The Burren Lowlands

Welcome To The Burren Nature Sanctuary

We have five cabins generously spaced out at the beautiful rewilded The Burren Nature Sanctuary just a stone’s throw from the charming village of Kinvara, Co. Galway. Park at one of the designated Slow Cabins car spots, check out the discovery spot for directions to your cabin, grab a trolley, unload the car and get ready for a quick 5-10min trail walk to your cabin.

At self-check in you will be welcomed by an array of faces: Toffee & Vincent the ponies, Frank the lama, Dolly the alpaca, Ruben the rabbit, Flora, Emilia & Dyson the pigs, Mocha & Frisky the goats, Amelia & Zorro the heart-warming sheep, Highland Cattle, adorable donkeys, and so many more.

The sanctuary’s vision is to allow you to engage with the unique biodiversity of the Burren, to foster a love for nature and to inspire you to cherish, respect and conserve our natural heritage for a sustainable future, all of which Slow Cabins actively support.

The Burren Nature Sanctuary is a wonderful introduction to this magical local landscape with its unique flora and fauna. Set on a 50-acre organic farm featuring Burren habitats which showcase the flora in its natural setting: shattered limestone pavement, calcareous orchid-rich grassland, ash and hazel woodland and a unique tidal, freshwater turlough – a disappearing lake. Visit the botany bubble, gypsey wagon and tree house as you wander the land and find the beautiful wildlife sculptures along the way with interactive audio information spots. Finish off your exploration with a cuppa in their cafe and a walk around their gift shop filled with local products, books, paintings and so much more.

These areas are open to the public but the land that the cabins are set on is exclusively for Slow Cabins guests.

Check out the sanctuary’s opening hours here.

Places To Visit And Things To Do in Kinvara & Beyond

There is honestly so much you could see and do up and down this rugged coastline but we also suggest you do nothing, diddle squat, nada. At Slow Cabins we always advise our guests to take it easy, relax, and unwind. Enjoy your slow mornings, take time for yourself, and ultimately the plan is to have no plan.

But if you are itching to get out, stretch the legs and see something new, take a look at our best picks below. We have listed them by proximity to the cabins from closest to furthest away (1hr 20min drive) and for your convenience, we have popped them all in our Slow Cabins Google Maps list here.

The Burren Nature Sanctuary

(onsite)

Only Slow Cabins guests have access to the full looped walk on the Burren Nature Sanctuary so while you may come across other visitors during your stay, you will share the majority of the meadows with only other Slow Cabins guests. 

Exploring the land right from your cabin door you will find beautiful sculptures, interactive information spots of the local landscape, flora and fauna, a disappearing lake, plenty of rescued animals and so much more. Above all else, we recommend the couple’s Fairy Pig Walk which you can book directly on their website. Yes, you heard that right, the lovely Flora will help you explore the grounds and she genuinely loves it. Mary, the co-site owner, is a fountain of knowledge and can tailor your walk to include a picnic along with super interesting focus on flora, fauna and the unique history of the sanctuary. You can also join a free botany talk by booking here. Check out their opening hours and admission prices here.

Also located at The Burren Nature Sanctuary is Artist Lorraine Fletcher (website).  Lorraine creates vivid and fabulously striking contemporary art. Her elegant wildlife-inspired pieces are original and unique artworks composed of acrylic on canvas. We are extremely happy to have teamed up with Lorraine to offer a half-day Animal Painting Workshop for all abilities  – 3.5 hours | €70 | on site. This half day workshop will interest all nature & wildlife enthusiasts. With nature literally on your doorstep, there is no lack of inspiration. The participants will create their own acrylic painting on canvas with a choice of the Irish Fox, Hare or Owl but with added colour and room for individual interpretation under Lorraine’s guidance. All materials are provided. Check out her website here.

Wet Mongrel SUP Adventures

(15min walk)

Wet Mongrel Adventures will provide you with a friendly, safe and fun introduction to stand up paddle-boarding for beginners and advanced lessons. Their Kinvara Quay location provides free and safe parking but it is also suitable to walk to from your Slow Cabin, just be careful on the road. There are some stunning views out on the bay and we highly recommend this experience. The lads here will offer a 10% discount to Slow Cabins Guests. 

Dunguaire Castle

(5min drive/ 30min walk)

Dunguaire Castle and its rich history are central to Ireland’s literary renaissance in the early 20th century. Constructed in 1520 by the O’Hynes clan, this beautifully restored 16th-century tower house is perched on a rocky outcrop along the scenic Galway Bay shoreline. Book a castle tour or take a stroll around the perimeter for free. If you’re feeling extra adventurous and have solid footwear, go down to the slip opposite SIAR and walk to the castle by the rocks. This is beautiful any time of the day but especially at sunset, just take the path back if it’s dark.

