Doolin
Encyclopedia
Doolin is a coastal village in County Clare
, Ireland
, on the Atlantic
coast. It borders the spa town of Lisdoonvarna. It is a noted centre of traditional Irish music, which is played nightly in its 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.
and the village of Rossaveal
on the northwest shore of Galway Bay
are the others) with ferry services to the Aran Islands
, which are visible from the town. Doolin is also close to the Cliffs of Moher
, and a bus service between Galway
and Limerick
/Ennis
calls at both Doolin and the cliffs in each direction. The area is at the south-western corner of the Burren
region. Recently, a ferry service has begun bringing tourists from Doolin Pier to the base of the Cliffs of Moher.
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.
. Crab Island is also a local surfing spot.
, a short drive away, Doolin has its own less-popular sea-cliff rock-climbing area, with about 18 routes
recorded. Like Ailladie, the cliffs are single-pitch steep limestone
; however the rock is not of as high a quality, the cliffs are tidal, and access is not as easy. There are also several smaller inland crags scattered throughout the Burren
region and some good bouldering
to be found along the coast, most notably at Lackglass, which was first bouldered in April 2005.
and his brothers Packie and Gussie, Sharon Shannon
, Davy Spillane
, and Steve Wickham
of The Waterboys
.
game Folklore. According to the game's storyline, the Netherworld, the world of the dead is a realm that can only be accessed from one place in the world, the sea-side village of Doolin.
County Clare
-History:There was a Neolithic civilisation in the Clare area — the name of the peoples is unknown, but the Prehistoric peoples left evidence behind in the form of ancient dolmen; single-chamber megalithic tombs, usually consisting of three or more upright stones...
, Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
, on the Atlantic
Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest of the world's oceanic divisions. With a total area of about , it covers approximately 20% of the Earth's surface and about 26% of its water surface area...
coast. It borders the spa town of Lisdoonvarna. It is a noted centre of traditional Irish music, which is played nightly in its pubs, making it a popular tourist destination. There are numerous nearby archaeological sites, many dating to the Iron Age
Iron Age
The Iron Age is the archaeological period generally occurring after the Bronze Age, marked by the prevalent use of iron. The early period of the age is characterized by the widespread use of iron or steel. The adoption of such material coincided with other changes in society, including differing...
and earlier. Doonagore Castle
Doonagore Castle
Doonagore Castle is a round 16th-century tower house with a small walled enclosure located about 1 km above the coastal village of Doolin in County Clare, Ireland...
and Ballinalacken Castle
Ballinalacken Castle
Ballinalacken Castle is a two-stage tower house of uncertain date but most likely built in the 15th or early 16th century.It is located on a limestone outcrop overlooking the road from Lisdoonvarna to Fanore in County Clare, Ireland in the grounds of Ballinalacken Castle Hotel which was built in...
are also in the area.
Transport
Doolin is one of three places (GalwayGalway
Galway or City of Galway is a city in County Galway, Republic of Ireland. It is the sixth largest and the fastest-growing city in Ireland. It is also the third largest city within the Republic and the only city in the Province of Connacht. Located on the west coast of Ireland, it sits on the...
and the village of Rossaveal
Rossaveal
Ros an Mhíl or Ros a' Mhíl is a Gaeltacht village in the Connemara area of County Galway, Ireland. It is the main ferry port for the Aran Islands in Galway Bay...
on the northwest shore of Galway Bay
Galway Bay
Galway Bay is a large bay on the west coast of Ireland, between County Galway in the province of Connacht to the north and the Burren in County Clare in the province of Munster to the south. Galway city is located on the northeast side of the bay. It is about long and from to in breadth...
are the others) with ferry services to the Aran Islands
Aran Islands
The Aran Islands or The Arans are a group of three islands located at the mouth of Galway Bay, on the west coast of Ireland. They constitute the barony of Aran in County Galway, Ireland...
, which are visible from the town. Doolin is also close to the Cliffs of Moher
Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are located in the parish of Liscannor at the south-western edge of the Burren area near Doolin, which is located in County Clare, Ireland....
, and a bus service between Galway
Galway
Galway or City of Galway is a city in County Galway, Republic of Ireland. It is the sixth largest and the fastest-growing city in Ireland. It is also the third largest city within the Republic and the only city in the Province of Connacht. Located on the west coast of Ireland, it sits on the...
and Limerick
Limerick
Limerick is the third largest city in the Republic of Ireland, and the principal city of County Limerick and Ireland's Mid-West Region. It is the fifth most populous city in all of Ireland. When taking the extra-municipal suburbs into account, Limerick is the third largest conurbation in the...
/Ennis
Ennis
Ennis is the county town of Clare in Ireland. Situated on the River Fergus, it lies north of Limerick and south of Galway. Its name is a shortening of the original ....
calls at both Doolin and the cliffs in each direction. The area is at the south-western corner of the Burren
The Burren
The Burren is a karst-landscape region or alvar in northwest County Clare, in Ireland. It is one of the largest karst landscapes in Europe. The region measures approximately 250 square kilometres and is enclosed roughly within the circle made by the villages Ballyvaughan, Kinvara, Tubber, Corofin,...
region. Recently, a ferry service has begun bringing tourists from Doolin Pier to the base of the Cliffs of Moher.
