Carran

Set in the heart of the Burren, Carran offers visitors a great base to explore the region. Miles of exposed limestone rocks characterise the Burren area, and it is home to a fantastic array of local flora and fauna including the Irish hare, foxes, pine martins, feral goats and badgers. The area is also famed for its botany and houses the country’s only working perfumery.

Some of the most outstanding features of the area are the numerous megalithic monuments and tombs that are older than the pyramids in Egypt. These include the Phóll Na Brón Dolmen. Meaning the ‘hole of the sorrows’, when Phóll Na Brón was excavated, the remains of 16 adults and children were discovered as well as artifacts dating from circa 3,600BC.

The scenery offers some seriously gorgeous walking trails – including the Carran Loop Walk that starts from Cassidy’s Pub in the village. The route is signposted with purple National Loop directional arrows and is considered a difficult walk taking between three and four hours.


Don’t forget to take in the Cahercommaun and Caherconnell Stone Forts and of course take a drive or bike ride, through the Carran valley. Also located close to the village is the disappearing lake – the Turlough, made famous for its flora and fauna.

Carran is also the birthplace of the founder of the GAA, Michael Cusack. His former home has been turned into a visitor centre to celebrate his life and achievements. This is a modern facility with an excellent collection of GAA memorabilia and historical facts on the foundation of one of the cornerstone organizations of Irish society. Don’t miss it!