Red Route – Carron Mountain

Distance:

40km

Est. Time:

3 to 5 hours*

Total Elevation:

876m

A stunning ride up into the hills of the Burren, visiting historic sites, The Burren Perfumery and Tea Rooms, and the unique flora of the Burren

This beautiful and rewarding cycling route brings you deep into the hills of the Burren, offering a mix of peaceful country roads, ancient historic sites, and unforgettable views of the region’s limestone landscapes. Departing from Kinvara, the first 5km take you along a quiet rural road lined with farmland and traditional stone walls. From here, the terrain gently rises as you enter the Burren National Park, where the road weaves through hazel shrubs and low woodland. It’s not uncommon to spot wild goats perched on the hillsides, adding an unexpected wildlife moment to your journey.

After roughly 4km, you’ll reach the National Park walking trails at Eagles Rock. We recommend parking the bikes here and taking the short 20-minute walk to the 1,400-year-old ruins of the church associated with the hermit monk St. Colman Mac Duach. Hidden deep within the hazel woodland, this ancient site features a holy well, a gentle stream, and an atmosphere that feels almost untouched by time. Along the path, you’ll also encounter examples of the unique Burren flora, making this a highlight for anyone interested in nature, history, or photography.

lady on an eBike with burren hills in the background.

Burren Perfumery and Tea Rooms

After your visit to St. Colman’s Church, continue for another 6km along one of the most scenic stretches of road in the Burren, with panoramic views of the surrounding limestone hills. This brings you to the peaceful oasis of the Burren Perfumery and Tea Rooms, a beloved local gem that has been handcrafting perfumes using native Burren plants for over 30 years.

Visitors can wander through the organic herb garden, explore the perfume workshop and shop, and enjoy a coffee or homemade treat in the charming tea rooms built from local limestone. It’s an ideal place to relax, recharge, and soak up the quiet beauty of the Burren before continuing on your route.

Carron and Corcomroe Abbey

Leaving the Perfumery, the route takes you toward the village of Carron, home to the distinctive stone building of Cassidy’s Pub (check opening hours) and the early Christian site of Temple Cronin Church, another ancient church dating back roughly 1,400 years.

From Carron, the road descends for about 9km until you reach a junction where you have the option to take a 2km detour to visit the impressive ruins of Corcomroe Abbey. This 13th-century Cistercian monastery once housed a community of monks who lived, worked, and studied in the heart of these rugged landscapes. Today, its stone arches and intricately carved details make it one of the Burren’s most striking historic sites.

Hazel Mountain Chocolate

Before making your final return to Kinvara, you can stop at Hazel Mountain Chocolate, a boutique chocolate factory set among the Burren hills. Visitors can take a look inside the small chocolate–making facility, browse the shop, and enjoy a coffee or sweet treat in the peaceful surroundings. It’s a perfect final pause before completing your cycle back to the village.

ROUTE MAP

TESTIMONIALS

The whole process was seamless "Would highly recommend Burren e-bike Adventures the next time you’re in Galway or Clare. The whole process was seamless and Dara was extremely helpful and knowledgeable."

A great experience "Would highly recommend Burren e-bike Adventures the next time you’re in Galway or Clare. The whole process was seamless and Dara was extremely helpful and knowledgeable."

We had a wonderful time"We had a wonderful time on the excellent bikes cycling the red route in the Burren. Dara gave us good information, the route was easy to follow and quite doable thanks to the e-bikes."

Perfect way to explore"My friend and I had an amazing time renting e-bikes here. They offer detailed instructions for three different routes, from a more challenging one to an easier option, and each route has its own special charm."

Highly recommend this!"Highly recommend this! We did the 40 km red route through the Burren and loved every minute of it. The booking and arrangement of the pick-up was easy and before the tour Dara gave us a detailed introduction to the bikes."

Perfect way to see The Burren"We took the self guided option and everything was great. All advance communication was very clear and meet up went perfectly. Bikes were great, first time on a e-bike and it was fantastic - lots of hills and wind and we felt like we were cheating!"

Dara was extremely knowledgeable and friendly!"Our experience was great- the bikes were delivered to our accommodations on time , we were given instructions on the bikes and the routes, Dara was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. "

Great advice and excellent bikes "We had a great time cycling the Burren on the excellent e-bikes. We did the red route and is was no problem. Dara gave us great information and was very kind. Making a booking was easy. "

Excellent way to see the Burren"Excellent way to see the Burren. They have three routes mapped out for you to choose from, each with clear directions and good notes about all the sites you can see. "

Book Now

Click below to book your eBike. You can choose from a Self-Guided or Guided Tour. You can choose the route when you pick up the bikes, and we will discuss this with you.

FAQ's

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, advance booking is essential. We are a mobile business and bring the bikes in our van, so there is no shop for walk-ins. Please ensure you book in advance.

What is the cancellation policy?

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for full details.

What equipment is provided with the bikes?

Each rental includes a helmet, high-vis vest, route maps, and a rear-mounted carrier bag to carry your belongings.

Are there any height or weight limits?

Yes, height and weight restrictions may apply. Please contact us in advance with any specific concerns.

Are there any age limits?

We generally recommend participants be 16 years or older. However, suitability depends more on the rider’s height, strength, and confidence, as our eBikes have adult-sized frames and are heavier than regular bikes.

How much does it cost for a tour or rental?

A self-guided tour rental is €50 per bike. Guided tours are €80 per bike, subject to staff availability.

Is there a half-day rate?

No. We offer a single fair and competitive rate regardless of duration—full day or half day.

Will I be cycling on public roads?

Yes, most of our routes are on public roads. However, we have carefully designed them to follow quieter local (L) roads. We avoid the busy national (N) routes to ensure a more scenic and relaxed experience.

As well as providing high quality and well maintained pedal assisted electric bikes, we also provide high visibility vests and helmets to all participants.

At the beginning of each tour or rental, we provide a safety briefing, explaining how to use the bikes and best practices for cycling on the roads. A lock is also provided so that you can lock the bikes at walking points or cafe.