide variety of walks in the area (from a leisurely stroll to a more challenging hike) including many way-marked walks- 'The Burren Way' is a way-marked trail that offers a stunning and always interesting backdrop, ideal for hillwalking. The area offers many cycle routes, and the famed surfing beaches of Lahinch and Fanore are a short distance away.

Opening Dates and Times

OPENING DATES: 1st March - 4th November, open for groups of 10 people or more all year round

OPENING TIMES: all day

CHECK- IN: after 3pm – guests are welcome to leave luggage and use sommon areas prior to check-in

Manager Ronan Garvey will be happy to welcome you to his hostel!

ADDRESS: Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare

FOR BOOKINGS: +353 (0)1 830 4555

or EMAIL: info@anoige.ie

HOSTEL PHONE: +353 (0)65 707 4036

DIRECTIONS

We’re sure you can navigate around yourself – but here’s a helping hand with plenty of travel choices available!

GPS Details

Decimal: Latitude 53.031796 Longitude - 9.290864

Minutes & Hours: Latitude 53° 01’ 54” North Longitude 9° 17’ 27” West

- Shannon Airport: 60km

- Cork Airport: 160km

- Galway City: 80km

- Dublin: 240km

- Wexford: 250km

Road/Car/Coach:

Directions From Shannon Airport:

On exiting the airport take the N18 to Ennis. From Ennis take the N85 to Ennistymon and from Ennistymon take the N67 to Lisdoonvarna. The Burren Hostel is on the left side approaching the town (just past the Kincora Hotel).

Directions From Galway City:

Take the N18 southwards from Galway. In Kilcolgan take a right turn onto the N67; go through Kinvara and then on to Ballyvaughan where you turn left heading towards Lisdoonvarna. At the town square take the right turn and The Burren Hostel is 100 meters ahead on the right hand side (just past The Burren Smokehouse). Journey of 40 miles (1 hour +).

Public Bus: Bus Eireann offers connections to Lisdoonvarna from the following locations: Dublin Airport, Dublin City, Shannon Airport, Galway City, Limerick City, Ennis, Doolin, Lahinch and the Cliffs of Moher- see the Bus Eireann website for printable timetables

An easy and enoyable way to travel to The Burren Hostel is with Galway Tour Company. The bus collects at Sleepzone Galway City every day at 9.45 am, does a tour of The Burren, and you can 'Jump Off' at Sleepzone - The Burren at about 2.00 pm. When you would like to return to Galway City you can simply 'Jump On' again, complete the tour of The Burren and return to Galway City by about 6.00 pm. A return ticket is just €20.00- available at Reception at Sleepzone Galway City. This tour includes a 2 hour stop at the Cliffs of Moher as well as stops at Dunguaire Castle, Poulnabrone Dolmen and Kilfenora Cathedral.

MAP

View Larger Map

• Free Internet and WiFi

• Free private parking

• Fully equipped Guest Kitchen

• Resident's Lounge

• Meeting room for up to 60 people

• Spacious Dining room

• Drying facilities

Meals

All meals served with rice (where appropriate) and a choice of salads, jugs of water and tea/coffee

• 24 Hour

• TV

• Washing

• Wine License

• Internet

• Conference

• Drying Rooms

• Information

• Self Catering

• Games

• Parking

• Secure Luggage Storage

• Wheelchair Access

• Bureau De Change

ATTRACTIONS – cultural and historic

Cliffs of Moher & Visitors Centre - Being one of Ireland's top Visitor attractions these famous cliffs are a designated UNESCO Geo Park. From the Cliffs you can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, as well as The Twelve Pins, the Maum Turk Mountains in Connemara and Loop Head to the South - an interesting 360 degree view. The Cliffs of Moher take their name from a ruined fort “Mothar” which was demolished during the Napoleonic wars to make room for a signal tower.

Aillwee and Doolin Caves - Located in the heart of the picturesque region Burren in County Clare. Forty minutes from both Galway and Shannon. Perched high on its Burren terraced mountain side with what has to be one of the most spectacular views of Galway Bay. It is a must for all who find themselves in the area.

