Burren Nature Sanctuary
Burren Nature Sanctuary
4.5
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
Closed
Saturday
10:00 - 17:00
Sunday
10:00 - 17:00
About
Burren Nature Sanctuary is the interpretive centre for the biodiversity of the Burren. Enjoy the walks through shattered limestone pavement, walk the ancient boreen to the Disappearing Lake, learn about the orchid rich wildflower meadow, pass a ruined famine village and enjoy the magical hazel woodland. Visit the Burren Botany Bubble (contact us for a free mini introduction to Burren botany) Meet the friendly farm pets or book a walk with Emilia the pig! Stay onsite. Check website for opening hours. Admission: Adults €8, Age 3 €8, Age 4+ €13, Over 65s €8 Prebook group tours by email
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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4.5
231 reviews
Excellent
169
Very good
37
Average
11
Poor
10
Terrible
4
Cilianob
Dublin, Ireland70 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
We had a great visit in the nature reserve. The staff were very welcoming. The walks are lovely and the place is kept spotlessly clean. We would highly recommend it for young families and indeed for older people to go on a nice nature walk. The only small criticism I would have was that as an old age pensioner it was cheaper for me than my 9 month old grandchild who was in a sling or buggy all day. Otherwise had no complaints and definitely would go back.
Written 5 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Cilian for a lovely review. Babies not walking are free so please email us for a refund as that must have been an error, apologies. We try and keep the prices as low as we can, it is very difficult with all costs skyrocketing for everyone. We greatly appreciate the review and look forward to seeing you again. thank you Mary and Roy
Written 5 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sinead
Loughrea, Ireland400 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Came here last week in August with 3 kids aged 8,7 and 5. We booked online the morning of visiting. On entry we had to wear masks and use disinfectant for hands. Names and contact no.taken, kids went to the playground first, its a brilliant playground, kids loved the double zipline and had fun doing races against each other. Really cool slide fully inclosed great for Irish weather so you don't get wet going down it. Also a really good sand area. Once it started raining we went to the inside play area, again measures done to ensure correct social distancing. Kids had so much fun, then we had our picnic in the room adjacent to it which
had tables spaced appropriately, once rain ended we went to look at the animals , did the fairy trail and the walk around. Kids loved the whole thing. Great set up. Esp in good weather you could put in the whole day, we were there for 3 hrs.
had tables spaced appropriately, once rain ended we went to look at the animals , did the fairy trail and the walk around. Kids loved the whole thing. Great set up. Esp in good weather you could put in the whole day, we were there for 3 hrs.
Written 26 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for the great review we really appreciate it, its a boost for the staff in difficult times :)
Written 30 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
reynoldsdh
County Galway, Ireland6 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
My Wife and I visited The Burren Nature Sanctuary last Saturday. We went for a lovely walk which took in beautiful art installations; wind-up audio (in a choice of 5 different languages) explaining the biodiversity of the Burren. We also had a lovely walk through the Fairy Woods which we happily realised is not just for children. We came across the disappearing lake which is very beautiful. We got some great selfies with the friendly animals. We got our takeout tea and coffee and had a our picnic in the Gypsy Wagon. We had such a relaxing time there. The staff were very friendly. We learnt quite a lot about The Burren. A great day out.
Written 3 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Helen and Daniel, we are so delighted you love the Burren Nature Sanctuary and really appreciate the great review
Written 5 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
P H
15 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We visited this afternoon. The sun was shining with the odd light shower (normal Irish summer) plenty to see and do whatever the weather and plenty of sheltered spots in including an indoor play centre and outdoor play area. The walks by the animals were well organised and dry under foot. My only criticism the animal food was expensive but happy to pay if it contributes to the upkeep, certainly contributed to our enjoyment with 4 yr old grandchild. The walks are easy although probably not adult wheelchair friendly (they don't claim to be!) Loved the fairy walk! It wasn't too crowded but there's plenty of space for all. Check the website for attractions, all worth seeing at no extra cost easy to find and free parking. Team were friendly and helpful, cafe with snacks very welcome! Spotlessly clean and we'll maintained, absolutely worth the entry cost. We'll definitely be back.
