The Burren National Park

Ever since we first visited Ireland, Allan has had a hankering to walk on The Burren. When you think of Ireland, green hills, green fields and green mountains fill your imagination. But the Burren is different. It has a rugged, greyish mauve look because it is made up of limestone rock. Amazingly, a large proportion of Ireland's wildflowers grow in The Burren which gives it a unexpected beauty. The Burren isn't a place you walk without a map so the men asked Bernadette, our host at Drumcreehy House, for her advice. Lough Avalla Farm Loop was the only option according to Bernadette. She even gave us a laminated map and very clear instructions to get there. Harry, the farmer who owns the farm, designed this walk and with his children, set it up with pathways and great signage.

Along the drive to get to Harry's walk we pulled into this ancient tomb. This is one of the most visited sites in Ireland. Not sure how they know this as it's free and unmonitered, except for a very diligent volunteer who keeps the site clear of rubbish and people who try to vandalise this tomb. Evidence has been found of the remains of around 33 bodies buried here. All around the tomb wildflowers were growing in the cracks between the rocks, softening the look of the whole area. Many flowers that we plant in our gardens were growing here. Once we managed to extract ourselves from the chatty volunteer, we pressed on to our walk. The beginning was a long walk along a dusty road to get to a gate where the walk began.

The first important thing was to take one of Harry's handmade hazelwood walking sticks which were very helpful in keeping us steady on the rocky terrain and especially on the steep descents. There were numerous beautiful sights to see, including a holy well,

a huge stone altar, which I would happily have photographed Allan preaching from except he turned into a mountain goat and disappeared into the bush!

This is a lovely walk, passing through woodlands and gradually ascending to stunning views.

We were very taken with the shape of the tops of the mountains

This mountain is called Mullaghmore.

We wondered how these pillars of stones came to be standing, framing the view of the mountain.

And there was carefully crafted stiles to negotiate among the woodland.

The Burren is a vast landscape.

These blossom trees were a lovely contrast to the rocky landscape. And then this beautiful lake appears, with a pier which beckons every walker to come out and sit, and be refreshed. How surprising and beautiful.

Another surprise, Harry appeared from nowhere! Then we spied a bike lying on the ground. There is obviously another flat track from Harry's house to the lake, but it wasn't for us. He told Ammie and myself that we were very brave ladies to walk his trail. He said it's not easy or for the faint hearted and then invited us to come to the house for a drink. 'Just another 20 minutes of walking and you will be at the house.' And another climb waited for us..

We farewelled the lake and continued on to our next surprise.

Afternoon tea at Harry's lovely stone cottage, tucked away among the bushes. We were served apple pie and cream and brownie while sitting outside in the delighful warm air. Harry invited us inside to see how he had extended the house for a tearoom. He doesn't charge but you are free to leave a donation. The money jar was overflowing with notes/money which I thought was clever of Harry as you felt compelled to leave more than a few coins! But we were happy to reward his hard work in providing for us. The last experience was the toilet which was off the kitchen inside. It was a composting toilet. You had to step up onto a thick, flat log to reach the seat. I'll leave the rest to your imagination. We left Harry, returned our walking sticks and walked the long dusty road back to the car. The Burren Perfumery was another delightful surprise where all sorts of perfumes, hand creams and soaps are made using the flowers grown in the Burren. I think I was tired by this time as I haven't taken any photos. Another beautiful sunset ended another great day.