ROUTES
THE GIANT’S PLAYGROUND OF CARRAN
80km, 9.15am 21st June 2025
2025 new route details are being developed at the moment. Below are the details from the 2024 80km route.
From Rolling Roads to Lunar Landscapes
Named for the iconic and majestic Burren hill, this route combines green road with magnificent views of the Burren National Park. Your journey offers up good road surfaces with just a few bumpy stretches.
Section 1
0 – 25km
Barefield to Columcille
You’ll leave Barefield on the Old Galway Road towards Crusheen on the R458. Turning left for Dromore Woods and Ruan you’ll swing right at Ruan and head for the Mullaghmore Mountain and the heart of the Burren. These are country roads with little traffic but they’re rolling and narrow – so be ready to single out, expect the unexpected and look out for farm machinery.
You’ll pass underneath Mullaghmore Mountain – ‘The Giants Playground’ – and get first sight of the mighty limestone Burren with its grikes and clints. Take a right for Father Ted’s house – but please respect the residents and do not approach the house.
Section 2
25km – 47km
Columcille to Carran
Pedal on to the Valley of St. Colum Cille and Eagles Rock, Sliabh Carran (OR you could head for home reducing your spin by 20km). Be ready for your first big climb of the day: it’s narrow and bumpy in stretches but so worth it as you find yourself in a mystical otherworld landscape reminiscent of a scene from Lord of The Rings.
Descending gradually with caution you’ll head for Carran village – ready for a couple of slow corners. Look out for the Burren Perfumery – a fascinating oasis of scent inspired by the unique flora found across the Burren.
Section 3
47km – 75km home
Carran to Barefield
Leaving Carran you’ll head for the top of Glann Hill – ‘The Mini Corkscrew’- and enjoy the finest view of the Burren’s fascinating ice age glacier shaped mountains and the Burren Lowlands. Just stunning!
Going down Glann Hill you’ll negotiate a few hairpins so reduce your speed – then carry on to Boston, Tubber and home via by Crusheen. It’s a flat route all the way!
RECOMMENDATIONS
25-28mm tyres for road bikes with appropriate psi or gravel bikes with 35-40mm tyres with about 35psi and a comfier spin.
Difficulty Rating: 6/10
If you’ve been on your bike regularly you should manage this route fine.
HOT TIP
Take your time and enjoy!
