Irelands smallest National Park, what the Burren lacks in size it makes up for in beauty. In the South West of Ireland, the park is made up of limestone cliffs and stunning lakes. The best time to visit is during the summer months, as the park is rich in wildlife and it is at this time that nature is well and truly alive in the park. It is important to remember to wrap up warm still though as the Irish summer can be temperamental and weather can be quite changeable – aran sweaters from https://www.shamrockgift.com/aran-sweaters an umbrella and a sturdy pair of walking boots are all essential if you want to enjoy a hike around the Burren.
Despite the rocky and mountainous terrain, a huge variety of plant life thrives in this region. Plants that are found in alpine regions live in harmony with plants found at lower levels, thanks to the highly fertile limestone soil, particularly enjoyed by Mediterranean plants. Because this habitat is very unusual it is also highly protected.
As well as plants, the Burren is home to many animals that are endangered or under threat. These include otters, mink and many species of bat Daubentons bat, the Lesser Horseshoe bat and the Whiskered bat to name but a few. You may also notice feral goats, which are descendants of the goats originally brought to the area for farming over 4000 years ago! The mountainous landscape and abundant plant life provides the perfect habitat for them.
