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2–IRELAND IN MAY
LOCATION: The Burren, County Clare.
SPECIES: Early Purple, Irish Marsh, Early Marsh var. Cruenta, Fly and Dense-flowered Orchids.
DIFFICULTY/TIME: Mostly easy walking, but some negotiation of limestone pavement can be hazardous. This trip is organised on a weekend basis.
WHEN: Dense-flowered orchid goes over very quickly as it is self-pollinated, and Early & Irish Marsh flower a little later, so the second or third week of May (around 15th-20th) is best. Seasons vary according to the weather however – keep an eye on @ukorchids for news. It is often quite difficult to get all the specialities in flower on the same short trip.
ITINERARY: All the specialities can be seen around the shore of Lough Gealain, which is a Turlough – or temporary lake – that dries out in the summer. It is situated to the south west of Mullagh Moor, which provides a spectacular backdrop to your orchid hunting. See here for guided walks around the area:
https://www.burrennationalpark.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/BurrenWalkingTrailMap.jpg
The narrow road that runs across the south-eastern corner allows easy access to the pavement between it and the Lough. Early Purple Orchids abound here, and a few Fly Orchids can be found, along with Irish Marsh and Early Marsh and the distinctive ‘Cruenta’ variety. Dense-flowered is to be found in small numbers close to the road, on the grassy patches among the pavements. Try parking around here: 52.996011, -9.023681 and exploring the area between the natural “cliff” and the drystone wall, shown below, as well as beyond this natural cliff.
The western end of the Lough between the road and the Lough is usually productive. Don’t forget also to drive a little further north and have a look at “Father Ted’s House” further along the road just to the north of here, near Cloon!
Dense-flowered Orchid
A second place to check for Dense-flowered Orchid is just north of the Caher river, east of Fanore and just south of Black Head. Park in the lay-by at 53.125320, -9.273208 and cross the river, going into the walled, terraced field and checking the grassy bank near the two large boulders. Common Spotted Orchid also occurs here in the white form, sometimes referred to as “okellyi”.
If neither of these sites produces the species you want, pay a visit to the Burren Visitor centre in Church street, Corofin, where if the right person is in, they can provide specific directions. Much more information is available on the National Park website: https://www.burrennationalpark.ie/
Specifically, they have a section on the flora, including orchids: https://www.burrennationalpark.ie/gallery-wildlife/flora/
Fly Orchid
Remember, the Burren isn’t just about the orchids-you will be blown away by the sheer numbers of Spring Gentians, and might like to look out for some of the other specialities such as Large Butterwort and Pyramidal Bugle.
Whilst in the area, a visit to the Cliffs of Moher is a must. Spectacular views, countless seabirds and of course the obligatory visitor centre can be found here. Half of Dusty Springfield’s ashes are scattered here – you can go to the place where the other half are, later in this series!
To visit the area, flights into Galway or Limerick are the closest access points.
Written by Sean Cole of @ukorchids.
Sean has been passionate about orchids for nearly 20 years and is the co-author of the forthcoming book “Britain’s Orchids” from Wildguides.
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