{"id":7017,"date":"2022-07-04T22:35:10","date_gmt":"2022-07-04T20:35:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/?p=7017"},"modified":"2023-10-04T12:26:18","modified_gmt":"2023-10-04T10:26:18","slug":"flowers-in-the-burren","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/flowers-in-the-burren\/","title":{"rendered":"Animals and Flowers in the Burren"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-8::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-8{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-9::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-9{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-10::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-10{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-11::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-11{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-12::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-12{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-13::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-13{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-14::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-14{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-15::before{padding-top:66.7%; }img#mv-trellis-img-15{display:block;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_apifera_drmole.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7020\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_apifera_drmole.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_apifera_drmole-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_apifera_drmole-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_apifera_drmole-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_apifera_drmole-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201000%20667'%3E%3Crect%20width='1000'%20height='667'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7020 eager-load\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_apifera_drmole.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_apifera_drmole.jpg.webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_apifera_drmole.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_apifera_drmole-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_apifera_drmole-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_apifera_drmole-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_apifera_drmole-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption><em>This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on one of them, we might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you).<\/em>&nbsp;&nbsp;<em>Thanks for your support!&nbsp;(Bee Orchid, Photo: drmole via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Burren is a unique area of Ireland, unlike any other. This celebrated region is famed for many things, including its interesting geology, its rich archaeological heritage and without a doubt, its exceptional flora and fauna.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are lucky enough to visit this area, please <strong>do not damage or pick any of the plants or flowers<\/strong>. This is a very unique area with many <strong>rare<\/strong>, <strong>protected<\/strong> and <strong>endangered species<\/strong> and is very sensitive to disturbance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Flora and Fauna in the Burren<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/The_Burren_greenphotoKK.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7022\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/The_Burren_greenphotoKK.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/The_Burren_greenphotoKK-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/The_Burren_greenphotoKK-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/The_Burren_greenphotoKK-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/The_Burren_greenphotoKK-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/The_Burren_greenphotoKK.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7022 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/The_Burren_greenphotoKK.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/The_Burren_greenphotoKK-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/The_Burren_greenphotoKK-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/The_Burren_greenphotoKK-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/The_Burren_greenphotoKK-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/The_Burren_greenphotoKK.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption><em>The rocky landscape of the coastal area of the Burren. (Photo: greenphotoKK via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This article focuses on the flora and fauna of the Burren and some of the farming methods that have been traditionally used in the area for thousands of years that helped nurture this biodiversity.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/the-burren-ireland\/\">Complete Guide to the Burren<\/a> <\/strong>for information including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>The origin of the Burren name<\/li><li>How the Burren was formed&nbsp;<\/li><li>The archeological&nbsp; history of the Burren,&nbsp;<\/li><li>Tips for exploring the Burren by foot on the many hikes trails<\/li><li>Itinerary ideas for a day in the Burren<\/li><li>Fascinating facts about the Burren<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Farming in the Burren<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cattle_in_the_Burren_Kara_Kendi.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cattle_in_the_Burren_Kara_Kendi.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cattle_in_the_Burren_Kara_Kendi-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cattle_in_the_Burren_Kara_Kendi-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cattle_in_the_Burren_Kara_Kendi-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cattle_in_the_Burren_Kara_Kendi-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cattle_in_the_Burren_Kara_Kendi.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7024 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cattle_in_the_Burren_Kara_Kendi.