Explore, Experience and Enjoy
Vast, golden beaches that give way to crashing, powerful waves rising and falling to the only schedule that matters here – Nature herself. A massive midnight-blue sky studded with stars and miles of open countryside – green and undulating one moment, the next stark and wild. This is Fanore, and it’s what makes this special place so much more than a destination: it’s a state of mind. There’s a realness, rawness and honesty that embraces you here, stripping away the noise of day-to-day life. Fanore living is a reset for the soul, a realignment of what matters most and a stillness that says – just breathe.
Why Stay in Fanore?
To take in the soulful, authentic beauty and unhurried rhythm of Fanore is to tune out the chaos of life. The stresses. The crowds. The demands. And you’ll feel it from the day you arrive. At the same time though, while Fanore is a haven it’s also the perfect base for your Irish adventure in beautiful county Clare. Here, tucked away between Atlantic waves and limestone hills, Fanore is a gateway to exploring all that makes this region unique, unspoilt and loved.
Steps away from hidden valleys, ancient caves and the prehistoric landscape of the Burren, and a short and soulful crossing away from the picture-postcard Aran Islands. With its prime position on the Wild Atlantic Way, Fanore lets you curate the Ireland experience you’re looking for – be it an impromptu traditional music session in an ancient pub or the realness of the Burren’s iconic food culture. We’re so proud to call Fanore home, and we’re excited to share it with you.
Top Things to Do Near Into the Burren
On The Water
Swim or Surf at Fanore Beach
A Blue Flag beach, Fanore beach is one of county Clare’s most special of places – with its famous dunes that glow with warmth on some days and are windswept and wild on others. With its clear-as-glass water, Fanore Beach is all about treasured moments playing in the sand, walking barefoot with just your thoughts for company and watching the night sky come alive.
Into the Burren is just an easy 3-minute drive from the beach where you can ride the power of the waves surfing, go kayaking and swim, walk and run. Aloha Surf School offers surf lessons and rentals at the beach www.surfschool.ie , while North Clare Sea Kayaking gives you the opportunity to explore the stunning Burren coastline from the water www.northclareseakayaking.com .
Get Active
Walk the Burren Way
Walking in the Burren is the essence of meditation. Crossing the pale folds of limestone, the peace is tangible and every step you take connects you to the past. You can access the Burren Way walk right from our doorway, and this epic route takes you past dolmens, high crosses, holy wells and crumbling stone walls. Nature truly shows off in the Burren, with beautiful, rare wildflowers pushing through cracks in the rocks, and a rich world of animal and bird life.
Get Cycling
The Burren was made for cycling and the sheer exhilaration of having the wind at your back. There’s a great serenity as you ride up challenging hills and soar down valleys, each stage rewarding you with magnificent views of a landscape carved over millennia.
If you’re looking to go further and want to enjoy the countryside, you can hire electric bikes from www.e-whizz.com
Views and More
Visit the Cliffs of Moher
Into the Burren is just 30-minutes from the Cliffs of Moher and it’s a sight and feeling you’ll never forget. The Cliffs rise to 214 metres at their highest point and stretch for nearly 14 kilometres along the Clare coast. Sweeping and dramatic, the Cliffs put time in perspective and it’s hard to hold onto worries here. The views are magnificent, including out to the Aran Islands, Galway Bay in the north and south to Hag’s Head. The Cliffs are also alive with an array wildlife, including seabirds, grey seals, dolphins, basking sharks and porpoises.
Take a Mountain Tour
Experience the quiet splendour of our unique landscape and learn about life and farming in the Burren with www.burrenmountaintours.com. You’ll be transported to a different time and place as you reconnect with nature on the private mountain of Murrough and the Burren highlands. You can choose a personalised guided walking tour, a guided driving experience, or a mountain trek to meet the alpacas.
Explore Caves, Forts and Dolmens
In the Burren, life below ground is just as fascinating as that above, and you can explore this secret world at Aillwee Caves. www.aillweeburrenexperience.ie is a limestone natural wonder with stalactites, underground rivers, and chambers – dating back to the time when ancient bears roamed the land. At Into the Burren, we also offer private tours to discover the Neolithic tombs, medieval ruins and geological wonders of the Burren – all powerful reminders of the people, stories and rituals that have made up this incredible landscape.