Written 24 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for the lovely review
Written 3 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Aideen
Galway, Ireland5 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
What a beautiful little spot. Visited today, first time in a couple of years and left with a nostalgia for a nature filled childhood. Great indoor play area with café, overlooking a larger playground outdoors. Follow a well kept trail past horses, alpaca, llama, pigs, goats and guinea pigs. On then to the fairy village in the woods, a long walk surrounded by trees, bushes and flowers, the gypsy caravan and lots of information boards around to highlight what you can keep an eye out for if you hadn't already spotted them. Am local and will certainly be back very soon. Well done BNS!
Written 20 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for the lovely review
Written 3 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Charliemakes5
Dublin, Ireland186 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
We visited on a rare dry day in August and did the Fairy Pig walk. Mary was a super host and worked hard to engage our teen and tween. Included in the ticket price for the pig walk is access to the centre. I would recommend people plan there day accordingly and get the best value for the entry fee.
The new Covid regulations have made things so difficult for small businesses to get back up and running. Mary and her family have obviously made that effort and we were delighted to be able to support them. Thanks for looking after us and good luck to the new pigs in your care.
The new Covid regulations have made things so difficult for small businesses to get back up and running. Mary and her family have obviously made that effort and we were delighted to be able to support them. Thanks for looking after us and good luck to the new pigs in your care.
Written 22 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for the fabulous review, we really appreciate you understanding how difficult it has been to reopen. Many local sites couldn't manage it with the restrictions. So glad you enjoyed your visit. Mary
Written 30 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nadine O
County Galway, Ireland1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Family
I've been here a few times before but today they had blocked off half the walk, only the fairy walk and the way to the animals was open. Dogs are welcomed as long as kept on a leash and cleaned up after. I was sitting outside at the picnic tables and had my children friendly dog beside me tied to the fence. He was not able to move from his place or go near anyone. I was told he had to go or we can sit outside the playground, where I would be unable to mind my children at the playground. Apparently children were afraid, but there were no other children in the playground at that time. I was very disappointed by the price I paid for the service I got.
Written 15 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Nadine, I am sorry that you were disappointed about the dog. Dogs are welcome on the paths and in the waterfall garden. We are not allowed dogs in the playground or inside the building due to insurance. I am sorry that this was not explained to you better at the time, most of our staff now are young people that may not be confident explaining this to an adult. I would hope you might review your star rating as it seriously effects the business that is struggling to get back on its feet since Covid. A lot of attractions do not allow dogs so we are quite unusual in welcoming 'good dogs on a short lead with a poo bag' in most areas. We always aim to give a five star service
Written 3 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Thomas F
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
Visited the bns a couple of weeks back with my boys aged 6 & 9.
We all had a great time as there is lots to do. The boys especially liked the fairy walk and the giant dragon fly sculpture. The Cafe has lovely treats great coffee and was spotlessly clean. The toilets were so clean I considered taking my boots off before going in! We got there early and made a day of it.
Great place for adults and children.
Brilliant time thanks.
We all had a great time as there is lots to do. The boys especially liked the fairy walk and the giant dragon fly sculpture. The Cafe has lovely treats great coffee and was spotlessly clean. The toilets were so clean I considered taking my boots off before going in! We got there early and made a day of it.
Great place for adults and children.
Brilliant time thanks.
Written 19 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DJBallincollig
Ballincollig, Ireland54 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
We come to The Burren every year but we certainly won't be back here. I realise that things are limited with reopening after Covid but..... I'll sum it up with my daughter's words to me at the end of our visit. " Dad I really appreciate that you brought us here but we've you've paid almost €40 for a pretty walk"
It was a lovely walk. But over priced. We went to a similar place in another county and it cost half of today's visit. And I've just looked over some of the reviews here too. And you'd do well to take on board the opinions of people who have paid good money and then taken time to express their views rather than informing them of why they are incorrect. 10% of reviews are 3 stars or less. 30% are outside the excellent bracket. That's a big margin for improvement.
