THE BURREN IN County Clare has been given an award to recognise the work being undertaken to conserve some of Europe’s most outstanding natural and semi-natural areas.

The Council of Europe chose the Burren, stating the award “recognises the European significance of the area, which has remarkable natural values, a rich flora and fauna, an important cultural heritage, traditional socio-economic activities and good management”.

First-time winner

This is the first time that Ireland has received the award and is now one of 28 European countries to be given the prize.

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan TD accepted the award on behalf of the people of the Burren.

He said he was proud to accept the award on behalf of Ireland adding:

We need to build on the work here in the years ahead. The Burren is an example of best practice in Ireland and across Europe.

Here are a few images that sums up why the Burren is a deserving winner: