About Carran
An Carn - A heap of stones (to identify a chiefs grave).
Carran village lies in the centre of the Burren overlooking the region’s largest Turlough. It is the only village in the high burren and features the bare necessities of country life - a church, school, pub and restaurant (Cassidy’s – Croí na Boirne).
Birthplace to Michael Cusack, founder of the GAA, whose original homestead has been fully restored and a contemporary visitor centre developed.
Carran is a walkers paradise boasting three nationally recognised walking trails, and a choice of accommodation (B&B, self catering and hostel). Nearby are the Burren Perfumery, the Michael Cusack Centre, Cahercommaun and Caherconnell Stone Forts.
Within five miles of the village are The Burren Perfumery, Caherconnell Stone Fort, Gleann Ciosog (Gaelic Athletic Association pitch for the local football team Michael Cusacks), Poulnabrone dolmen, a Turlough (disappearing lake) and limestone scenery.
Clare Accessible Transport
Burren Connect Project are working with Clare Accessible Transport to provide environmentally sustainable public transport options for people living in and visiting the Burren.
Please visit www.catconnects.ie to access public transport timetables and other information.
Michael Cusack Centre
Description
New visitor centre dedicated to Gaelic Athletic Association founder Michael Cusack. Discover his Gaelic legacy of hurling and Gaelic football at the centre of the Burren region 1km from Carran village.
Carran Loop Walk
Description
The Burren is a limestone plateau occupying an area of over 100 square miles in north Clare. It is an area of cenic attractions where stone-grey hills and the valleys beneath reveal many prehistoric remains. The unfolding layers of limestone form terraces on the slopes of the hills - and the place has been described as a limestone desert! The unspoilt village of Carron lies in the heart of the Burren at one of the highest points in the Burren Mountains and overlooks the largest turlough (disappearing lake) in Western Europe. This loop walk is part of the network of National Looped Walks and is marked using the standard purple National Looped Walk directional arrows.
Directions to Trailhead.
Starting from the town of Ennis, follow the N85 towards Lahinch and turn off onto the R476 for Corofin. Continue on the R476 for 7km before turning onto the R480 near Lemenagh Castle. After 1km turn right for Carron - the trailhead is located at Cassidy's Public House in the village.
Caherconnell Stone Fort
Description
Medieval Day Out at Caherconnell JULY 10-11th
'Caherconnell is a large and perfect fort 140-145 feet in external diameter, nearly circular in plan. It is 12 feet thick and from 6-14 feet high. The masonry consists of large blocks many 3feet long and 2ft. 6in.high. The inner face is almost perfect.' Archaeology of the Burren: Prehistoric Forts and Dolmens in North Clare - Thomas Johnson Westropp.
The first annual Spraoi Heritage Weekend will take place at Caherconnell Stone Fort on the 10th & 11th July this year.
Come and meet the old-world characters as they guide you through the day-to-day workings of Irish Medieval Society in Caherconnell Stone Fort.
Age-old skills such as pole-lathe wood-turning, black-smiting, Bronze Age pottery making and cooking will be displayed on both Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy a great weekend of family fun with a bouncing castle, horse shoe pitching and much more on offer throughout the weekend.
This event is free with admission to Caherconnell Stone Fort, with our Spraoi Heritage Weekend activities underway from 11-5pm each day.
Caherconnell Stone Fort is open from March to October, 10am to 5.30pm daily. Café, craft shop and car-parking are available on site.
Admission: Adult €5, Family - €14
Caherconnell Stone Fort, situated 1km south of Poulnabrone dolmen in the heart of the Burren Ireland , offers you the opportunity to visit an exceptionally well - preserved example of the stone forts or stone ringforts, which are to be found in the Burren Ireland. The fort is in its original state. Its position, overlooking virtually all-surrounding areas suggests a defensive settlement. This may not have been defensive in a military sense, butrather for personal security from raiders or wild animals which were among the most common foes at the time. Ringforts such as Caherconnell are thought to have been inhabited from 400-1200A.D. However a description of the site at Caherconnell, in the early 20th century by local historian the late Dr. McNamara of Corofin Co. Clare suggests that the entrance to the fort may have been re-built in the 15th or 16th century.This suggests that this fort may have been inhabited up to the late medieval period.
The Burren Perfumery and Floral Centre
Description
The Burren Perfumery was founded 35 years ago at the centre of a quiet valley in the heart of the Burren. The Burren is a limestone plateau on the West Coast of Ireland, famous for its wildness and the diversity of its plant life. There are more than 700 species of flowering plants here, roughly three-quarters or Ireland’s native flora. The flowers of the Burren inspired the original Perfumery fragrances: Man of Aran, Ilaun, Frond and Fraoch.
Cassidy's Bar- Croi ns Boirne
Description
Cassidy`s Bar & Restaurant is located in Carron, The Burren, Co Clare.
We have been in business since 1830 and are open as a bar with live weekend music sessions and as a restaurantb serving local speciality dishes to give a real taste of the area. We also have a fresh seafood mune and special food nights- please see our own website for further details.
Free parking.
Burren Perfumery Café
Description
The Burren Perfumery was founded 35 years ago at the centre of a quiet valley in the heart of the Burren. The Burren is a limestone plateau on the West Coast of Ireland, famous for its wildness and the diversity of its plant life. There are more than 700 species of flowering plants here, roughly three-quarters or Ireland's native flora. The flowers of the Burren inspired the original Perfumery fragrances: Man of Aran, Ilaun, Frond and Fraoch.
Magouhy House
Description
Magouhy House is situated in the heart of the beautifully scenic Burren area of County Clare in the West of Ireland. Ideal for tourers, botanists and lovers of nature Magoughy House offers you a peaceful reatreat from a hard days hiking, biking or simply cruising around.
Deelin House
Description
Traditional farmhouse, peacefully located on an elevated site, situated in the heart of the Burren, 2 miles from Carron. Ideal base for visiting places of historical and archeological interest, close to perfumery and Burren Research Centre, mountain climbing, canoeing and caving. Mixed farming. Tea/Coffee on arrival.
CLARES ROCK
Description
Hostel accommodation specialising in private & family rooms located in the heart of the Burren.
