Killinaboy: Church, Burren and Mullaghmore Loop Walk

Killinaboy lies on the southern edge of Burren National Park and the UNESCO Global Geopark Burren and Cliffs of Moher. The village offers a range of options for planning your trip: the Mullaghmore Loop Walk starts in Killinaboy, Killinaboy Church is a ruin with several distinctive features, and you can also make nature outings a focus. You can decide whether you would most like to include scenery, outdoor activities, cultural history or waterside pursuits in your trip.

Killinaboy Church and its distinctive features

The ruins of Killinaboy Church feature an unusual Cross of Lorraine. There is also a Sheela na Gig at the church. Another distinctive feature is on the south wall: a depiction of the Crucifixion dating from 1644 is set in a niche tomb. Each of these three details has its own character—from the cross symbol to the figure and the depiction with its specific date.

In the cemetery of Killinaboy Church stands the stump of a round tower, approximately 4 metres high. The ruins, niche tomb and cemetery are therefore among the different places where the church’s historical features can be seen. If you are interested in church buildings and individual cultural-historical landmarks, you will find several different aspects here rather than just a single building to view.

Leamaneh Castle is another option for cultural-historical discoveries. The site lies north of Killinaboy and comprises a five-storey tower house dating from the 15th century and a manor house dating from the 17th century. The two parts of the building therefore come from different centuries. If you would like to explore historical development through different architectural forms, you can make Leamaneh Castle a separate sightseeing focus alongside the features of Killinaboy Church.

Exploring on foot or by the water

The Mullaghmore Loop Walk starts in Killinaboy and offers views of Mullaghmore and Lough Gealain. For planning your day, the views are a particular draw: the walk connects the village with views of these two named landscape features. If you are looking for a hiking experience, this is a different kind of trip from one focused on the historic details around the church.

Another option is Inchiquin Lake, a two-minute drive from Killinaboy. There are opportunities for fishing and kayaking there. This lets you cater to different interests within your travel group: while the Loop Walk offers views of Mullaghmore and Lough Gealain, the lake is the place for watersports or fishing. Each option has its own character; choose according to what you would like to include in your trip.

Roads and places to visit

Killinaboy Church is right on the R476; limited parking is available behind the church. You can reach Burren National Park from Killinaboy via the L1112. The turn-off is before the ruins of Killinaboy Church. When deciding whether a holiday rental in Killinaboy suits your travel plans, you can therefore weigh up your preferred interests: the church ruins and historical details, the Loop Walk that starts in Killinaboy, or the options at Inchiquin Lake. Information about each place offers different ideas, without implying that they form a single route.

Other places to explore: Murroogh, Bellharbour, Whitegate, Clonlara, Ennistimon, Cross, Coillte and Quin.

For an overview of the wider area: County Clare.