The Burren

The Burren (Irish: Boireann, meaning "great rock") is a special landscape in County Clare, Ireland. It covers about 250 square kilometres. The area is famous for its limestone hills, rocky pavements, caves, and rare plants.

 Geography 
The Burren lies in north Clare, stretching from Galway Bay to the town of Ennis. It is made of limestone that was formed over 300 million years ago. Over time, rain and rivers cut cracks and caves in the rock. This created the grey, stony ground that makes the Burren unique.

 Nature 
Even though the land looks bare, the Burren has many plants and flowers. Arctic, Mediterranean, and alpine species grow side by side here. This mix makes it one of the most interesting places for botany in Europe. The region is also home to many butterflies, moths, and wild animals.

 History 
People have lived in the Burren since the Stone Age. There are more than 90 megalithic tombs, including the famous Poulnabrone dolmen, built about 5,000 years ago.Carthy, Hugh (2011). Burren Archaeology. The Collins Press. ISBN 9781848891050. The area also has ringforts, medieval churches, and castles. Farming and herding have shaped the land for centuries.

 Tourism and protection 
Today, the Burren is a popular place for visitors. People come to walk the rocky hills, explore caves, and see ancient sites. Part of the area is protected as the Burren National Park, which helps to keep the rare plants and historic monuments safe.Waddell, John (2001), "The First People - the Prehistoric Burren", in O'Connell, J.W.; Korff, Anne (eds.), The Book of the Burren, Tir Eolas, pp. 59–76

 References 

Category:National parks
Category:Protected areas
Category:County Clare
Category:Arctic