Burren Farm Experience

The Burren Farm Experience is a working family farm at Kylecreen, Boston, in the north of County Clare, set across nearly 500 acres within the Burren, a UNESCO Global Geopark and Special Area of Conservation. It is hosted by Cathal O’Rourke, a fifth-generation farmer, and his wife Bronagh, a regional eco-tour guide and park ranger, who share the land and its wildlife with visitors on farmer-led tours.

Guests explore the farm’s limestone terrain and ancient alluvial woodland on guided walks, with some tours taking in the surroundings by tractor and trailer. Along the way there are opportunities to feed calves, try a spot of foraging, and take part in forest bathing among the trees. Walks lead out towards Lough Bunny, passing the ruins of Boston and Skaghard castles, with views across the lake and the Burren mountains, and the chance to spot rare alpine and arctic wildflowers that grow in this unusual landscape.

The O’Rourkes farm along regenerative lines, allowing hedgerows to grow naturally and grazing cattle to help maintain the habitat, and they credit these practices with the return of birds such as the hen harrier and kestrel. Visits typically last two to three hours and usually finish with a rustic picnic or meal made with local produce, served barbecue or charcuterie style.

The farm generally welcomes visitors from spring through to autumn. As experiences are guided and take place outdoors, booking ahead is advisable; the location also makes it an easy addition to a day exploring the wider Burren and the nearby Cliffs of Moher.