Burrenbeo Trust’s annual Winterage Weekend returns this October, celebrating one of the Burren’s most distinctive farming traditions and the deep connection between farmers, landscape, nature, and community.
For thousands of years, Burren farmers have moved their cattle onto the limestone uplands at the end of summer, where they remain throughout the winter. This practice, known as Winterage, is a unique form of ‘reverse transhumance’ and is now recognised as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ireland. Winter grazing also plays a vital role in maintaining the open, species-rich landscape for which the Burren is famous.
This year’s Winterage Weekend brings together farmers, conservationists, researchers, artists, musicians, and communities for a packed programme of events exploring the many layers of this living tradition. The programme includes walks, talks, our Winterage School, the Burren Food Fayre, live music, and opportunities to experience the Burren through the eyes of those who live and work here.
The highlight of the weekend is the Winterage Cattle Drive, taking place in Fanore on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th October. Hundreds of people will join local farming families as they herd their cattle up to the winterage pastures, following a tradition that has shaped the Burren landscape for generations. Two different cattle drives will take place, each led by a local farmer from Fanore.
For anyone who prefers to leave the car behind, shuttle buses will also be available for the cattle drives from Lisdoonvarana and Ballyvaughan, offering an easy way to get to and from the event. Those attending the cattle drives can also enjoy the Burren Food Fayre, bringing together local food producers, farmers, chefs in a celebration of Burren food and farming.
The weekend will also feature a special performance by the renowned Lismorahaun Singers, alongside traditional music and song in Fanore. The programme also includes a soil chromatography workshop, a family-friendly archaeology visit, and a chance to see conservation in action at a Burren Pine Project site, as well as plenty of other ways to explore the Burren’s farming, landscape, and heritage.
Áine Bird, CEO of Burrenbeo Trust, said: “Winterage is one of the clearest expressions of the deep relationship between the people of the Burren and this extraordinary landscape. It is a farming tradition that has endured for generations, but it is also a living example of how farming, biodiversity, and community can all be connected. The Winterage Weekend gives people an opportunity not just to learn about this tradition, but to experience it. It’s a chance to meet the farmers, walk the land, see the cattle moving onto the winterage, and celebrate the culture and community that keep the Burren alive.”
While many events are free, a small fee applies to others. Booking is essential for all events, and early booking is recommended as places are limited.
Winterage Weekend is coordinated by Burrenbeo Trust, with support this year from the ACRES Burren Aran Co-operation Project, FBD Insurance, The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, Burren Ecotourism Network and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The Winterage School and Burren Food Fayre are funded as part of the Culture Programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026.
For the full programme and booking information, click here.