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cattle_in_the_Burren_Kara_Kendi-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cattle_in_the_Burren_Kara_Kendi-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cattle_in_the_Burren_Kara_Kendi-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cattle_in_the_Burren_Kara_Kendi-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cattle_in_the_Burren_Kara_Kendi.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption><em>Cattle grazing in the Burren. (Photo: Kara Kendi via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There is a <strong>long history of human settlement<\/strong> in the Burren and through the generations that have lived and worked on the land, <strong>special farming practices have developed<\/strong> in this region. Today, there are several hundred farms still operating in the area.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most interesting aspects of farming in the Burren, particularly in relation to the benefit of biodiversity in the grassland areas is the use of <strong>reverse transhumance<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The use of managed grazing in this case has very positive impacts on the diversity of flowering species in the Burren.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Winterage or Reverse Transhumance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Transhumance<\/em> is a term used for the grazing of cattle or animals that refers to the movement of the animals between their summer and winter pastures. It is common farming practice in the Alps, where the animals are taken out to the hillsides and allowed to graze on the hills in summer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The method of &ldquo;reverse transhumance&rdquo;,&nbsp; or as it is known locally <strong><em>winterage<\/em><\/strong>, has been practiced in the Burren for thousands of years. This grazing management method, where the animals (mostly cattle, rather than sheep in the Burren) are allowed to graze outside in the grassland areas in the winter time and not feed supplementary food indoors.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This traditional Irish method of animal grazing is particularly suited to the <strong>mild climate<\/strong> along the west coast of Ireland in winter and is found in this region and the <strong>Aran Islands<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cattle_in_the_Burren_DejaVu_Designs.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7026\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cattle_in_the_Burren_DejaVu_Designs.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cattle_in_the_Burren_DejaVu_Designs-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cattle_in_the_Burren_DejaVu_Designs-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cattle_in_the_Burren_DejaVu_Designs-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cattle_in_the_Burren_DejaVu_Designs-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cattle_in_the_Burren_DejaVu_Designs.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7026 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cattle_in_the_Burren_DejaVu_Designs.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cattle_in_the_Burren_DejaVu_Designs-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cattle_in_the_Burren_DejaVu_Designs-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cattle_in_the_Burren_DejaVu_Designs-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cattle_in_the_Burren_DejaVu_Designs-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cattle_in_the_Burren_DejaVu_Designs.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption><em>Cattle on an area of limestone pavement in the Burren. (Photo: DejaVu Design via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In summer, there is less water available in the Burren. This is due to the fact that the <strong>limestone rock is permeable<\/strong> and much of the water does not stay at the surface long and permeates through the ground to underground streams and rivers. This results often in dry and unpalatable vegetation for animal grazing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In winter however, there is more water availability due to higher rainfall, which in turn boosts the water table benefiting the vegetation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, the limestone rock beneath the grasslands absorbs the heat gradually over the summer and releases it slowly later in the year, which gives the grass growing an extra boost prolonging the growing season, making it an ideal winter pasture.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When the cattle graze the vegetation, they help to keep the <strong>vegetation low<\/strong> and <strong>open up spaces<\/strong> for new seedlings to grow through their tramping.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This enables the Burren&rsquo;s flora to <strong>recover and thrive during the summer months<\/strong>, when the plants flower and set seed with strongly reduced grazing pressure. This enables other species, such as the <strong>many orchid species that the Burren<\/strong> is famed for to thrive in this fine balance of farming and nature conservation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While overgrazing is a serious problem, <strong>careful management of grazing numbers and intensity can actually help biodiversity <\/strong>by preventing the complete encroachment of scrub, which would otherwise tend to dominate this area.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The method of reverse transhumance also reduces the dependence on supplementary fodder and external nutrient inputs, such as fertilizers, which can impact the water quality in this sensitive region.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>New farming methods and techniques mean that the practice of winterage in this area is not as common as it used to be, but there is increased enthusiasm and funding from the EU to maintain such <a href=\"https:\/\/nationalinventoryich.chg.gov.ie\/winterage-in-the-burren\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">long standing, traditional farming practices<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Flowers in the Burren<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Flowers_in_the_Burren_Sarah_Klein.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7028\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Flowers_in_the_Burren_Sarah_Klein.