The recently founded Clare Farm Heritage Tours Co-op is now offering guided tours of the beautiful and unique Burren environment with its abundance of archaeological monuments, pre-historical sites and examples of traditional farming.
The co-operative of nine North Clare farmers continue a tradition of farming in the Burren which dates back over 6000 years. More than 100 archaeological sites and monuments have been identified throughout land currently farmed and managed by members of the co-op. With the establishment of the Clare Farm Heritage Tours Co-op, the landowners can now offer guided access to these sites and monuments, which are representative of the treasurers of north Clare.
“Growing up in the Burren, the knowledge of its ancient history and the heritage farming practices used here were part of our everyday education since early childhood. We enjoy sharing that knowledge and are open and excited to learn bits of new information that other Burren experts can offer. Every farm tour is as much an experience to us as we are aspiring to make it a day to remember for our visitors.” says Frank O’Grady, secretary of Clare Farm Heritage Tours.
The nine members of the Co-op are: Pat McCormack (Kilnaboy), Harry Jeuken (Kilnaboy), Michael Vaughan (Lahinch), Michael Killeen (Corofin), Patrick Nagle (Corofin), Frank O’Grady (Kilnaboy), Robert Cassidy (Carron), Michael Curtis (Kilnaboy) and Michael Davoren (Kilcorney). Clare Farm Heritage Tours is a member of the Burren Ecotourism Network and as such employs local people in promoting heritage, archaeology, geology and farming practice while also educating visitors about the fragility of the Burren and the importance of its conservation for future generations.
The tours run daily at 2pm from the Michael Cusack Centre in Carron. Tours take about 2 hours and sturdy shoes are advisable. For further information call 065 7089944 or email heritagetours.co.op@gmail.com.