Aillwee Caves

(30min drive)

Nestled discreetly within the Burren, a mere 4 miles from Ballyvaughan, you’ll find the enchanting Aillwee Caves. These hidden treasures were stumbled upon in the 1940s by a local farmer while tending to his sheep. Not far from the entrance, remnants of brown bears and the traces of their dens were unearthed. Situated near Ballyvaughan, Aillwee Cave remains one of the few caves that showcases the unique features of Clare’s underground world, boasting expansive chambers, mesmerizing stalactites, subterranean rivers, and easy accessibility to the public. The Cave welcomes visitors daily from 9:30 am, all year round (December visits available by appointment). Guided subterranean tours through this captivating segment of the Burren’s underground landscape typically last around 35 minutes. Book tickets here.

Galway City

(40min drive)

Galway city is wild and bohemian, and at the same time full of culture, artistry, exceptional food and music. As well as being a popular seaside destination with long sandy beaches, Galway is also a thriving and cosmopolitan city centre. It is always a joy to explore with its wonderful cobbled streets, colourful shop facades, and its offbeat café/bar culture. Ireland’s great traditions of hospitality have their place in the city too, with turf fires and traditional music featuring in many of the city’s pubs. Learn more about Galway City here.

The Burren Geo Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

(50min drive)

The Burren region is an outstanding example of the continuous settlement and use of a very challenging environment – this glaciated karst landscape of the Burren – for over 6,000 years. Over this time humans have interacted with this unique environment, primarily as pastoral farmers, to yield a rich legacy of natural and cultural heritage. The fruits of this relationship include an exceptionally diverse, representative and intact archaeological record, a celebrated flora with some intriguing floristic combinations, and a set of distinctive land-management traditions, particularly the reverse-transhumance winterage tradition.

Where do we start and what to do here? Check out their website here.

Lahinch

(50min drive)

Just a short drive from the imposing Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Lahinch Beach’s flooding tide makes it ideal for fun water activities like surfing, sea kayaking and kite surfing. There are also several surf schools in the area, so whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, you can grab a board and catch a wave. If you’re not a water sports person, you can take a stroll, grab some food (check out Hugo’s for a treat early morning), go shopping or enjoy the views.

The Cliffs of Moher/ Doolin

(50min – 1hour drive)

Visually spectacular, the Cliffs of Moher sit astride the striking landscape of the Burren on one side and the Wild Atlantic Ocean on the other. Rising out of the Atlantic waters to a height of over 700ft at O’Brien’s Tower and running along the coast of Clare for almost 14 kilometers, or 8 miles, the Cliffs of Moher were formed over 320 million years ago, and today form part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. We advise you to prebook your tickets in advance here.

If you are looking for a more active morning, hike the beautiful Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk connecting the lively villages of Liscannor and Doolin, via the Cliffs of Moher. A linear route of 20km, takes approx 4.5 hours to complete.

The Aran Islands

(1hour 20min drive to Rossaveel port to catch a ferry (15-35min depending on which island you go to))

“The Islands of Saints and Scholars”, is a true Irish experience where locals speak Irish as well as English in a setting of Celtic churches of historical significance including the World Heritage site Dun Aonghasa which is set on a dramatic 300 ft cliff edge. Bring your bike with you or rent one there, and choose from one of the three islands to visit; Inis Mor, Inis Meain, and Inis Oir. Check out their website here.

Where To Eat And Drink

We have handpicked a few local restaurants and hidden gems that put a strong focus on using local seasonal produce in their menu items, as well as delivering consistently great service. As the opening hours of these establishments vary depending on the season, we recommend you check their websites for up-to-date information. 

For your convenience, check out our Slow Cabins Google Maps list here or click on the names below to view the Google listing of the best places to eat and drink in the area.

If you would like to stay close to the cabins, pop into the cafe in the sanctuary just by the car park. Check out their opening hours here.

IN KINVARA VILLAGE (15-20min walk from your cabin)

WILD BEANS (pet friendly)

Head to Wild Beans just down the road for some delicious coffee. Operated by Ruth and Sabrina they will always welcome you with a smile, even on a rainy morning. They also showcase some high quality products and local artists and producers in their store front shop.  If you’re hungry, they’ve also recently added some delicious toasties for lunchtime. 

SIAR

SIAR has you covered if you’re looking for something a little bit more sophisticated yet relaxed and friendly. We absolutely love this place. A wine bar and cafe specialising in some amazing wines as well as plant based treats and delicious sandwiches. If you are more of a meat eater they also have you covered, alongside the very best of locally produced drinks. We think their choices are impeccable.