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Flowers_in_the_Burren_Sarah_Klein-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Flowers_in_the_Burren_Sarah_Klein-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Flowers_in_the_Burren_Sarah_Klein-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Flowers_in_the_Burren_Sarah_Klein-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Flowers_in_the_Burren_Sarah_Klein.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7028 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Flowers_in_the_Burren_Sarah_Klein.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Flowers_in_the_Burren_Sarah_Klein-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Flowers_in_the_Burren_Sarah_Klein-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Flowers_in_the_Burren_Sarah_Klein-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Flowers_in_the_Burren_Sarah_Klein-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Flowers_in_the_Burren_Sarah_Klein.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption><em>Bloody Crane&rsquo;s Bill flowers in the Burren. (Photo: Sarah Klein via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While this rocky environment can look barren at first sight, it is in fact a very biodiverse area, with about <strong>75% of the flora of Ireland being found there.<\/strong> (Find out more about <strong>common Irish flowers<\/strong>, as well as<strong> rare flowers native to Ireland<\/strong> <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/irish-flowers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/strong>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are interested in botany, then a visit to the Burren is one of the best places to see Irish plants and flowers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What makes the Burren flowers so unique?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Teucrium_montanum_seven75.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7030\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Teucrium_montanum_seven75.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Teucrium_montanum_seven75-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Teucrium_montanum_seven75-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Teucrium_montanum_seven75-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Teucrium_montanum_seven75-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Teucrium_montanum_seven75.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7030 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Teucrium_montanum_seven75.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Teucrium_montanum_seven75-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Teucrium_montanum_seven75-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Teucrium_montanum_seven75-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Teucrium_montanum_seven75-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Teucrium_montanum_seven75.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-6\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption><em>Woodland Sage (Photo: seven75 via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>What makes the flowers of the Burren so unique is that many of the plants that grow in the area do not usually grow together in the same environment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plant species from the Mediterranean are not usually found growing alongside Arctic or sub-Arctic species, while species that are typically found in shaded woodland areas are found in the open as they do in the Burren. This demonstrates the wide variety of plant life in Ireland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Burren is not known for intense levels of sunlight, plants that would usually take shelter under a vegetation canopy do not need to do so, which is why species such as <strong>Woodland Sage <\/strong>(<em>Teucrium scorodonia<\/em>) (typical of semi-shaded woodland areas) can survive here.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The limestone soils ensure that the area is well drained, while the continuous supply of rain prevents the plants from drying out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is a combination of limestone rock covered by shallow rendzina soils that allows conditions to exist for both plants that like lime-rich soils (<em>calicole<\/em>) and those that prefer more acidic soils (<em>calcifuge<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The thin layer of soil allows for lime-loving species to thrive on alkaline soils with higher pH levels<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Interestingly, some plants that are usually found growing in acidic soil conditions, such as the heathers (<strong>Bell heather<\/strong>, <em>Erica cinerea and <\/em><strong>Ling<\/strong><em>, Calluna vulgaris<\/em>) are also found growing in this environment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Native Irish Plants in Different Habitats in the Burren<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Coastal Strip<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The lower areas of the Burren, closer to the coast, is where one is most likely to find flowers indigenous to Ireland that have very different population distributions. For example, the delicate white <strong>Burnet Rose <\/strong>(<em>Rosa pimpinellifolia <\/em>&nbsp;syn. Rosa spinosissima), the Mediterranean species of the <strong>Bloody Cranesbill <\/strong>(<em>Geranium sanguineum<\/em>) and rather surprisingly the Alpine plant, <strong>Spring Gentian<\/strong> (<em>Gentiana verna<\/em>).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Geraniam_sanguineum_Timo_Hukkanen.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7032\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Geraniam_sanguineum_Timo_Hukkanen.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Geraniam_sanguineum_Timo_Hukkanen-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Geraniam_sanguineum_Timo_Hukkanen-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Geraniam_sanguineum_Timo_Hukkanen-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Geraniam_sanguineum_Timo_Hukkanen-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Geraniam_sanguineum_Timo_Hukkanen.