Hike the Mullaghmore Loop

This trail in Burren National Park traverses the limestone pavement typical of the Burren and summits Mullaghmore Mountain with a beautiful view of the unique geology of the area. This loop climbs 140 m (460 ft), is 7.5 km (4.7 mi), will take about 3 hours, and is difficult due to the rocky and pitted nature of the landscape.

Burren National Park is in northern Co. Clare. To get to the lay-by from Kilnaboy, turn onto L1112 by the ruined church and follow the road for just over 5km (3 mi) . The lot is a gravel pull out on the right by a stone wall with a sign. Walk through the gate on the right and follow the blue circle markings. Shortly you'll come to a road ("crag road")-turn right and follow this road for about 1 km and you'll see the trail cross through a pass in a stone wall on the left.

Follow the blue circle trail and pass Lough Gealain on your left. Look for wildflowers during late spring and early summer. Note that the Burren Way, red trail, and green trail all go to the summit of Mullaghmore (see this map). At the intersection shortly after the lake, turn right to continue following the blue/green/red trail. The climb to the summit is rocky and steep-take care with each step, especially in wet conditions.

A large rock cairn marks the summit, which has 360 degree views of the limestone landscape. To finish the loop, continue past the cairn and down the hill towards the stone wall. The trail will parallel the stone wall then turn left to return to the lake. Turn right at the intersection with the green and red trails and continue back to the crag road. Walk along this road until it intersects L1112. Turn left and your car will be on the left.