How is the Burren now above sea level?
The word ‘Burren’ is derived from gaelic meaning ‘stoney place’, it is about 200-300 metres above sea level at the north and about 100 metres in the south with the highest area being the shale capped ‘Sleive Elva’at 345 metres above sea level.
What is the highest peak in the Burren?
The Burren is 360 km2 in extent and forms a plateau gently tilted to the south, at 200-300 m above sea level in the north and 100 m in the south, bounded by steep scarps on all but the southern flank. The highest point is the shale-capped Slieve Elva at 345 m above sea level.
What is so special about the Burren?
The Burren is renowned for its remarkable assemblage of plants and animals, and over 70% of Ireland’s species of flowers are found there. The region supports Arctic–alpine and Mediterranean Basin plants side-by-side, due to the unusual environment.
Why is the Burren so rocky?
Huge masses of ice over 200m thick came from the north and north east and scoured the surface ripping up soil and rock and carving valleys and then depositing the rocks and clay as the ice melted. We can see these rocks scattered across the Burren as glacial erratics today.
Why is there no soil on the Burren?
It is most likely however to be a combination of scouring of the landscape by the glaciers, soil erosion through runoff from melting glaciers and removal of woodland for farming that all combined together to remove the soil cover resulting in the exposed limestone pavement habitat we see today.
How is the Burren a karst landscape?
Glaciation & Glacio-Karst landscape The Burren is one of the finest examples of a Glacio-Karst landscape in the world. At least two glacial advances are known in the Burren area. However, it is probably the effects of the last glaciation (the Midlandian) that are most in evidence in the National Park.
Why does the Burren attract tourists?
One of the top reasons to visit the Burren is to drive along the Wild Atlantic Way. Recognized as the best coastal drive in the world, this route takes you to stunning Irish sea cliffs, sand beaches, sweeping hills, and lonely castles. This drive alone can surpass all your expectations of the trip to the Burren.
How long does it take to walk the Burren?
The Burren Way is a beautiful long-distance hiking trail that takes you right into the heart of the limestone landscape. With a length of 98km (116km if including the Black Head Loop) the Burren Way can be done in 6 to 8 days.
Are dogs allowed in the Burren?
4 answers. Yes dogs are allowed at Cavan Burren Park as long as they are curbed and on a lead. Owners must clean up after their dogs. Cavan Burren Park operates a Leave No Trace policy requesting that all visitors take home all litter and dog fouling – ‘If You Bring It In, Take It Out’ please.
What gives the rock in the Burren its uneven texture?
Tilting and Folding. The rocks of the Burren are tilted between 2 and 5 degrees to the south and gentle folds can be seen at Slieve Roe and Mullaghmore. The forces that caused these tilts and folds also caused many joints, or cracks, in the limestone.
What is one surface landform found in the Burren?
Other above-ground features or surface features in the Burren are swallow-holes, also known as sink-holes. A swallow-hole is an opening in the bed of a river which flows over limestone. At this hole or opening the river takes its course underground and proceeds to wind its way under the surface.
What is the significance of Mullaghmore mountain?
Every country has its own sacred mountains one of ours is Mullaghmore, in County Clare and the other is Croagh Patrick in County Mayo. This enigma in the Burren was folded into its dramatic, layered shape by colliding tectonic plates far beneath the earth’s surface, millions of years ago.
How long does it take to climb Mullaghmore mountain?
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.
Is the Burren hike in Ireland’s burrens worth it?
It’s a tough hike but the views are spectacular and it’s a great way to take in the unusual karst landscape, which the Burren region is renowned for.
Where can I find more information about walking in the Burren?
You can find more information about each of the walking routes on the Burren National Park website. The route discussed in this post is the Blue Route (or Mullaghmore Loop).