Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
The loop goes clockwise, as waymarked. From the Fanore beach car park (Trá Fhánórach), walk north on the R477 over Fanore Bridge and up a minor road to the green road above the coast. Follow it round Black Head, above Galway Bay. Turn east along the north slope, climb a mountain path over the shoulder of Gleninagh Mountain and drop south on tracks into the Feenagh valley. Go west on the quiet road past Cathair an Aird Rois and up the Caher valley, then take the long green road south-west over the shoulder of Slieve Elva, the loop's highest part. A minor road leads north to Fanore.
It is 24.4 km round with 538 m of ascent; allow about 7½ hours. The grade is Strenuous: a long day on green roads, stony tracks, a rough mountain path and quiet roads.
This waymarked loop crosses farmland and commonage with the landowners' agreement and is managed by Clare Local Development Company. Dogs are not allowed, even on a lead. Wet limestone is very slippery, and there are stiles and loose stones. Cattle graze the hill. Above Fanore there is no shelter or water: carry enough.
The beach car park is free. Bus Éireann's route 350 (Galway to the Cliffs of Moher via Ballyvaughan and Doolin) and TFI Local Link route 351 stop at Fanore.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- The Burren is a karst landscape of bare limestone pavement, laid down as sea-floor sediment over 300 million years ago.
- Black Head marks the north-west corner of the Burren, where the hills meet Galway Bay; a small lighthouse stands on the point below.
- The green roads are old drove roads walled with limestone, used to move cattle to winter grazing on the hills.
- In spring the grikes and grassland flower with gentians, orchids and mountain avens growing side by side.
Getting there
Start: Fanore, beach car park · Free parking. 53.11765, -9.28600
Directions to the start
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Fanore: Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
