Burren to bloom in May

The annual Burren in Bloom Festival starts in early May. Crammed with a host of talks and guided walks, this year’s programme has a range of subjects covering everything from archaeology to geology as well as butterflies and birds.

The festival coincides with the prime time to be in the Burren to see the wild flowers. Expert guides will shine a light on the limestone pavement helping identify some of the rare species including gentians, orchids and mountain avens, all now in glorious full bloom.
This year’s flora display has been described as being the best for many years due in no small measure to the fact that many farmers have taken part in a scheme producing species-rich grassland that helps the flowers flourish. 
Popular events, such as the annual Burren Marathon, a Film Festival and the Burren Slow Food Festival are all part of the line-up. A treasure hunt, a walk in search of bugs and beasties and a children’s day at the Farmers’ Market means that families are catered for too. 
Guest speakers’ will cover topics as diverse as collecting oral heritage, the archaeology of the famine, medicinal herbs, creating a garden in the Burren, sustainable farming and erosion in Clare with a walk to the dunes at Fanore.
“The Burren is an enigmatic place that attracts many visitors. Come and join in the celebration of this unique part of north Clare. Set your alarm clock to hear the dawn chorus with Gordon D’Arcy, see what’s flying around in the Burren at night by identifying moths trapped by experts and then letting them fly free, find out about diatoms, or brush up on your knowledge of the famed feral goats that roam the landscape – it’s all here in this inspiring and life-enriching place of unceasing wonder that’s on your doorstep,” claim organisers.
Burren in Bloom Festival is run in association with the Ballyvaughan Community Development Group, Burren College of Art and the Burrenbeo Trust.
The Festival starts on Tuesday, May 3, with an opening ceremony at Fanore School and runs until May 29. Full details of the festival are at www.burreninbloom.com. Further details are available by email from info@burreninbloom.com or by phone on 065 7077464.