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7032 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Geraniam_sanguineum_Timo_Hukkanen.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Geraniam_sanguineum_Timo_Hukkanen-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Geraniam_sanguineum_Timo_Hukkanen-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Geraniam_sanguineum_Timo_Hukkanen-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Geraniam_sanguineum_Timo_Hukkanen-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Geraniam_sanguineum_Timo_Hukkanen.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-7\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption><em>Bloody Cranesbill (Photo: Timo Hukkanen via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Bloody Cranesbill flowers have a vibrant magenta colour that fades to violet as the flowers age. This plant also brightens up the landscape in autumn or fall, when the leaves turn red in colour.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As well as the flowered orchid species, the Burren is also very famous for the Spring Gentian. It is sometimes said that it is one of the most beautiful flowers that grow in Ireland.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Gentian_verna_xtrekx.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7034\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Gentian_verna_xtrekx.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Gentian_verna_xtrekx-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Gentian_verna_xtrekx-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Gentian_verna_xtrekx-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Gentian_verna_xtrekx-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Gentian_verna_xtrekx.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7034 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Gentian_verna_xtrekx.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Gentian_verna_xtrekx-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Gentian_verna_xtrekx-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Gentian_verna_xtrekx-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Gentian_verna_xtrekx-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Gentian_verna_xtrekx.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-8\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption><em>Spring Gentian (Photo: Tinieder via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The vivid deep blue flowers of this rare native Irish plant are an electrifying sight, especially if they occur in large numbers as they occasionally do on the hills. No where else in Europe is this Alpine plant found so close to sea level. Typically it is found only at elevations above 460 m.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Limestone Pavement in the Burren<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Euphrasia-salisburgensis_weisschr.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7036\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Euphrasia-salisburgensis_weisschr.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Euphrasia-salisburgensis_weisschr-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Euphrasia-salisburgensis_weisschr-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Euphrasia-salisburgensis_weisschr-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Euphrasia-salisburgensis_weisschr-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Euphrasia-salisburgensis_weisschr.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7036 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Euphrasia-salisburgensis_weisschr.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Euphrasia-salisburgensis_weisschr-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Euphrasia-salisburgensis_weisschr-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Euphrasia-salisburgensis_weisschr-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Euphrasia-salisburgensis_weisschr-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Euphrasia-salisburgensis_weisschr.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-9\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption><em>Irish Eyebright (Photo: weisschr via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The flat limestone pavement is probably the most recognisable part of the Burren landscape.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this windswept area, practically all species hug the ground, including limestone loving fern species (<strong>Rustyback<\/strong> <strong>fern<\/strong>, <em>Asplenium ruta-murarua<\/em>) and a few tree species (holly, hazel, ash and blackthorn) species that sometimes grow in the shelter crevices between the rocks.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Flowers more typical of mountainous areas such as the protected <strong>Hoary Rock Rose<\/strong> (<em>Helianthemum oelandicum)<\/em>, <strong>Mountain Avens<\/strong> (<em>Dryas octopetala<\/em>), and <strong>Wild Thyme<\/strong> (<em>Thymus politrichus<\/em>) and its parasite <strong>Irish Eyebright<\/strong> (<em>Euphrasia salisburgensis<\/em>) grow in the limestone pavement here. Some of these are also found in the species rich dry grassland areas.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Semi-natural Grasslands<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_insectifera_Scacciamosche.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7038\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_insectifera_Scacciamosche.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_insectifera_Scacciamosche-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_insectifera_Scacciamosche-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_insectifera_Scacciamosche-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_insectifera_Scacciamosche-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_insectifera_Scacciamosche.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7038 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_insectifera_Scacciamosche.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_insectifera_Scacciamosche-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_insectifera_Scacciamosche-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_insectifera_Scacciamosche-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_insectifera_Scacciamosche-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_insectifera_Scacciamosche.