PIER HEAD RESTAURANT

The Pier Head Bar & Restaurant is situated, as the name suggests, right beside the pier in Kinvara. Their location ensures stunning views of both Kinvara Bay and the nearby Dunguaire Castle. The restaurant offers a full à la carte menu and while specialising in locally caught fish and locally sourced beef, caters for all tastes in its varied menu.

The Pier Head is renowned for its friendly, efficient staff and you can be sure of service with a smile.

The outside area is pet friendly.

KINVARA FARMER’s MARKET

A lively, colourful market with lots of delicious local produce and lovely crafts. Kinvara’s farmers market is fun with a friendly and vibrant atmosphere, enhanced by great live music.

Fridays’s 10am – 2pm.

OTHER RESTAURANTS & BARS

Foxe’s In Kinvara is also a lovely place to eat & drink, as well as Sextons, Tullys or Keoghs for a pint and a traditional Irish music session.

BEYOND KINVARA

LINNANE’S LOBSTER BAR

It’s a 15 minute drive away, but absolutely worth it.

Linnane’s Lobster Bar is located in the heart of the Burren, County Clare. Take in the fantastic views of Aughinish & Galway Bay while surrounded by sea and limestone landscape. They serve food with an emphasis on fresh local produce, sourcing from within the Burren where possible.

Our recommendation? The Lobster, of course. Eat on the terrace during the Summer while the sun is shining and watch the boats come and go or come inside and cosy up beside the fire when Winter sets in. 

MORAN’S OYSTER COTTAGE

It’s a 15 minutes drive in the direction of Galway City.

Moran’s is a family business dating back more than 250 years. In the 1800’s it did a flourishing trade when the Weir was a prosperous little port. Today, thanks to the tremendous upsurge of interest in seafood, Moran’s is a must for anybody with an interest in sampling the crustaceous delights of Galway Bay.

Wondering what to eat? This time we recommend one of their seafood platters, they are immense.

HAZEL MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE CAFE

Discover Irish chocolate crafted directly from sustainable cacao beans at the foothills of the Burren Mountains along the Wild Atlantic Way. Listed as top ten food attractions in Ireland, Hazel Mountain Chocolate is a chocolate destination where you can watch chocolatiers hand painting truffles, crafting Irish milk chocolate, vegan chocolate creations, and award winning hot chocolate. So be sure to stop by for a cuppa & sweet treat in their cafe and shop.

Places To Hike & Walk

This pocket of Ireland offers an array of trails that cater to all skill levels, from leisurely strolls to challenging treks. Our 4 best rated hikes below are all within a 30min drive from the cabins so you can easily immerse yourself in the captivating limestone landscapes of the Burren National Park, rugged Atlantic coastlines or lush green forestry. Whether you seek a relaxed walk or a more demanding adventure, this sweet spot on the mid West coast of Ireland has it all, making it the perfect base for your outdoor exploration.

Click on the hike name to direct yourself to the starting point on Google Maps.

Lough Avalla Farm Looped

30min drive – Moderate – 7.1km – Not dog friendly

Explore this 7.1-kilometer loop trail in the vicinity of Glenroe/Ballyeighter, County Clare. Regarded as a moderately challenging route, it typically takes around 1 hour and 51 minutes to finish. This area is highly frequented by bird enthusiasts, hikers, and runners, so expect to encounter fellow outdoor enthusiasts during your journey. Please note that dogs are not permitted on this trail, so leave your furry friends at home. Check out their website here here.

Mullaghmore Loop: Blue Route

30 min drive – Moderate – 7.6km – Dog friendly (leashed)

Discover this 7.6-kilometer loop trail in the vicinity of The Burren National Park, Glenroe/Ballyeighter, County Clare. It’s typically classified as a moderately challenging route, with an average completion time of around 2 hours and 4 minutes. This area is highly favored for birdwatching, camping, and hiking, so you can expect to cross paths with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. You’re welcome to bring your dogs along, but please ensure they are on a leash while on the trail.

Coole Park Nature Reserve

15 min drive – Moderate – 10.8km – Dog friendly (leashed)

Explore this 10.8-kilometer loop trail in the vicinity of Gort, County Galway. It’s typically categorized as a moderately challenging route, with an average completion time of around 2 hours and 58 minutes. This trail is well-loved for both running and walking, and you can savor moments of tranquility during off-peak hours. Feel free to bring your furry companions along, but please remember to keep them on a leash.

Flaggy Shore Loop

15 min drive – Easy – 9.2km – Dog friendly (leashed)

Uncover this 9.2-kilometer loop trail in the vicinity of Ballyvaughan, County Clare. Typically regarded as a leisurely route, it usually takes around 1 hour and 52 minutes to complete. This trail is a favored choice for birdwatching, hiking, and road biking enthusiasts, but you can still relish moments of peace and serenity during less busy hours. Feel free to bring your four-legged friends with you, but remember to keep them on a leash.