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.
Discover fossils from ancient tropical seas in the limestone rocks formed over millions of years. Identify seasonal wild flowers growing in the spaces between the rocks. Look out for butterflies and orchids in the organic meadow; migratory birds at the Turlough, a freshwater tidal lake that empties every 11 hours and is a rare phenomenon. Stroll through the hedgerow of native Irish trees lining the ancient green road or boreen.
Connect with nature, yourself and each other in the peace and tranquility of this ancient landscape. Visit the Botany Bubble, home to the National Botanical Collection of unique and diverse Burren flora, where seasonal Alpine, Mediterranean, Arctic and tropical plants grow alongside native Irish wildflowers. Meet the farm animals: donkeys, pigs and sheep. Say hello to Frisky the feral Burren goat. Find the fairy houses in the native Hazel Woodland. Relax in the Sanctuary Café, enjoy fresh local produce.
- Looped Nature Trail
- Farm pets
- Orchid rich wildflower meadow
- Botanical Exhibit
Visitor Information
Open February to December
February to June, Wednesday to Sunday 10:00 - 18:00
July and August, Daily 10:00 - 18:00
September to December, Wednesday to Sunday 10:00 - 18:00
Closed: January
Last admission: 17:00
Approx. visit duration: Allow at least 90 minutes
Footwear: Some of the footpaths are uneven; appropriate footwear is advised.
Adult: €5.00
Seniors (aged 65+): FREE
Child (aged 4 and over): €10.00
Child (under 3): €5.00
Family (2 Adults and 3 Children) €35.00
Other Useful Information
LANGUAGES
Leaflets and Audio Guides in English
DINING / REFRESHMENTS
Sanctuary Cafe: Lunch served 12:00 to 16:45, Cakes and coffee 10:00 to 17:30.
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.
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
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
Group Enquiry?
If you have a group enquiry for 10 or more people, you can contact us here.