Doolin

Doolin (Irish: Dubh Linn) is a coastal town in County Clare, Ireland, on the Atlantic coast. It borders the spa town of Lisdoonvarna. It is a well known center of traditional Irish music, which plays nightly in its three pubs, making it a popular tourist destination. There are numerous nearby archaeological sites, many dating to the Iron Age and earlier. Doonagore Castle and Ballinalacken Castle are also in the area.

Doolin is one of three places with ferry services to the Aran Islands (Galway and the village Rossaveal on the northwest shore of Galway Bay are the others), which are visible from the town. Doolin is also near the Cliffs of Moher, and a bus service from Limerick/Ennis stops both at the cliffs and Doolin on its way to Galway – stopping along the other direction also. The area is at the south-western corner of the Burren region.

The scattered village of Doolin comprises three parts – the upper part, Roadford, which has two pubs, a restaurant, a café, a few hostels, B&Bs and a campsite – and about one kilometer down towards the shore and harbour, Fisher Street, with O'Connor's Pub, a hostel, shops, restaurants and bed and breakfasts. In between there are two new hotels and another pub which opened in 2006/2007. Even further towards the sea, Doolin Harbour and another campsite lie at the end of the road.

The Aille River runs from the hills of the Burren down past Doolin to meet the sea. The small Crab Island is a short distance out from Doolin Harbor, barren except for the remains of a 19th Century stone constabulary outpost.

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. Doolin Cave (Pol an Ionain) is set to become one of the major tourist attractions in County Clare.

In Doolin, County Clare you will find a wide range of quality accommodation to suit all budgets, ranging from hotels, guesthouses, bed & breakfasts, holiday hostels, caravan and camping sites and self-catering cottages. Doolin restaurants offer fine foods with local seafood a specialty. Our world famous pubs feature traditional music sessions nightly and also serve tasty pub food. There is a varied and interesting range of shops with items to suit all tastes and budgets.

Why not come and enjoy the charms of this small Irish seaside village rooted in heritage and culture yet possessing an international ambience. You will be assured a warm welcome with top quality service and a friendly smile.

Often called the "Traditional Music Capital of Ireland", Doolin is famous for its three pubs which feature nightly live music sessions of trad music. The three pubs are Gus O'Connor's, McDermott's and McGann's. The Micho Russell Festival Weekend is held each year after the last Friday in February.