In pictures: Burren cattle drive to winter pastures

In Fanore, Co Clare, the community participates in the traditional herding of cattle to hill pastures warmed by the Burren’s limestone

Fri Oct 30 2026 - 09:13 • 1 MIN READ

At this time of year, Co Clare farmer Trevor Linnane herds cattle from the lowlands to their winterage pastures up a mountain in the Burren. “We’re a dying breed,” he says.

Linnane was one of two local farmers chosen to lead a Burren Winterage Weekend cattle drive in north Clare. On Saturday October 24th scores of people were bussed into the coastal village of Fanore to accompany them.

In Switzerland cattle are moved down to the lowlands so they can avail of warmer winter temperatures and climate. Because of the unique geography of the Burrenthe opposite happens.

Here the land has a thin layer of ground soil which sits above the limestone. “The limestone absorbs sunlight from the sun which it releases slowly during the winter months,” Linnane says. “For the animals it’s like having underground heating.”

Linnane can trace his family’s ownership of the farm back to the 1700s, saying they have long had a hand in continuing this ancient tradition. By the time the cattle drive happens, the animals are rearing to go and lead the way up the mountain.

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“I wouldn’t be here if it was not for the winterage,” Linnane adds, explaining how his great-grandfather met his great-grandmother in 1905 when he stopped at a neighbouring farm while moving his cattle.

When the participants returned from the 5.7km walk there was a marquee offering free cups of tea. Another winter beckons but the cows have gone to new pastures.

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