For the Foodies
Taste the Burren
Whether it’s delicious hot-smoked Irish salmon, Burren-reared, premium beef, award-winning goats cheese or straight-from-the-ocean wild oysters – Fanore and the Burren has an incredible food story to tell. Thanks to the richly fertile valleys of the region, the Burren is well known for its quality food and the passionate local producers, farmers and growers that bring it to life. Whether it’s farm-to-fork Burren lamb and beef or tide-to-table fish and seafood – there’s so much to discover and enjoy. We love our neighbours and proudly recommend the trusted, local experiences that call the Burren home.
Make sure a trip to Burren Gold Cheese at www.aillweecave.ie is top of your list. With Geo Food status, Burren Gold Cheese is made by hand at Aillwee, and this family-owned business is one of the last remaining cheesemakers that smokes cheese the traditional way. With a rich, creamy taste blending nutty and caramel flavours, Burren Gold uses ingredients sourced within the Burren and is made by local people. Taste the cheese, meet the makers and don’t miss the wonderful farm shop for take-home treats.
For a deliciously fresh and flavourful lunch, head for the Tea and Garden Rooms in Ballyvaughan www.tearoomsballyvaughan.com Situated in a gorgeous stone cottage dating to 1790, this is an award-winning restaurant that serves fine foods made from the freshest ingredients grown in their gardens. Think sublime cakes and scones, fresh artisanal sandwiches and deliciously crisp salads – all enjoyed with beautiful views of the cottage garden. Come evening time, indulge in the freshest seafood and traditional Irish fare rounded off with live music at the legendary O’Donohue’s Pub in Fanore www.odonohuesfanore.ie There’s no greater welcome!
Something Different
A Sensory Experience
Famous for its hand-made perfumes and cosmetics inspired by the landscape, you won’t want to miss the Burren Perfumery and gardens. The perfumery uses 100% natural and organic ingredients, including rose, bergamot, neroli, sandalwood, and vanilla essential oils, along with nettle, wild rose, violet, and herb plant extracts. Watch the creams and balms being made in the Blending Room, explore the herb garden and relax in the rose-covered tea rooms serving a sumptuous spread of organic cakes, scones, pies, homemade soups and salads. www.burrenperfumery.com
If you’re looking for a deeper and more intimate Irish music experience, the Doolin Music House is a must. Christy Barry and his partner Sheila invite you into their home to enjoy a personal evening of music by their fireside. They’ll share live stories about the music and local culture, paired with local food and wine in a cosy, homely setting. Personal and real – it’s an unforgettable experience. www.doolinmusichouse.com
Local Experiences & Partners
We love our neighbours and proudly recommend these trusted local experiences:
O’Donohue’s Pub, Fanor
Fresh seafood, traditional Irish fare & live music.
Aloha Surf School
Surf lessons and rentals at Fanore Beach.
Burren Mountain Tours
Personalised guided tours of the Burren landscape.
The Tea and Garden Rooms, Ballyvaughan
Homemade cakes and a quiet garden.
Burren Gold Cheese at Aillwee Cave
Taste locally made cheese & visit the cave.
North Clare Sea Kayaking
Paddle along the stunning Burren coastline.
E-Whizz Electric Bike Hire
Cycle further with ease and enjoy the views.
Burren Perfumery
Natural perfumery, gardens, shop and tearoom.
Doolin Music House
An intimate evening of Irish music and storytelling.
Burren Mountain Tours
Personalised guided tours of the Burren landscape.
Add a Guided Tour to Your Stay
We’d love to share ‘our Burren’ with you, on one of our guided tours, exploring the stories, folklore, history and ecology of the Burren. Your guide is Into the Burren host, Kathleen, who is a Failte Ireland-approved guide with a deep love for, and understanding of, this land. You can pick from one of our bespoke walking tours – exclusively available to our guests – or we can tailor one specially for you.
Into the Burren is the perfect place to begin and return.
Listen to the Landscape
Fanore and the Burren aren’t only about what you see — so much of the wonder and beauty lies in what you feel. This is a place to slow down, drink in and reconnect. With yourself, with those you love and with what matters. Whether it’s walking a cliffside path, meeting a local cheesemaker, or watching the night sky, it’s about making moments that count.
Your journey begins in Fanore…
Come stay, explore and experience at Into the Burren.