Corofin between Burren Nature and Irish History

Corofin connects visitors with information about Burren National Park as well as hiking, water and cultural activities. The Burren National Park Information Point in the village is a useful starting point. From May to September, a free shuttle bus runs regularly between the Information Point and the Burren National Park trailhead at Kenny’s Cross/Gortlecka. If the national park is a major focus of your trip, you can take this seasonal connection into account when choosing your holiday rental and planning your excursions.

Hiking and getting to know the Burren

The Information Point provides hiking maps and puts visitors in touch with knowledgeable national park guides. From there, visitors can join free guided tours of Burren National Park, provided they book in advance. For a trip with a range of interests, there are two ways to find your bearings: you can use hiking maps to plan independently or book a guided tour in advance. Booking is required to take part in the free tours.

The Burren Way also makes Corofin relevant to hiking enthusiasts. This 123 km hiking trail runs through the Burren area of North Clare and through the village of Corrofin, also known as Corofin. It is therefore a long-distance hiking trail, not simply a circular walk in the village. If you are interested in this route, you can consider Corofin one of the places along its course; the stated length refers to the Burren Way as a whole.

Lake, kayaking and fishing

Inchiquin Lake lies on the western edge of the village. There are opportunities to go kayaking there, offering a different way to spend your trip than hiking in the Burren area. The lake is therefore a distinct point to consider when choosing a destination for a stay that includes water-based activities.

Burren Angling Guide offers guided trout and pike fishing at Inchiquin Lake and other nearby lakes. This adds a separate guided fishing option to kayaking. Travellers with different interests can choose between hiking, kayaking and fishing as distinct activities, without conflating them into a single offering.

Local history and genealogy

The Clare Heritage Museum is housed in the former St Catherine’s Church of Ireland. It displays local and personal artefacts in old-fashioned, wood-framed display cabinets. The church was built by Catherine Keightly, a first cousin of Queens Mary and Anne. The museum and the history of the church building offer different ways to explore Corofin’s past: the objects on display and the personal story of the woman connected with its construction.

Another historical site is the Cross Inneenboy, also known as the Roughan Hill Tau Cross. This Irish national monument is on display in Corofin. Kilvoydane Cemetery also includes a monastic site dating from the 15th century. Both sites add further specific connections to the history of the area to the stories of the museum and church.

The Clare Heritage and Genealogy Centre houses the Burren National Park Information Point. It provides information about the origins and management of the national park, as well as its flora and fauna. The information also covers the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. The centre thus links the Burren’s nature and landscape with local history.

Since 1982, the Clare Heritage and Genealogy Centre has enabled people with roots in County Clare to research their ancestors. It houses one of Ireland’s largest genealogical collections. For travellers with family connections to the county, genealogy can therefore be a distinct reason to explore Corofin, alongside nature and culture.

Irish traditional music is another experience available in the village: visitors can enjoy it in Corofin’s restaurants and pubs.

Other destinations in the area: Dromoland, Tulla, Boston, O’Briensbridge, Clonlara, Killimer, Cratloe and Whitegate.

For the broader travel overview: County Clare.