Why You Need to Visit the Unique and Fabulous Burren Perfumery Ireland
I love the Burren Perfumery!
It’s definitely one of my favorite experiences in County Clare, Ireland — and maybe even in all of Ireland.
Now, I hear you asking, “Lynne, what the heck is a ‘perfumery’?
It sounds kinda froo froo to me.”
Keep reading, oh skeptical one, because it’s not just a girl thing.
Do you trust me?
Good.
Let’s start with the where then I’ll explain what it is — because the what ties closely to why I think you need to visit this awesome place.
Where is the Burren Perfumery?
The Burren Perfumery is near the town of Carron in the Northeast part of County Clare.
Now if you haven’t explored County Clare beyond the Cliffs of Moher and Doolin, then you need to do so.
County Clare has so much to offer such as the Burren National Park.
And the Burren Perfumery sits very near the park.
This amazing place is located down a wee road so motor coaches cannot get to it — which is good for all of us as it keeps hoards of tourists away.
The perfumery is well posted so you won’t get lost.
Okay.
Now you know where the Burren Perfumery is so let’s get into what it is and why you should visit.
What the heck is a ‘perfumery’?
So the Burren Perfumery does indeed make perfume.
But that’s not all.
They make other beauty products — soaps, oils, lotions — and tea!
And they create these items from many products they grow on site or that they source from local producers.
They have an herb garden and a cafe.
All products are hand made and organic.
So they make small batches of their lotions, perfumes and soaps.
No mass production here!
It’s a very small, intimate operation.
In fact it is indeed a family run business.
You know me, I love supporting small businesses.
And the Burren Perfumery is definitely a small, family run business.
Let’s dive into why you need to visit as I think this will clarify what this perfumery thing is.
Why you need to visit the Burren Perfumery
Unique and organic beauty products
There is an array of beauty products to choose from.
Soaps, body lotions, facial lotions, facial cleansers, lip balms as well as perfume.
You’ll also find essential oils and scented candles as well as the teas I mentioned above.
I personally love the bar soaps and the teas.
The shop is really lovely and a wonderful spot to buy a unique gift for yourself or for someone back home.
And they do have scents that work for men as well.
Just an fyi.
Because I know some of you guys like to smell nice too!
The herb garden
There is a lovely herb garden to wander through at the Burren Perfumery.
Take your time, read the signs and learn about some of the herbs and flowers grown here.
It was early May when I was there and spring was slow to come that year.
So not as much was in bloom.
But I can imagine come June it is a beautiful and fragrant spot to be.
For gardeners this is a must!
The tea room
The tea room, or cafe, is open Thursday through Monday 10:30am to 4:30pm.
During spring, summer and early autumn, you can get lunch as there is enough to choose from with various light dishes.
Do note that the tea room doesn’t have the full lunch offerings in winter, but is open for coffee and tea.
The food is delicious and all Irish made with much of it coming from as near as possible.
There are a plethora of sweet treats as well.
You can sit inside or — if you’re lucky and the fickle Irish weather cooperates — outside in a nice spot surrounded by trees, flowers and assorted plants.
I highly recommend eating here if you can as the food is very tasty.
So fresh!
Currently, due to COVID the tea room is not open to eat in but seems to be open for take away.
Let’s hope by next spring all will be back to “normal”.
What else?
Well if you want to learn more about how they make soaps or lotions, the Burren Perfumery does have demonstrations/tours.
Normally these free tours take place at 3pm June through September.
Naturally with COVID this isn’t happening.
But hopefully these will start up again in 2022.
Do note that if you’re part of a large group, the Burren Perfumery doesn’t accept groups in July and August.
And they only accept one group per day during other months.
They strive to keep it small and stay as environmentally friendly as possible.
I didn’t time it out to take the tour but I will next time as it sounds like a wonderful way to learn more about this family run, unique business.
So are you ready to visit the Burren Perfumery?
I know it seems like a bit more of a girl thing, but really, the guys might find it interesting as well.
The location is really lovely.
And it’s simply a unique experience.
I recommend going late in the day.
This way you can time out getting a spot of lunch, taking the tour and having enough time to peruse the herb garden and the shop, of course!
Do check the website for the most up-to-date information on openings.
Need help planning that trip to Ireland?
I’m happy to help!
Please note that Wander Your Way does not recommend international travel at this time due to the current global health situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. Although some countries are beginning to open, it is complicated.
If you do decide to travel internationally, please do your research or use a travel planning service such as Wander Your Way. Please stay up to date using official sources like the WHO and CDC.
I am continuing to write about incredible destinations and to offer tips on travel to Europe, so that you will find some solace in these posts — so you dream about travel and learn about places. And hopefully make that bucket list! This way when we can all fully travel again, you’ll be ready to go. For now, stay close to home and stay safe!
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