The Aille River
Aille River
The Aille River has its source in Sliabh Elva Mountain in the Burren. It flows through the famous spa town of Lisdoonvarna and onto Doolin, where it reaches the sea near the base of the Cliffs of Moher. Flowing through Lisdoonvarna it gives rise to the famous Sulphur, Iron and Magnesium wells. In...
runs from the hills of the Burren
The Burren
The Burren is a karst-landscape region or alvar in northwest County Clare, in Ireland. It is one of the largest karst landscapes in Europe. The region measures approximately 250 square kilometres and is enclosed roughly within the circle made by the villages Ballyvaughan, Kinvara, Tubber, Corofin,...
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
Constable
A constable is a person holding a particular office, most commonly in law enforcement. The office of constable can vary significantly in different jurisdictions.-Etymology:...
outpost.
Layout
The scattered village of Doolin comprises three parts along with a harbour:- "The Harbour" is the departing point for boat trips to the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher. There is also a campsite nearby
- "Fisher Street" has O'Connor's Pub and several shops and hostels.
- "Fitz's Cross" has a hostel, campsite, two new hotels and another pub which opened in 2006/2007
- "Roadford" has McGann's and Mc Dermott's pubs, four restaurants, two hostels and a number of B&Bs. Trips to Doolin Cave are also run from here.
Doolin Cave
The Great Stalactite, measuring 7.3 metres, was discovered in 1952. Doolin Cave claims that it is recognised as being the longest stalactite in the Northern hemisphere.Owing to environmental protection measures, concurrent visitor numbers are limited to 20.Surfing
Doolin is a noted surfing destination. A break which generates Irelands biggest wave, 'Aill Na Searrach', was recently discovered at the base off the Cliffs of Moher. The wave features in the movie WaveridersWaveriders
Waveriders is a 2009 documentary film. The film was produced by Margo Harkin and directed by Joel Conroy.- Plot :Waveriders focuses on the Irish roots of surfing...
. Crab Island is also a local surfing spot.
Rock climbing
As well as serving as an accommodation centre for visitors to the major climbing area of AilladieAilladie
thumb|right|300px|The middle sectors of Ailladie. On the left is the Aran Wall sector, with several climbs in the E2-E5 grade range. To the right is the inset Mirror Wall, with many climbs in the E4-E6 range...
, a short drive away, Doolin has its own less-popular sea-cliff rock-climbing area, with about 18 routes
Climbing route
A climbing route is a path by which a climber reaches the top of a mountain, rock, or ice wall. Routes can vary dramatically in difficulty and, once committed to that ascent, can be difficult to stop or return. Choice of route can be critically important...
recorded. Like Ailladie, the cliffs are single-pitch steep limestone
Limestone
Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed largely of the minerals calcite and aragonite, which are different crystal forms of calcium carbonate . Many limestones are composed from skeletal fragments of marine organisms such as coral or foraminifera....
; however the rock is not of as high a quality, the cliffs are tidal, and access is not as easy. There are also several smaller inland crags scattered throughout the Burren
Burren
Burren can refer to:*The Burren, a karst landscape in County Clare, Ireland*Burren, County Down, a village in Northern Ireland*Burren College of Art, an art college in Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland*Burrén and Burrena, twin hills in Aragon, Spain...
region and some good bouldering
Bouldering
Bouldering is a style of rock climbing undertaken without a rope and normally limited to very short climbs over a crash pad so that a fall will not result in serious injury. It is typically practiced on large natural boulders or artificial boulders in gyms and outdoor urban areas...
to be found along the coast, most notably at Lackglass, which was first bouldered in April 2005.
Pubs
Pubs in Doolin include Fitzpatricks, Gus O'Connor's, McDermott's and McGann's. The Micho Russell Festival Weekend is held each year after the last Friday in February.People
Musicians associated with Doolin, who have lived there or played in its pubs, include Micho RussellMicho Russell
Micho Russell was an Irish musician and author best known for his expert tin whistle performance. He also played the simple-system flute and was a collector of traditional music and folklore.-Biography:...
and his brothers Packie and Gussie, Sharon Shannon
Sharon Shannon
Sharon Shannon is an Irish musician. She is best known for her work with the accordion and for her fiddle technique. She also plays the tin whistle and melodeon. Her 1991 album Sharon Shannon is the best selling album of traditional Irish music ever released there...
, Davy Spillane
Davy Spillane
Davy Spillane is a songwriter and a player of uilleann pipes and low whistle.early yearsDavy was born in Dublin in 1959 . At the age of 12 he started playing the uilleann pipes. His father encouraged him and inspired him with his love of all music genres...
, and Steve Wickham
Steve Wickham
Steve Wickham is an Irish musician described by Mike Scott as "the world's greatest rock fiddle player" and by New Musical Express as a "fiddling legend." Originally from Marino, Dublin, but calling Sligo home, Wickham has appeared on recordings by Elvis Costello, the Hothouse Flowers, Sinéad...
of The Waterboys
The Waterboys
The Waterboys are a band formed in 1983 by Mike Scott. The band's membership, past and present, has been composed mainly of musicians from Scotland, Ireland and England. Edinburgh, London, Dublin, Spiddal, New York, and Findhorn have all served as homes for the group. The band has played in a...
.
Popular culture
Doolin is the main setting for the PlayStation 3PlayStation 3
The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
game Folklore. According to the game's storyline, the Netherworld, the world of the dead is a realm that can only be accessed from one place in the world, the sea-side village of Doolin.
See also
- List of towns and villages in Ireland