Lough Avalla Farm loop

Walking
County Clare
5/5
23 reviews
Grade Moderate
Length 6 km
Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Format Loop
Ascent 140 m
Dogs Allowed No
Waymarking Purple arrow
Start Point
Lay-by at Gortlecka Crossroads, Mullaghmor, Burren National Park
Finish Point
lay-by at Gortlecka Crossroads, Mullaghmor, Burren National Park
Nearest Town to Start Corofin
Grid Ref. R 303 944
Lat. and Long. 52.996638, -9.036644

This loop is waymarked with standing stone slabs and passes through an old celtic farm, touching on the shores of Lough Avalla. On sandy roadways, farm tracks, laneways and open Burren ground it includes an ascent to a stone cairn, a line of high €˜cliffs' and a mix of stone fields, scrub and pastures with great views, particularly of Mullaghmore.

Maps and other information

The landowner asks for your co-operation that no dogs are brought along the Lough Avalla Farm loop.

OSI Maps

OSI Maps

Discovery Series Sheet 51
5/5
01/10/2023

Karen O'Neill from Galway

This is my family's favorite trail. Children love seeing the goats and the oreo black and white cows, belted galloways. I would recommend good boots for this walk. There are some short inclines and declines, meadow, and Burren pavement. Children seem to manage it very well. The tearoom at the end is a firm favorite!
5/5
08/02/2021

Tony Flynn from Dublin

My wife and I totally enjoyed this beautiful trail. It has a great variety of scenery and terrain, is a good workout too but is very manageable for most people. It's well signposted too. We enjoyed the rhubarb pie and tea/coffee at the end and a chat with Harry and a Dutch family. Would highly recommend it and would love to do it again.
5/5
03/19/2019

Michael from Cork

Would agree with all the previous comments,wonderfully varied trail with great views with a few goats ( kid goats also) , cattle and a donkey thrown in for good measure.We visited over Paddy's weekend and the weather was showery,so some tricky footwork required in some areas as there are some steep descents in places.The walk does require a decent level of fitness and kids would need to be seven plus to tackle this,but no doubt they will enjoy every minute of it.A word of advise,take the walking sticks on offer at the trail-head,you'll be glad of them,just don't forget to return.Enjoy.
5/5
04/30/2018

Martina from Galway

Great 8km hike...even though we hadn't realised it was that distance when we started out! Beautiful terrain - burren stoney landscape mixed with intervals of farmland. Some tough climbs but definitely worth it. Spotting farm animals along the way kept our 7 year old son entertained. Lovely on a clear day but parts would be quite slippy if wet conditions. The treat of fresh apple pie, brownies and tea in the farmhouse after was the icing on the cake! Harry took the time to show us his organic garden and to taste the honey from his beehive. Highly recommend this trail and cannot wait to go back.
5/5
04/08/2018

Hanrahan Family from Clare

What a fab trail. Just can't say enough about it. After a very welcoming cup of tea and coffee at the farm house from the wonderful family that own the farm. Will defo be back!
04/23/2017

Thea-Iren from Clare

I have kept my eye on this trail for long time. I agree with previous commentaries. It is amazing trail. But it can be very slippery in wet conditions. I had a perfect hiking weather and currently everything is blooming. Just beautiful!
5/5
09/05/2016

Helen from Clare

Yet again, having now completed this walk for the 3rd time, it still remains by my favourite walk. I love the variety of terrain and of course the tea, cake and friendly chat at the end. This walk is now becoming my annual pilgrimage, its a little piece of heaven.

08/07/2016

David from Dublin

There are too few superlatives to describe this walk - it's simply majestic: most likely the best and most varied trail in Ireland. It is quite challenging in some areas.
5/5
11/19/2015

Devon from United States

One of the most beautiful hikes ever. Very diverse landscapes. Loved it.
5/5
08/24/2015

Declan from Kildare

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.

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