Doolin In Ireland – A Guide To This Gem In The West
When visitors to the west of Ireland visit for the first time they already have a pre-conceived image of what the Irish countryside should look like. A great many movies have highlighted the forty shades of green in the rolling hills, the twisty narrow roads and small villages full of 3 or 4 room houses or bungalows.
Ireland’s rise in economic standards has seen the population move to the larger towns for work so some of the smaller villages have become run down, or certainly become shadows of their former glory.
One town however, that will live up all to your expectations is Doolin in County Clare in the south west of Ireland. This small town of 200 residents consists of 3 groupings of traditional old Irish houses and cottages that will live up to your Irish ideal.
To get your orientation, the sea side town revolves around its main street and its harbour. The harbour is in itself a main ferry set off point for the Aran Islands (the other points being near Galway city). Unfortunately, those who rush through from Killarney or Kerry to get the ferry over to the Aran Islands are missing out on Doolin.
Doing this though would be to miss out on the laid back relaxing experience which Doolin has to offer. And if you are there in the evenings then you’ll see how the place comes alive with traditional Irish music. Bars such as O’Connors pub, McGanns and MacDiarmadas are music hotspots where a music session will start up most evenings. And this is music being played for passion, not merely for the tourists.
If you like your music combined with a view then the Aran View House up the coast road (a short walk from Doolin village itself) can provide the tunes along with collossal views out to the Aran Islands sitting in the Atlantic.
Doolin’s other claim to fame is the burgeoning restaurant and dining experiences that are available in the area. With the Atlantic on its doorstep, even the bars provide excellent menus of wholesome Irish recipes.
Most of the hotels in and around town have their own restaurants with seafood dishes being highly recommended due to the proximity to the harbour and Atlantic Ocean. Of particular note is the wonderful menus and dining experience available at the Aran View House and, further afield, at Ballinalacken Castle.
Doolin therefore provides an ideal base for those wishing to enjoy a country side break away from the bustle of Killarney. Ramblers will enjoy its proximity to the local Burren region (a rugged scenic landscape of grey limestone unique to the area).
For many visitors, Doolin will provide a memorable feast of great food, traditional music as it should be heard and the scenic countryside and Atlantic views that you’ve come to expect.
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