Walk 5 - The Burren Way Green Road
Overview: The Burren Way is one of Ireland's long distance trails. Unfortunately by far the greater part of this walkway is over tarmac road surfaces but the five miles that run from Ballynahown to the Caher valley traverse one of the Burren's green roads. Ideally this walk would best be done if you could be dropped of at one end and picked up at the other, otherwise there are a few places at which you can park and enjoy the Burren and the marvellous sea views which this path affords. Walking time from one end to the other would be in the region of two to two and a half hours with good conditions underfoot.
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Getting there: From Lisdoonvarna take the N67 to Ballyvaghan. After approximately two miles you will reach a crossroad at which you take a left. You are now heading towards Slieve Elva and after approximately one and a half miles take a left turn and carry on for just over two miles until you reach a T junction. Turn right and park immediately in a bay on your left. You are now near the beginning of the southern end of the green road. The middle and the northern end of the green road can both be easily accessed from the R477
The Walk: I have chosen to begin this walk at its southern end in the area of Ballynahown. From your car follow the road uphill and after passing a few houses and finally a small farm on your right you should have reached the beginning of the green road. If you have an hour to spare you might consider visiting the wedge tombs and the ring fort between the green road and the sea. Of the four tombs at Ballynahown, only one remains standing and this is best accessed by following a track to the left after the first house on the left and before reaching the green road.Follow this for about a quarter of a mile until you reach a gate. From here you should see the tomb to the left of the wall in front of you.
The other tombs are a bit harder to find and I was able to locate them with the help of 'Tim Robinson,s' map of the Burren on which they are all marked.
The ring fort Cathair Dhuin is not too difficult to find from here - proceed in a north westerly direction and you should soon see it. Unlike the green road the ground here is rough and uneven so be careful.
Back on the green road the views across to the Aran Isles and Connemara make the walk worhtwhile as you walk towards the Caher valley. The entrance to Poll Na Grai pothole to your left is easily missed, but can be found over the wall on your left where a dirt track meets the green road to your right. Just under a further two miles is the ruins of Faunarooska castle again to your left with Fanore below. After passing through the last gate the path reaches its highest point and then descends into the Caher valley where it becomes a bit more rocky but easy enough to walk.
Cathair Dhuin ring fort