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-10\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption><em>Fly Orchid (Photo: Scacciamosche via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Semi-natural grassland covers a high percentage of the Burren landscape. These biodiverse areas are results of grazing management practices through the centuries (see winterage above). Without the right level of grazing, the area would revert back to a woody scrubland of mainly <strong>Hazel<\/strong> (<em>Corylus avellana<\/em>), <strong>Blackthorn<\/strong> (<em>Prunus spinosa<\/em>), <strong>Hawthorn<\/strong> (<em>Crataegus monogyna<\/em>) and <strong>Holly<\/strong> (<em>Ilex aquafolium<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is here in the species-rich limestone, or dry calcareous grasslands that you are most likely to see up to<strong> 23 of Ireland&rsquo;s 27 orchid species<\/strong>. The Burren flora is <strong>internationally renowned<\/strong>, not least for its beautiful orchid species, such as the <strong>Early Purple Orchid<\/strong> (<em>Orchis mascula<\/em>), the <strong>Pyramidal Orchid<\/strong> (<em>Anacamptis pyrimidalis<\/em>), <strong>Fragrant Orchid<\/strong> <em>(Gymnadenia conopsea <\/em>Lus taghla) and the <strong>Fly Orchid<\/strong> (<em>Ophrys insectifera), <\/em>which lures male wasps with the smell of a sex pheremones<em>.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is also the <strong>Bee Orchid<\/strong> (<em>Ophrys apifera<\/em>), which mimics the bee species &nbsp;<em>Eucera longicornis<\/em> to entice male bees to pollinate it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_apifera_drmole.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7020\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_apifera_drmole.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_apifera_drmole-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_apifera_drmole-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_apifera_drmole-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_apifera_drmole-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_apifera_drmole.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7020 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_apifera_drmole.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_apifera_drmole-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_apifera_drmole-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_apifera_drmole-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_apifera_drmole-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Ophrys_apifera_drmole.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-11\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption><em>Bee Orchid (Photo: drmole via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most interesting <strong>Bee Orchid facts <\/strong>is that the species of bee that the bee orchid mimics is not actually found in Ireland. Its distribution tends to be in the mediterranean areas, so the bee relies on <strong>self pollination<\/strong> to produce seeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many more flowering species are grown in these green, calcium-rich grasslands, including the yellow flowers of the <strong>Bird&rsquo;s Foot Trefoil <\/strong>(<em>Lotus corniculatus<\/em>), a legume from the pea family. (The name for this species comes from the shape that the fruit takes in case you were wondering!). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Others include <strong>Common Centaury<\/strong>&nbsp; (<em>Centaurium erythraea<\/em>), <strong>Devil&rsquo;s-bit Scabious<\/strong> (<em>Succisa pratensis<\/em>) and <strong>Lady&rsquo;s Bedstraw<\/strong> (<em>Galium verum<\/em>), which is known for its sweet smell and was used to stuff mattresses.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Travel Tips<\/strong>:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To really get a better appreciation for the Burren, its geology, archaeology and the flora that grows here, it is best to get a guided tour of the area. Park rangers from the Burren National Park offer<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.burrennationalpark.ie\/free-guided-walks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">guided tours<\/a><\/strong> along the walking trails. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are also several different walking tour operators who offer different walks in the area, such as <strong>Heart of The Burren Walks<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If all else fails, you can find out more about the flora and fauna of the Burren at the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.burrennationalpark.ie\/visit-us\/infopoint\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Burren National Park Information Point<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When out walking in the Burren it is advisable to <strong>stay on the marked trails <\/strong>and not stray from the path. Not only does this help to <strong>preserve the biodiversity<\/strong>, especially the flora Ireland needs to protect. It also means that you are <strong>less likely to pick up any <a href=\"https:\/\/www.burrennationalpark.ie\/visit-us\/lyme-disease\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">ticks<\/a><\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Footwear Tip<\/strong>:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ground in the Burren is rocky, so be prepared with the <strong>right footwear<\/strong>. To be on the safe side, you will need <strong>ankle supports<\/strong> to prevent any twists or sprains on the uneven ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n                <div class=\"ml-form-embed\" data-account=\"1451834:z8v5q8j9c3\" data-form=\"1347500:o1f2k4\">\n                <\/div>\n            \n\n\n\n<p><strong>Extra Bonus Tip<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those interested in botanicals, then a visit to the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/burrenperfumery.