Limestone as Far as the Eye Can See at the Burren
One of the largest features here in county Clare is the Burren. It is a large karst formation but rather different from what I was used to. The limestone here is all on the ground instead of above it. Think of it as a hill or plateau made of limestone. It was difficult to appreciate this place since all you see is just nothingness. The limestone here is curiously cracked called grikes. The cracks are large enough to put your foot through in a lot of places, so one needs to be careful when walking here. The rocks or clints are stable for walking though, just don’t fall through the cracks. These grikes also serve as drainage channels for the water and thus plants thrive here.
Stark Landscape at the Burren
The current Burren is a result of the last ice age and you can blame the lack of any surface features on that. Curiously, the Burren has a milder climate here compared to the rest of the country. Perhaps, all the limestone is able to trap enough heat to keep the area warm? There are viewing areas all around the Burren. It is mysterious place since it is just all rock here. I just find it difficult to take a good photo of this place. It feels like I was missing something.
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