Lough Avalla Farm loop

One of the most beautiful hikes ever. Very diverse landscapes. Loved it.

Possibly the best trail in Ireland. Challenging in terms of terrain and distance over lesser, easier offerings in the area, but this will reward the rambler at every turn. Cairns, limestone pavement, lakes, hazel woods dripping with moss... it's all here. And when you've paid your respects at the holy well, marvelled at the views over Mullaghmore, and met the goats and saddleback pigs en route, and possibly returned your complimentary hazel walking stick, you must have tea and scones at the Avalla Farm Tea Rooms. How else to finish the best trail in Ireland but with a visit to the best tea shop as well? Rain or shine, it doesn't get any better than this.

If you can only do one hike in the Burren this is the one to do.

My friend and I did this walk yesterday in glorious sunshine and it was magic from beginning to end. I echo everything said in all the other reviews about the excellence of the signage, the care, thought and generosity of the landowners in creating, designing and maintaining this walk; everything they have done enhances what nature provided which is as close to heaven on earth as you can get. You could do this walk in the 2.5 hours mentioned but you won't want to rush round when you have a holy well, tree-lined paths, wide limestone pavement, brilliant views over Mullaghmore & the National Park, wide vistas over the county to the east and south, flower filled meadows, a lake, a tomb and a cairn, climbs and descents, not to forget the visit to the farmhouse to include in your visit to Lough Avalla.

Botany, archaeology, geology, agriculture, local history, craftsmanship and ingenuity (pay attention to the gates and stiles!) - all are here for you.

Take the descents slowly especially in wet weather - the guard rails are a great help and perfectly positioned.

So charge your camera, put your boots on and come and let this place "catch the heart off guard and blow it open" to quote Seamus Heaney about another equally, but differently, beautiful part of Co Clare.

Fantastic walk. Don't miss a visit into the farmhouse for tea at the end. It also allows you to make a contribution to the family for building this trail fully on their own farm

Fantastic walk, views were amazing. Went with my parents - took me about 2 hours, took them about 3.5. Tea and scones at the end were well earned! Care needed if you have trouble with slightly uneven ground but I had no trouble and highly recommend this. Do wear good footwear and bring your camera!

Lovely walk through the Burren. Stopped off at the farm after for coffee and homemade cake, and met the owners too, definitely worth a visit!

Wonderful , wonderful. My sister and I just did this walk today our first time but not our last. Go and enjoy it: the scenery, nature and those cheeky little fellas the goats!

This has to be one of my favourite walks in Clare. It has a bit of everything - Burren paving, hazel forest, a holy well, an adorable goat farm, a lake with jetty, fantastic views over Mullaghmore etc. etc. and all packed into 6 km of relatively easy walking. I note that the instructions all say it is a 2.5H walk, but I would add at least another hour for the numerous stops you will find yourself making to admire the view, hang over the fence calling to the baby goats, swinging your legs on the jetty. Bring a bottle of water, something to snack on and a camera (or decent camera phone) - trust me you will kick yourself if you don't. No need to bring a walking stick, as these are kindly provided at the start of the hazel wood.

One of the best walking trails you will find in Ireland. Stunning views over The Burren. It is not a steep walk, varies from a country lane to walking over fields and stone track. Take great care over the stone track parts as the stone is very smooth and slippy. It took my wife and me 2 hours.

Fantastic walk with varied surroundings, from shaded leafy paths to rocky trails with amazing views of Mullaghmore and countryside. Particularly enjoyed the path down to the lake and close to the farm. The walk is very well marked and easy to follow, challenging without being strenuous. I would highly recommend it and will definitely do it again!