Doolin is a charming small seaside village on the northwest coast of County Clare. Set against the rugged Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by the spectacular bare limestone landscape of the Burren, Doolin is a place of breathtaking beauty. Doolin is situated 8km from the famous cliffs of Moher, 6km from Lisdoonvarna spa town, 50km from Shannon Airport and 70km from Galway City.
Traditionally a fishing village, Doolin is now renowned world-wide as the traditional music capital of Ireland. Home to thousands of international visitors each year, Doolin is many things to many people.
For some it is a place to experience rousing music sessions nightly in the pub and for others it is a place of solitude and tranquility where one can refresh their spirits away from the everyday hustle and bustle of life.
Doolin has been welcoming visitors for many years and some of the more popular activities are, visiting the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, or the archaeological sites in the Burren, finding the rare flora and fauna of The Burren, enjoying scenic country walks, visiting the Aran Islands, Sea Angling, watching the sunset, enjoying the waves, playing pitch and putt or trying some of the following more specialized activities. Caving, Scuba diving, Rock Climbing, Hill Walking or Mountain Biking.
Things to do and see in Doolin
The Cliffs of Moher
Situated in County Clare and bordering the Burren Area, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Irelands most spectacular sights. Standing 230 metres above the ground at their highest point and 8km long, the Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland. On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara.
Cliffs of Moher Cruises based in Doolin will take you on a voyage of discovery along this 8km shoreline in order to take in all the sites.
Caves
The cave system around the area provides a wonderland for many cave-lovers and pot-holers with many of them coming from Britain to explore the underworld. Both the longest cave in Ireland and the tallest stalactite in Western Europe are found within five kms of Doolin as well as the longest known underwater cave system in temperate waters. The Green Holes which lie north of Doolin Harbour provide some of the highlights waiting to be explored.
Traditional Irish Music.
Doolin is known as the Mecca of Traditional Music with people travelling from all over the world to participate and enjoy the traditional sessions available in all three of Doolins pubs every night during the summer months.Many well-known names in the Irish Traditional Music Scene have started out in Doolin and numerous already famous musicians have come just to join in a session.
Surfing
The Surf at Doolin Beach is excellent and if your unlucky enough to find that the swell is from the wrong direction its not that far to check out the waves at the beach in Lahinch.
Historical Sites
There are numerous remains of Ring forts to be found to the west of the 18th century Killilagh church, however the most important ring fort remains to be found are the Doonmacfelim group located around Doolin Pier. There are two significant castles to be found in the area. The first of these, Doonagoore Castle built in the 14th century it was restored in 1970 and is now the private residence of John O'Gorman. Nevertheless its well worth a visit to see the spectacular view of Doolin and the Aran Islands particularly at sunset.
Ballinalacken Castle is the other castle in the area found five kms north of Doolin. This was built slightly later then Doonagore by during the 15th century. This tower is in excellent repair with a stairway which one can climb to get a breathtaking view of the Burren. There are also a number of church remains in the area including Toormulin church which dates back to the 14th century.
Things to do and see in Clare
Dolphinwatch Carrigaholt
The bottlenose dolphins of the Shannon Estuary are the only known resident group around the Irish coast. The boat trip, lasting 2 hours takes you into the Mouth of the River Shannon where unspoiled coastline forms the backdrop for encounters with the dolphins. A hydrophone enables us to listen to the dolphins sounds underwater.
Kilkee Waterworld
Kilkee Waterworld offers a range of facilities, these range from Tommy Turtles Pool for children, The Lazy River, Bubbles and Currents and much much more. Swimming courses are also available for the aged 4 to 14 groups.
Bunratty Castle And Folk Park
Bunratty Castle was built in 1425 by the MacNamaras and then passed to the O'Briens who were Earls of Thomond. The Castle is furnished with mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings. Medieval Banquets are held in the Castle year round, subject to demand. Bunratty Folk Park recreates rural and urban life in the 19th century Ireland. Visitors can for example view farmhouses of various economic backgrounds, a watermill, church and village street. The Traditional Irish Evening is held in the Corn Barn in Bunratty Folk Park from April to October. The Walled Garden at 19th Bunratty House has been sensitively restored and is a must-see for all garden enthusiasts.
The Burren Centre
Discover the unique magic of the Burren Region in A Walk Through Time at the new Burren Centre. The new visitor centre lies at the heart of the historic village of Kilfenora. It boasts a fantastic new exhibition, audio visual film theatre, local craft shop and tea room. The visitor can explore the mysteries of The Burren the story of the flora, fauna, archaeology, geology, legends and natural history of this magnificent limestone region.
Burren Outdoor Education Centre, Turlough The centre offers a wide range of adventure and outdoor activities which include caving, canoeing, sailing, orienteering, rock climbing and hill walking. Other programmes include Specialist Training, Environmental Studies and Team Building and Development.
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