The Burren Winterage Weekend is a community-led initiative that is coordinated by the local landscape charity, the Burrenbeo Trust, with voluntary support from the Burren Irish Farmers Association and the Burren Farming for Conservation Programme. It runs on a shoestring budget with the support of many individuals donating their time and other local resources, such as venues, to the event.
Where is the event taking place?
The Burren Winterage Weekend does not have a set central location; it is based throughout the Burren region and the 'hubs' and host communities change each year. In view of the Covid-19 related restrictions this year (2020) the festival will take place mainly online. In addition, a few farm walks (with limited capacity) will take place in various locations around the Burren.
What can I expect?
A wide range of farming, heritage, cultural and family events - there's something for everyone! A detailed Programme for the 2020 Winterage Weekend will be available soon. The information on the website will be updated regularly and the full 2020 programme will be available to download closer to the event.
Do I have to pay to attend or is the weekend free?
Some of the events have overheads to cover, and some don't, some events are funded, some are not, and some events are fundraisers for the local charity, Burrenbeo Trust.
Do I have to book the events in advance?
All the events will require booking in advance. Please check the programme page for updates on booking information.
Who should come to the events?
The Burrenbeo Winterage Weekend is a community event which welcomes our members, local residents and visitors; unfortunately we are not equipped to accommodate large groups or those who are trying to make a commercial gain from the event.
How do I get there?
In light of the current public health guidelines, most of the Winterage events in 2020 will be taking place online. If you would like to visit the region, there are several 'gateways' to the Burren including Kinvara, Kilfenora, Corofin and Gort depending on what direction you are coming from. Public transport is limited in the Burren however do check out for public bus options or for train options (nearby stations are Ennis and Gort). From the bigger cities to the edge of the Burren, distances are as follows:
Galway city centre to Lisdoonvarna: 64km/approx. 1 hour & 18 mins
Limerick to Corofin: 50km/approx. 45 mins
Dublin to Gort: 220km/approx. 2 hours & 15 mins
Where can I stay?
There is a wide variety of accommodation to suit your budget. To support the local businesses that are Burrenbeo Trust members, contact the following local accommodation providers:
For all the Burrenbeo Trust business supporters click here.
What should I bring?
Clothing: Don’t forget waterproof clothing and prepare for the Atlantic weather (ie warm clothes)! Plus the Burren has very uneven terrain, please bring sensible walking shoes or preferably sturdy boots with ankle support for any of the outdoor activities. Any activity you embark in is at your own risk.
Map: Here is a link to a jpeg of the Burren map with viewing points, monuments, walks and nature sites on it.
Who do I contact if I need further information?
Burrenbeo Trust is here for any queries, contact us on[email protected] or on 091 638096.
Book tickets now
You can book your tickets for the Burren Winterage Weekend below
The Burrenbeo Trust is a landscape charity dedicated to connecting people and place. Our aim is to help all of us identify ways in which we care for our places.
This is carried out through providing information, education, active conservation and supporting research on the future sustainable management of the Burren region.