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Burren Perfumery<\/a><\/strong> in Carron, County Clare may be well worth adding to your itinerary. It is a great stop for organic, homemade treats from the caf&eacute;, as well as locally sourced body creams and scents. Don&rsquo;t forget to wander around the herb garden too which is in full flower from around May to September.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Animals in the Burren<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Invertebrates in the Burren<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cupido_minimus_AlexmarPhoto.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7040\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cupido_minimus_AlexmarPhoto.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cupido_minimus_AlexmarPhoto-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cupido_minimus_AlexmarPhoto-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cupido_minimus_AlexmarPhoto-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cupido_minimus_AlexmarPhoto-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cupido_minimus_AlexmarPhoto.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7040 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cupido_minimus_AlexmarPhoto.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cupido_minimus_AlexmarPhoto-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cupido_minimus_AlexmarPhoto-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cupido_minimus_AlexmarPhoto-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cupido_minimus_AlexmarPhoto-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cupido_minimus_AlexmarPhoto.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-12\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption><em>Small Blue Butterfly (Photo: AlexmarPhoto via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Burren is home to an entire range of invertebrate species. In terms of numbers, the abundance of <strong>moths<\/strong>, <strong>butterflies<\/strong> and snails is particularly worth mentioning.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As many as <strong>twenty-eight species of butterfly<\/strong> are found in the Burren. In total, Ireland has 33 resident butterflies, so this is quite an impressive amount. Several of these butterflies are under threat from declining populations, with some already listed as endangered&nbsp;including the <strong>Small Blue<\/strong> (<em>Cupido minimus), <\/em><strong>Wall Brown<\/strong> (<em>Lasiommata megera<\/em>)<em>, <\/em>and<em> <\/em><strong>Pearl-bordered Fritillary<\/strong> (<em>Boloria euphrosyne).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ample supply of calcium carbonate (limestone) in the Burren has enabled over <strong>70 different species of snail<\/strong> in the Burren to thrive.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Amphibians and Reptiles in the Burren<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Anguis_fragilis_hfoxfoto.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7042\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Anguis_fragilis_hfoxfoto.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Anguis_fragilis_hfoxfoto-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Anguis_fragilis_hfoxfoto-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Anguis_fragilis_hfoxfoto-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Anguis_fragilis_hfoxfoto-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Anguis_fragilis_hfoxfoto.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7042 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Anguis_fragilis_hfoxfoto.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Anguis_fragilis_hfoxfoto-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Anguis_fragilis_hfoxfoto-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Anguis_fragilis_hfoxfoto-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Anguis_fragilis_hfoxfoto-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Anguis_fragilis_hfoxfoto.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-13\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption><em>Slow worm (Photo: hfoxfoto via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Other species include the <strong>Common Frog<\/strong> (<em>Rana temporaria<\/em>), the <strong>Smooth Newt <\/strong>(<em>Lissotriton vulgaris<\/em>), the <strong>Common Lizard<\/strong> (<em>Zootoca vivipara<\/em>) and an interesting animal, the snake-like <strong>Slow Worm <\/strong>(<em>Anguis fragilis<\/em>), which is in fact neither a snake nor a worm.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is a legless lizard that was introduced to Ireland and the Burren region from Britain, where it does exist in the wild and has been granted protected status.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(So perhaps Saint Patrick didn&rsquo;t manage to remove all of the snakes&hellip;!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mammals in the Burren<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Martes_martes_Janos_Flender.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7044\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Martes_martes_Janos_Flender.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Martes_martes_Janos_Flender-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Martes_martes_Janos_Flender-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Martes_martes_Janos_Flender-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Martes_martes_Janos_Flender-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Martes_martes_Janos_Flender.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7044 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Martes_martes_Janos_Flender.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Martes_martes_Janos_Flender-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Martes_martes_Janos_Flender-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Martes_martes_Janos_Flender-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Martes_martes_Janos_Flender-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Martes_martes_Janos_Flender.