The Lough Avalla farm loop is a magical 6km walk, set out by Burren organic farmer Harry Jeuken on his working farm. It is a favourite with visitors to the area because it offers a mixture of terrain, a fantastic insight into life on the Burren and wonderful views over to Mullaghmore and the surrounding Burren National Park.
Lough Avalla Farm Loop sights
The Lough Avalla farm loop trail has been thoughtfully laid out and there are lots of interesting sights along the way. At the start of the trail you will find a stack of hazel walking sticks to take along (recommended because the terrain can get wet or rough or both in places).
You will soon passes a holy well (pre-COVID times there were mugs hanging from the trees for you to take a sip of its waters) and makes it’s way over limestone pavement to a Cairn, passing more historical monuments on the way. The views over to Mullaghmore are stunning at this point and it is worth taking your time to admire the scenery. Historical points of interest are signposted along the route, so you shouldn’t miss any.
The way over the limestone pavement is marked by standing stones and you move on then, past the cairn to cross open farm fields. Heading downhill, you then ramble through hazelwoods. The ground can be quite slippery under foot here, which is why we recommend firm walking boots. You will pass the shores of Lough Avalla itself (look out for the cheeky goats on the way) and returning to your starting point to leave back the stick you borrowed.
Take the time to pop into the farmhouse, where you might meet Harry himself, but you do have the chance for a cup of tea and maybe a freshly baked scone.
As always, please remember the Lough Avalla Farm Loop Walk is on a working farm. Be careful to leave no trace.
Graded: easy to moderate (some scrambling over rock)
Entrance: free at time of writing
For a detailed description of the route visit the Lough Avalla Farm Loop page on alltrails.com