Expert guides will accompany and inform you during your leisurely tour. Stroll through the beautiful caverns – over bridged chasms, under weird formations and alongside the thunderous waterfall

Dunguaire Castle - Dunguaire Castle is probably the most famous land mark that is associated with Kinvara. The castle was built in 1520 by the O'Hynes clan on the picturesque shores of Galway Bay. This restored 16th century tower house sits on a rocky outcrop on the shores of Galway Bay, 300 yards outside the village of Kinvara.

Poulnabrone Dolmen - This site is one of the most famous Irish dolmens. The name Poulnabrone literally means 'The hole of the sorrows' and dates back about 5000 years.

Restaurants serving traditional Irish food

Cosy pubs with live Irish music sessions

Burren Way-way marked walking route

Surfing at Lahinch and Fanore beaches

ACTIVITIES

Bike Hire:

Entertainment:

Hiking/Walking:

Other activities:

Nightlife and Eating out:

Set Dancing- Traditional Irish Set Dancing at venues in Lisdoonvarna and Kilfenora 8km

Doolin Village 5km - Home of traditional Irish music..

Ask at the Reception for some ideas on where to go during your time in Lisdoonvarna!

As with all accommodation, prices vary depending on the season and sometimes also whether you stay at the weekend which can sometimes cost a little more.

Please note: the prices below are indicative of the price range for the hostel – use our booking engine to get an exact price for your booking.

Keep an eye out for our packages and special offers which can save you €€€s and also, if you are a group of 10+ we also give group discounts where possible.

Lastly if you are a member of An Óige/Hostelling International, you will get a 10% discount on accomodation costs at our hostels per person, per night (see the Ts & Cs for that!). Make sure your membership card is up to date or order a new one now!

HOSTEL

*Price for the hostel includes sheet hire. All rooms are standard*

• 8-10 dorm room €16.00 per person per night to €28.00 per person per night

• 6 dorm room €18.00 per person per night to €28.00 per person per night

• 3-5 dorm room €20.00 per person per night to €28.00 per person per night

• Twin/ Double bed room €28.00 per person per night to €39.00 per person per night

• Single bed room €39.00 per room per night to €49.00 per room per night

Hostels may be closed Nov-Feb- except by special arrangement. Maximum rates apply on Bank Holiday Weekends and for Special Events

MEALS

• Packed lunch @ €7.50 pp

• 1 course dinner @ €12.50 pp

• 2 course dinner (main meal and choice of dessert) @ €18.00 pp

Want to rent the Whole Hostel…?

You can rent out the whole hostel for special occasions (reunions, parties) or even if you just want the run of the place! See below for the room breakdown.

Rent-a-hostel for The Burren is only €€€ per night with further discounts when booking 3 nights or more. Please contact groups@anoige.ie with any enquiries.

ROOM BREAKDOWN

Hostel Room Details

Room Type

Quantity

Twin / Double Room

1

Double Room

3

4 Bed Family Room

2

5 Bed Family Room

4

5 Bed Dorm

2

6 Bed Dorm

6

8 Bed Dorm

2

10 Bed Dorm

2

Total Number Beds

118

Keep checking back!

We'll be updating this page regularly with up-and-coming events!

May

Clare Burren Marathon Challenge

What is it? This is a road, green road and trail challenge across the Beautiful Scenic Burren.

Enjoy some of Europe's most unique landscapes and see the Riches of the Burren in Bloom.

When? 26th of May

Burren in Bloom

What is it? The Festival, in association with the Burren College of Art and the Burrenbeo Trust, will give people an understanding and appreciation of the Burren and its formation, and how it continues to be a source of great botanical, archaeological, and cultural wealth with its unique wild flowers and ancient sites.

When? May

Burren Slow Food Festival, Lisdoonvarna

What is it? The Slow Food Movement focuses on several aspects of food & culture from the social aspects of taking time to eat with others/the Community; from understanding the link of food on the table to the agricultural practices that produce it; to the artistic, historical & environmental heritage of the places people eat & shop.

When? 18th until 20th of May

An Post Tour de Burren Cycle Challenge

What is it? This year is the 60th edition of Ireland’s premier and most celebrated cycling race, the Rás and is An Post's second year as sponsor. The An Post Rás is an annual eight stage cycling race around Ireland, which will take place from May 20th -27th, 2012. It is one of Ireland’s top sporting events bringing world class sporting action and a significant economic boost to towns and villages nationwide.

When? 20th until 27th of May