If your enquiry is of a general nature, the team here at Heritage Island will respond to you directly. If it is more appropriate for the attraction(s) to respond to you directly, we will request them to do so.
Welcome to the magic of Burren Nature Sanctuary! Take the free 10 stop audio guide. Explore the interpretive trail that showcases the natural features of the Burren landscape: shattered limestone pavement formed over millions of years; the Disappearing Lake that fills every 12 ½ hours; ancient Irish Ash and Hazel woodland and the organic Wild Orchid Meadow. Watch the nature film that explains how the unique biodiversity of the Burren evolved and view the native wildflower collection in the Botany Bubble exhibit. Learn how exotic Arctic, Alpine and tropical plants flourish side by side in the Burren–Ireland’s Eden! Meet Frisky the feral goat and other friendly farm animals. Enjoy local produce in the on-site Burren Food Trail café and browse the crafts in the AVOCA gift shop. Indoor and outdoor play areas.
The newest addition ‘The Fairy Pig Walk’ will introduce you to their adopted and retired farm pets. With a wealth of local knowledge, they will give you an insight into the area and the Burren, the most biodiverse place in Ireland. You will see the ancient dwellings where people survived on this small farm hundreds of years ago. Supporting compassion in world farming their mission is to engage people with animals and nature so they fall in love and change the world! For more info on ‘The Fairy Pig Walk’ click here.
- Looped Nature Trail
- Farm pets
- Orchid rich wildflower meadow
- Botanical Exhibit
- Walk Emilia the Juliana pig around the fairy woodland
Visitor Information
Open Year Round
September - April:
Wed-Sun 09:00 - 17:00
April to September:
Daily: 10:00 – 18:00
January:
Closed
Open Bank Holidays & School Mid-Term Breaks
Contact Details
Cloonasee, Kinvara, Co Galway
T. +353 (0)91 637 444
E: info@heritageisland.com
W: www.burrennaturesanctuary.ie
Closed: January
Last admission: 17:00 (April-September), 16:00 (September - December)
Approx. visit duration: Allow at least 90 minutes
Footwear: Some of the footpaths are uneven; appropriate footwear is advised.
Adult: €8.00
Seniors (aged 65+): €6.00
Child (aged 4 and over): €11.00
Child (under 3): €6.00
Family (2 Adults and 3 Children) €37.00
Book Online
Other Useful Information
LANGUAGES
Leaflets and Audio Guides in English, written guide in French.
DINING / REFRESHMENTS
Sanctuary Cafe: Lunch served 12:00 to 16:45, Cakes and coffee 10:00 to 17:00.
SHOPPING
Avoca Gift Shop, craft products, pottery, candles, blankets, children's toys
PARKING
Free car and coach parking on site.
ACCESSIBILITY
The Sanctuary is partially wheelchair accessible. Hazel Woodland and Fairy Village are not wheelchair accessible.
GROUPS
Groups welcome. Pre-booking required for groups of 10 or over. Please send enquiries to hello@burrennaturesanctuary.ie.
ACCOLADES & AWARDS
2017 Geopark LIFE A well-understood Heritage Award
2016 Irish Responsible Tourism Award
2014 Visitor Interpretation Award
2018 Trip Advisor No.1 thing to do in Kinvara
2019 Business for Biodiversity Award
Map Location
Located in the picturesque village of Kinvara, along the Wild Atlantic Way, ideally situated en-route from Galway or Dublin to the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark. 60 km from Shannon Airport.
Burren Nature Sanctuary 
Nearby Attractions
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Group Enquiry?
If you have a group enquiry for 10 or more people, you can contact us here.