What to do...
Visiting the Cliffs of Moher
Doolin pier is the starting point for the ferry to the Aran Islands, a day trip which shouldn't be missed. A few minutes south of Doolin are the mighty Cliffs of Moher, Ireland's most famous landmark. The Cliffs can also be explored by boat from Doolin pier, or by foot on an exciting new walk along the cliff edge - saving you the parking fees at the visitor centre!
Exploring the Burren
The Burren are about 500 sq.kms of lunar-like limestone landscape and surely one of the wonders of this world. Its apparent bareness nurtures an internationally famous flora. When Stone Age farmers settled in the Burren they found the area forested. By late medieval times the felling of timber and the grazing of cattle produced to-days skeletal landscape. Man has left a mass of evidence of having lived on the Burren for thousands of years. Material remains abound, including megalithic tombs, stone and earth ring
forts, round towers, medieval churches, monasteries and castles. Burials took place in Poulnabrone and other dolmens over a period of 600 years from 5200 to 5800 years ago. Gaelic Chieftains like the O'Briens, the O'Connors and the O'Loughlins - who were the Princesses of the Burren - had their castles here. The Burren coastline north of Doolin shows a dramatic and picturesque mixture of stone, beaches and a crystal clear blue Atlantic ocean. The Aran Islands are an extension
of the Burren landscape. There are numerous caves, one of which is Doolin Cave, only a few minutes drive from the house. Ailwee Cave, near Ballyvaughan is also open to visitors.You'll get an inside look into the area and its mysteries if you visit the Burren eXposure in Ballyvaughan or the Burren Centre in Kilfenora.
The Burren are great for walking and hiking - the old 'Green Roads' are perfect for rambling the unique landscape. You can find GPS tracks for the Burren area here.
Traditional Music
Doolin has long been associated with great Irish music sessions, and was home to a great traditional Irish whistle player, the late Micko Russell. Every night the pubs in the village are loud with the sound of fiddle, tin whistle, bodhrán, and pipes. Many guests join the locals in the music and the dance. Set dancers also flock to Kilfenora, home of the Kilfenora Ceili Band.
Angling
Coastal angling is possible in front of the cottage, but you have a huge choice of lakes, rivers and several spots along the coast line. Fishing trips are leaving from Liscannor, 15 mins. to the south. Lickeen Lake is the most popular fishing lake in the Burren. Lickeen Anglers provide more information about fishing there.
Golfing Golfers can enjoy the proximity of nearby courses like the Links in Lahinch just 20 minutes away.
More beautifully located courses along the West coast of County Clare can be found in Doonbeg, Spanish Point, Kilkee and Kilrush!
Swimming & Surfing
The beach in Lahinch (20 min. away) is famous with surfers from all over the world. It is also a great beach for swimming, as is the beach in Fanore, 25 min. along the coast to the North. Especially children will enjoy Seaworld (Swimming Pool Aquarium) at the Strand Promenade in Lahinch