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-14\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption><em>Pine Marten (Photo: J&aacute;nos Flender via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Many mammals live in the Burren too, from to Ireland&rsquo;s smallest mammal, the<strong> pygmy shrew<\/strong> (<em>Sorex minutus<\/em>), (which is only about 6g in weight and would fit comfortably in the palm of your hand), to the large <strong>feral goats<\/strong>, the Burren has a complete range of mammals.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other mammals found throughout the different habitats in the Burren include <strong>fox<\/strong>, <strong>Irish hare<\/strong>, <strong>badger<\/strong>, <strong>stoat<\/strong>, <strong>mink<\/strong>, <strong>hedgehog<\/strong>, <strong>red squirrel <\/strong>and the introduced <strong>bank vole<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Burren is also home to the native <strong>Pine Marten <\/strong>(<em>Martes martes),<\/em> which may look cat-like, but is actually closer related to the stoat and otter. In recent years, the population of pine martens in Ireland has recovered, thanks in part to the legal protection which these mammals now have.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the 20th century, their population declined across Ireland. A number of factors led to this decline including the demand for its fur in the fur trade and the control of foxes using poison (that also killed pine martens). In recent years the increase in the red squirrel populations have had a positive knock on effect on the number of pine martens as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bats are also common in the Burren. Nine<em> <\/em>bat<em> <\/em>species are found to live here and include the internationally endangered species, the <strong>Lesser Horseshoe Ba<\/strong>t, <em>Rhinolophus hipposideros<\/em>).&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Birds of the Burren<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Falco_Tinnunclus_MikeLane45.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7046\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Falco_Tinnunclus_MikeLane45.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Falco_Tinnunclus_MikeLane45-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Falco_Tinnunclus_MikeLane45-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Falco_Tinnunclus_MikeLane45-980x654.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Falco_Tinnunclus_MikeLane45-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Falco_Tinnunclus_MikeLane45.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7046 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Falco_Tinnunclus_MikeLane45.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Falco_Tinnunclus_MikeLane45-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Falco_Tinnunclus_MikeLane45-768x512.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Falco_Tinnunclus_MikeLane45-980x654.jpg.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Falco_Tinnunclus_MikeLane45-480x320.jpg.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Falco_Tinnunclus_MikeLane45.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-15\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption><em>Common Kestrel (Photo: MikeLanes45 via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The many diverse habitats of the Burren are also home to different bird species. Within the Burren National Park <strong>95 different bird species<\/strong> have been recorded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The beautiful song of the <strong>Skylark<\/strong> (<em>Alauda arvensis<\/em>) can be heard in the open areas of the Burren.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other bird species such as <strong>Blackbirds<\/strong> (<em>Turdus merul<\/em>a), <strong>Robins<\/strong> (<em>Erithacus rubecula<\/em>), <strong>Wrens<\/strong> (<em>Troglodytes troglodytes<\/em>), <strong>Chaffinches<\/strong> (<em>Fringilla ceolebs<\/em>) and <strong>Song Thrushes <\/strong>(<em>Turdus philomelos<\/em>) use the diverse habitat available to them in the scrub and woodland areas.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Wheatears<\/strong> (<em>Oenanthe oenanthe<\/em>), which migrate from Africa each spring, are just one of the species to use the limestone pavements as their nesting area.&nbsp; <strong>Meadow Pipits<\/strong> (<em>Anthus pratensis<\/em>) are also found nesting in this area, but are also quite comfortable in the grassland pastures as well.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The turloughs (the disappearing lakes &ndash; find out more here) are an important habitat for <strong>Teal<\/strong> (<em>Anas crecca<\/em>) and <strong>Widgeon<\/strong> (<em>Anas Penelope<\/em>), as well as winter visitors such as the <strong>Whooper Swans<\/strong> (<em>Cygnus cygnus<\/em>) and <strong>Greenland White-fronted Goose<\/strong> (<em>Anser albifrons flavirostris<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Falcons such as the <strong>Common Kestrel<\/strong> (<em>Falco tinnunculus<\/em>), <strong>Merlin<\/strong> (<em>Falco columbarius<\/em>) and <strong>Peregrine<\/strong> (<em>Falco peregrinus<\/em>) are also seen hunting their prey in the Burren. If you are lucky, you might even spot a <strong>Buzzard<\/strong> (<em>Buteo buteo<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.burrennationalpark.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/BirdChecklistBurrenNationalParkAugust2017.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">pdf list<\/a> of other species found in the Burren.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>FInd out more about the plants and animals in the Burren in our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/the-burren-ireland\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">main guide about the Burren<\/a><\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Burren is a unique area of Ireland, unlike any other. This celebrated region is famed for many things, including its interesting geology, its rich archaeological heritage and without a &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":7020,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false},"categories":[132,94],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Animals and Flowers in the Burren<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore the unique flora and fauna of the Burren. 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