Harebell

These exquisite, bell shaped flowers grow throughout the Burren from July through to September. They can be seen in abundance along roadside verges. Their Irish name means: the goblin's thimble and they are beloved of the fairy folk. (Again thanks to Charles Nelson for this information - please see his excellent Wild Plants of the Burren and the Aran Islands for more details). Early in the morning when still beaded with dew they have an ethereal beauty that explains the fairy's fondness for them.

Ralph Doyle