Ennis to The Burren (Poulnabrone) by Coach or Minibus
Poulnabrone dolmen stands in a field on the high Burren limestone, beside the road from Corofin to Ballyvaughan and about 8 km south of Ballyvaughan. From Ennis the coach heads north on regional roads, and those roads set both the pace of the trip and the size of vehicle that suits it.
Journey
- Ennis to The Burren (Poulnabrone)
- Approximately 50 mins
- Serving Ennis
About The Burren
- A vast lunar landscape of fissured limestone pavement, rare wildflowers and prehistoric tombs stretching across north Clare.
- Nearest base: Ennis
Regional roads north
The R476 leaves Ennis to the north and runs through Corofin and Kilnaboy to Leamaneh Cross, beside the ruin of Leamaneh Castle. There the coach turns north onto the R480 for Poulnabrone. These are regional roads with bends, stone walls and fewer places to pass than the national routes, so a coach takes close to 50 minutes for a distance of about 30 km. Expect the R480 to be busier in summer.
At the dolmen
Poulnabrone is a portal tomb about 5,800 years old, managed by the Office of Public Works and Clare County Council. There is no visitor centre or ticket desk. Space to park beside the site is limited, and the driver confirms where a full-size coach can wait. A path leads from the roadside across the limestone to the tomb; the surface is uneven, so sturdy footwear matters, and visitors keep off the monument itself.
Building a Burren day
The dolmen itself is a short stop, so most groups fold it into a longer loop. The R480 continues north past Caherconnell, a stone fort that is privately run and open to visitors, and down to Ballyvaughan on Galway Bay. Alternatively the R476 runs west from Leamaneh to Kilfenora and Lisdoonvarna, which puts the Cliffs of Moher within reach for the afternoon.
Which vehicle
A 16 to 19-seat minibus is the comfortable choice for a Burren loop with several stops on regional roads. A 49-seater can make the trip, but it needs more room to turn and park at small sites, and the driver plans the order of stops with that in mind. The limestone plateau is exposed, so bring waterproofs whatever the forecast.
Can we walk on the limestone pavement?
Yes, on the path to the tomb and on marked trails elsewhere. The deep cracks between the slabs are easy to step into, so children need watching and walking boots help.
Is there a guide at Poulnabrone?
Rangers are often on hand to protect the dolmen and may answer questions, but there is no booked tour. Many groups bring their own guide or hire a local Burren guide for the day.
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