Mary O’Dea

Nestled in the heart of the Burren, Mary grew up on the family farm at Coskeam, Carron where the O’Dea family have been farming for several generations, steeped in the traditions and folklore of the area.   

From an early age, Mary helped out on the farm. Her love for this environment grew alongside daily experience and appreciation for the age-old and self-sufficient farming practices that she could already see being replaced with more intensive monocultural methods.

Aware, even at that age, of the unique beauty and heritage of the Burren, Mary would take visiting school friends on guided walks. Later Mary trained to be motor mechanic and travelled to the U.S where she lived for some years, but the Burren soon called her home.

On her return to Ireland, Mary continued her education studying Archaeology at the National University of Ireland Galway, while also achieving a qualification in Organic Gardening from The Organic College, An tIonad Glas. Mary took a position as farm manager on a local organic farm, and here for the next twelve years, farmed cows, sheep, horses and pigs, as well as becoming a director of the Burren Beef and Lamb Producers group including a stint as chair of the annual Burren Festival.

Today, in addition to sharing her love and knowledge of the Burren with visitors, Mary manages her own small farm where she keeps suckler cows and an organic vegetable garden.

Mary comes from a family that have farmed in the Burren for over 400 years and will share with you her vast experience and knowledge on all aspects of life in the area. Her love of Flora, Fauna and Archaeology is second to none.

There is no better way to discover the magnificent Burren than a ramble with Mary at a pace tailored for you.