It was a lovely walk. But over priced. We went to a similar place in another county and it cost half of today's visit. And I've just looked over some of the reviews here too. And you'd do well to take on board the opinions of people who have paid good money and then taken time to express their views rather than informing them of why they are incorrect. 10% of reviews are 3 stars or less. 30% are outside the excellent bracket. That's a big margin for improvement.
Written 11 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear DJ,
Our admission ticket allows all day access to Burren Nature Sanctuary with looped nature trails around the wildflower meadows, limestone and woodland with interpretive panels mobile audio guide, Burren Film and the botancial exhibit in the Botany Bubble. It also includes walks through the fairy woodlands and meet and feed the animals, and access to indoor and outdoor adventure playgrounds.
Visitors tend stay for at least a half a day and enjoy the walks, botany exhibit, animal handling and use of the play areas and find 39 euro for a family day pass to be very good value. At present this is €10 less than our nearest competitor and they limit visit time to 2 hours.
Those who visit regularly benefit from our annual membership which allows two adults free per card and 25 / 50% discount on child tickets. If you would like to contact us we would be happy to provide more details on membership. Again we are sorry that you did not experience the full extent of what Burren Nature Sanctuary has to offer on your recent visit as it is great value and there is lots to do and see for visitors of all ages. We are not an open farm and the animals (most of which are adopted/rescued/retired) complement the experience at Burren Nature Sanctuary. However we do have 4cows, 5 donkeys, 5 horses, 2 pigs, 7 goats, 4 rabbits, 2 ducks, 1 Llama, 1 alpaca, 20 guinea pigs not to mention the wildlife around the trails!
We understand that price is upmost in everyones mind at present and many places (including the nearby Dunguaire Castle) have not reopened due to the cost of implementing Covid procedures, cleaning regimes and sanitation. It is very easy to give a 2 star review but very damaging to a small family business struggling to keep the doors open.
We have many 5 star reviews and with a 4.9 star rating on facebook (over 10,000 page likes) and 4.9 rating on Airbnb experiences. We are sorry if the price is too much for some families at this difficult time but our margins are very tight and we have lost 4 months of high season meaning that getting through next winter will be challenging.
Perhaps you would like to avail of the family membership to experience the great discount this offers at Burren Nature Sanctuary
Thank you
Written 6 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Elaine
Dublin, Ireland34 contributions
Aug 2020
We visited the Burren Nature Sanctuary on what was supposed to be the worst weather day of the holiday. I was dreading the day but it turned out to be the highlight of the holiday for me.
Such a beautiful place. Well organised in terms of response to Covid19.
Lots to do - animals at the petting farm, a brilliant fairy forest trail that is cleverly thought out, tours with the animals, lovely different sheltered areas throughout the Sanctuary for you to sit and enjoy the beauty.
An amazing playground with lots for every age group.
The pizzas looked amazing! (Our daughter can't eat pizza - but it's the only thing that they are serving at the moment so come prepared) The beauty of the all day ticket is that you could go into Kinvara and get something to eat and go back to the park if you wanted.
There are loads of picnic areas too.
Definitely worth a visit. And if we lived locally I'd certainly become a member because I would love to visit often.
100% recommend.
Such a beautiful place. Well organised in terms of response to Covid19.
Lots to do - animals at the petting farm, a brilliant fairy forest trail that is cleverly thought out, tours with the animals, lovely different sheltered areas throughout the Sanctuary for you to sit and enjoy the beauty.
An amazing playground with lots for every age group.
The pizzas looked amazing! (Our daughter can't eat pizza - but it's the only thing that they are serving at the moment so come prepared) The beauty of the all day ticket is that you could go into Kinvara and get something to eat and go back to the park if you wanted.
There are loads of picnic areas too.
Definitely worth a visit. And if we lived locally I'd certainly become a member because I would love to visit often.
100% recommend.
Written 13 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for such a lovely kind review
Written 30 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hello,
I am planning for an upcoming family visit to Clare and was wondering if BNS permits dogs on a leash?
Best regards,
Jeff
Written 25 June 2017
Hi Jeff
Yes good dogs on a short lead with a waste bag are allowed on the nature walk and in the waterfall garden! Please be mindful of children and animals and please don't visit the barn (small furry pets)
Thank you
Written 16 September 2017
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