Exploring the beauty of Galway’s Burren

Date Published: 03-Sep-2009

In a quiz held recently on an RTE radio programme, the question was asked ‘In which county is the Burren?’ and the answer given was Clare.

Brigid Barry, Communication Officer with the Kinvara based Burrenbeo Trust, was tempted to ring in and tell the programme makers that that was not the right answer. In fact, the Burren’s unique limestone landscape spans two counties, with a significant portion of it being in Galway.

Burrenbeo is the first trust of its kind in Ireland that is dedicated to conserving a local landscape that is, quite simply, unique. But there’s nothing ‘preachy’ about this organisation. At its Kinvara resource centre, where it gives out free information, there’s also a coffee shop and internet centre, making it an ideal social spot for visitors and locals alike.

Brigid, from West Cork came to the area last year, first working for Clare County Council as a Bio-diversity Officer. She had studied conservation at university and then worked for 10 years in England and further afield. Her job with Clare County Council was temporary and when it finished, she was employed by the Burrenbeo Trust.

This trust was launched by internationally renowned botanist and environmental campaigner, David Bellamy last December and provides information and education on the Burren to locals and visitors. It also supports research into sustainable management of the Burren, which includes working with farmers who have a critical role to play in conservation.

Burrenbeo is…