Burren Interpretive Centre VS. Burren Exposure

annettemcgrath · Veteran Member

Burren Interpretive Centre VS. Burren Exposure

Michele Erdvig · Host

Annette,

I liked the Burren Center in Kilfenora. It really gives a good overview of the area. I haven't been to the Burren Exposure because it is generally closed when I am there. However, it looks pretty small from outside.

Poulnabrone Dolmen, Aillwee Cave & Gleninsheen Wedge Tomb are all on the R480 south of Ballyvaughan.

It sounds like a very full day especially with your drive from Cavan. I suggest getting an early start and taking a route that avoids Galway. See the attractions first and do the drive through the Burren last since the scenery is always open but museums close.

Michele

cavan97 · Member

Annette,
The Burren Exposure in Ballyvaughan is a wonderful restaurant, upscale gift store and a picnic area...surely worth a stop but the Burren Interpretive Center in Kilfenora is more what you are looking for. Recommend a meal at Vaughan's pub in Kilfenora...great pub food!

Michele Erdvig · Host

Annette,

Just to clarify what cavan97 has said, Whitethorn is the name of the restaurant and there is a gift shop there. The Burren Exposure is a small part of the building containing the restaurant and gift shop. The restaurant is a bit too expensive for my tastes but the menu looked nice. It is in an area overlooking the coast with great views.

Michele

yesiree · Guru

The Burren Exposure closed last season and according to the clerk in the store, will not be reopening...it looks like the space is being absorbed by the restaurant and giftshop.

The Burren Centre is definitely worth the stop.

annettemcgrath · Veteran Member

Thanks for all the input. Looks like it will be the Burren Centre that we make sure to visit.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Corey,

Thanks for the "head's up" on the Burren Exposure. I didn't get to that area last year.

Michele

annettemcgrath · Veteran Member

Michele,

I was re-reading your post and realized I'm confused. I know I'm trying to pack a lot into this day, so I'd really like a good plan. Do you reccomend driving straight to Kilfenora from Kingscourt, seeing the Burren Centre and then seeing the sites along R480? My thoughts were to drive to Ballyvaughan from Kingscourt, see the sites along R480 and then stop at the Burren Centre if it is still open. It seems like most of the sites in the Burren are quickies - hop out of the car, take a quick look around, snap some photos and back on your way - is this a poor assumption? How long is the drive from Ballyvaughan to Kilfenora going down the R480? Gosh, sorry for all the questions, but this is fast becoming the most confusing portion of the trip.

Thanks,

Annette

Michele Erdvig · Host

Annette,

First of all, you are probably looking at a drive time of around 4 1/2 to 5 hours to Ballyvaughan. It does make sense to go to Ballyvaughan first (since it is at the crossroads of the R480) and then proceed with sightseeing. You are correct that the tomb and dolmen are pretty quick photo ops. If you want to see Aillwee Cave, that will take time. It is only about 12 miles from Ballyvaughan to Kilfenora.

Michele

annettemcgrath · Veteran Member

Michele,

Wow - 4 1/2 to 5 hours?? The aa roadwatch site estimated it at 3 hours and 19 minutes. I know they can be wrong, so I'm glad to hear a real time. We're not interested in seeing the cave, so I'm not worried about losing a lot of time there.

Thanks!

Annette

Michele Erdvig · Host

Annette,

You will be traveling on some very rural roads. You must take the mileage from those sites and divide by 35 (as in 35 mph). That will give you a much more accurate time. Remember, they are computer-generated. Maybe if computer robots were driving the roads they could do in in 3 hours and 19 minutes!

Michele

annettemcgrath · Veteran Member

Michele,

I keep forgetting about dividing the mileage - I never was good at math! And, you're so right about the computer robots!

Annette