Fanore Beach

The Burren coast is bare grey limestone almost the whole way, so Fanore is conspicuous: a stretch of golden sand at the mouth of the Caher, the only river in the Burren that runs above ground rather than disappearing into the rock. Behind the beach is a dune system that has built over the limestone pavement, and it is designated for conservation - the sand supports lime-loving plants that would not survive on ordinary dunes, including orchids in early summer. The beach faces west into the Atlantic and has a reliable enough break that a surf school operates here through the season. Lifeguards cover it in July and August. The dunes are fragile and eroding in places, with boardwalks and fencing to keep feet off the marram. Black Head and the coast road north give the wider Burren view; Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher are south.

What you actually see

• The sand - the only substantial beach on an otherwise rock coast.
• The Caher river - the Burren's only permanently surface river, entering here.
• The dunes - lime-rich sand with orchids and specialised plants.
• The surf - a consistent break with a school operating in season.

When to go

May to September; lifeguards in July and August only. Orchids and dune flowers are at their best in May and June. Winter storms rework the beach and dunes.

Honest expectations

Rip currents outside the guarded season and area. The dunes are protected and fenced - walking on them causes real damage. Facilities are limited to the car park and seasonal.

Nearby

Black Head and Ballyvaughan are north; Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher are south.