Doolin
|
|
Doolin_harbour,_County_Clare,_evening.jpg
Doolin_(Fisherstreet).jpg
Doolin (Irish: Dúlainn) is a small rural village 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 archeaological sites, many dating to the Iron Age and earlier. Doonagore Castle and Ballinalacken Castle are also in the area.
Doolin is one of two places with ferry services to the Aran Islands (the village Rossaveal on the northwest shore of Galway Bay is the other), 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 near the western edge of the Burren region.
The scattered village of Doolin comprises two parts – the upper part, Roadford, which has two pubs, a restaurant, a cafe, 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, takeaway and bed and breakfasts. Even further towards the sea, Doolin Harbour and another campsite lie at the end of the road.
The Aillee 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.