Religion and Superstition in the Burren

Paraphernalia left behind at St. Brigid’s holy well. Photos of deceased loved ones or items they once owned litter the interior of the sanctuary, a monument to all who have passed through it’s walls. 

Located outside the holy well is a rag tree. (aka may bush or fairy tree) Scraps of cloth are tied to them, the belief being any illness the owner has will dissipate once the ribbon finally rots away.

 

The poulnabrone dolmen is a tomb dating back to the Neolithic period, and is one of the most famous dolmens in Ireland. It is a popular tourist attraction as well as archaeological site.

The Kilifenora Cathederal was built around 1189. Known as “the city of the seven crosses” Kilifenora holds some of the last and most well preserved high crosses in all of Ireland.

High crosses at Kilifenora cathederal.

Ring forts are one of the most common monuments in Ireland, with 224 surviving ring forts located in County Clare alone.

Ring forts can be built with either earth or stone, and are circular structures believed to be constructed during the early middle ages. They are sometimes referred to as “fairy forts” and superstition associates them with fairies and leprechauns. 

In cathedrals and holy wells, candles are often located and can be lit in honor of sick or deceased loved ones.

Want to learn more? Further information on the sites pictured above can be found at our page Ecclesiastical Sites and Folklore

Contemporary Life

The Burren has seen a rise in tourism, located near popular attractions such as the Cliffs of Moher and Ailwee Cave.

The Wild Atlantic Way runs right through the Burren, offering a scenic drive on the West coast of Ireland.

The town of Ballyvaughn.

A sign for a local crafts fair. Ballyvaughn also hosts a regular farmer’s market.

Hyland’s is a popular pub and hotel located in Ballyvaughn.

The Burren College of Art hosts the art of their students in galleries open to the public.

Open to the public as well as for use in wedding ceremonies. this castle is located on the Burren College of Art’s campus.

Want to learn more? Read more about life in the Burren at our page on Contemporary Life

Natural Landscape, a Tour of Blackhead

Stone walls line the hills and valleys of the Burren, composed of re-purposed limestone dug up to make room for farmland.

The carefully stacked stones remain intact, even without the aid of mortar.

The hike up Blackhead requires constant diligence, with strong winds and dense fog brought in from the nearby coast.

A ring fort located on one of Blackhead’s peaks.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

The acidic quality of rain in the Burren weathers down the limestone, leaving cracks and pools on the rock’s surface.

 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Despite the outwardly harsh landscape, the Burren remains a unique and ecologically diverse region.

With a brief moment of clear skies, the wide expanse of limestone shines white under the light of the sun.

The West Coast of Ireland as seen from the Wild Atlantic Way.

Want to know more? Read our page About The Region to learn about the botany, geography, and early life in the Burren.