The farming community in the Burren, Co. Clare are preparing for the Winterage later this month.

Burrenbeo Trust’s annual Winterage weekend celebrates one of the Burren’s most distinctive farming traditions from October 23-25.

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.

Winterage weekend

This year’s Winterage weekend will bring together farmers, conservationists, researchers, artists, musicians, and communities for a programme of events exploring the many layers of this living tradition.

It includes walks; talks; the Winterage School; the Burren Food Fayre; live music; and opportunities to experience the Burren through the eyes of those who live and work there.

The highlight of the weekend is set to be the Winterage cattle drive, taking place in Fanore on Saturday and Sunday, October 24 and 25.

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 farmer from Fanore.

For anyone who prefers to leave the car behind, shuttle buses will 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 and chefs in a celebration of Burren food and farming.

The weekend will feature a 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 that Winterage is one of the clearest expressions of the deep relationship between the people of the Burren and the extraordinary landscape.

"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," she said.

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.