Activities Page

There are a wide variety of activities in Doolin and surrounding areas. The following list is a guide to some of these.


Site Seeing

This list gives a brief descrpition to some of the attractions in and around Doolin.

Cliffs of Moher:
Cliffs of Moher Probably the most famous and dramatic of all tourist attractions in Clare are the 700 feet (210 meters) high Cliffs of Moher stretching from Hags Head into Doolin. After continuous ravaging by the sea, the cliffs provide a spectacular sight. The facilities at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center are well laid out with a craft/souniver shop and tea rooms available.

Ailwee Caves:
The caves which were discovered in 1940, lie 3,400 feet (1,030 meters) below the surface having been carved out over millions of years by underground rivers. Enjoy a 45 minute stroll through enchanting caverns, frozen waterfalls, view the wierd formations of drip building stalagmites and stalactites while watching the spray from roaring waterfalls. For more information, visit www.aillweecave.ie

The Burren:
The Burren It is one of the most unique ecological reigons in the western hemisphere is not onlt famous for its bleak lunar-like landscape, but the numerous monuments and artifacts scattered throughout the reigon. The limestone reigon covered in parts by a thin layer of soil, plays host to numerous devleopments, wedgetombs, ring-forts, ancient churches and tower houses to name but a few. However one of the most unique features pertaining to the Burren, is the rare flora that grows between the rocks. For more information. visit the Clare County Library

The Aran Islands:
The Burren One of the last outposts to Gaelic civilisation where Irish is still spoken, these 3 islands are stunningly beautiful and feature cliffs, incredible rugged landscapes, ancient forts and other relics of our pre-history. Doolin Ferries operate a daily service from April to September from Doolin Pier (pictured above). Form more information and a detailed timetable, please visit www.doolinferries.com or contact: Doolin Ferries,
Tel. 00 353 65 7074455


Golfing

This list gives a brief descrpition of the Golf Courses in the area.

Lehinch Golf Course:
Lehinch Golf Course Lehinch Golf Course is located 15 minutes from Doolin cottages. Known widely, if somewhat misleadingly, as the St. Andrews of Ireland, Lehinch is a marvelous place. There is no community in Ireland with a stronger sense of connection to the sport, and the club's evolution has in many ways parallelled the history of Ireland itself. The championship quality and classic feel of the links is the work of Alister Mackenzie (of Augusta and Cypress Point fame) but there is a charm and a quirkiness that belongs only to Lehinch. And you get a glorious whiff of Old Tom Morris at two of golf's most famous and exquisite anachronisms - the holes they call the Dell and Klondyke (Hole 6, pictured above right). Lehinch is an entirely successful blend of old and new, and when the greens and fairways are firm and fast there are few places that are more delightful to play. For more information, visit www.lahinchgolf.com

Gort Golf Course:
Gort Golf Course is located 50 minutes from Doolin cottages. Designed by Ryder Cup star, Christy O' Connor Junior, and officially opened in August 1996, Gort Golf Club is an 18 Hole Championship Golf Course, set in 160 acres of picturesque parkland on the edge of the world famous Burren and within 200 yards of the historic monastic settlement of Kilmacduagh. Christy Jnr., himself was particularly excited by the new course at Gort, where he regards, the four Par 3's as among the best on offer at any course in Ireland. His equally famous uncle, Christy Senior and his good friends Eamonn Darcy and Des Smyth were loud in their praise of both the course and the club house. For more information, visit www.gortgolf.com

Doonbeg Golf Course Doonbeg Golf Course:
Doonbeg Golf Course is located 45 minutes from Doolin cottages. Designed by Greg Norman, and officially opened in the Spring of 2002. for more information, visit www.doonbeggolfclub.com


Pitch and Putt

Doolin Pitch and Putt is located less than ½ mile from Doolin Cottages. This is one of the finest Pitch & Putt courses of its kind. It's 18 holes of fun and enjoyment for the pro's and novices alike, with bunkers around all greens, and the odd water hazard thrown in for good measure. Ideally situated on the sand dunes of Doolin overlooking the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Mother.

Open all year round to the public.

  • Price per round: €5
  • Club Hire: €1


Fishing

Doolin Cottages are the ideal base for all fishermen alike. Doolin and the location has fishing to suite all needs from larges lakes for wild Brown Trout, fast rivers for runs of Salmon or to the sea for Shore fishing or Deep Sea Angling from boats.

Freshwater:
The Allie river runs through the village Doolin and in only 200 yards from Doolin Cottages. It is a relatively small river but has some fine wild brown trout up to 2 lbs. Fishing is free on the river. The trout are caught on practically everthing: flies, spinner and bait (worms).
There are also numerous lakes also in the locality: Lough Lake, Likeen Lake and Lough Inciquinn have stocks of brown and rainbow Trout; there is a small fee which is payable before hand. Coarse fishing (Pike and Rudd) is also popular on some of these lake.

Sea Angling:
Doolin is a small fishing village on the coast and is steeped in fishing tradition. Deep sea angling can be arranged with local charters on a daily basis. Shore fishing for Mackrell, Pollack and Dog fish is also common along the coast.


Caving/Pot-holing

In Ireland there are two major caving regions, in Counties Clare (Burren) and Fermanagh/Cavan. One of the nice aspects about caving in Ireland is that there still remains relatively plenty of other caves yet to be discovered. University College Dublin frequent the cave system in Doolin on a regualr basis and use Doolin Cottage as their base. For more information visit UCD Caving Club


Walking/Hiking

With many green roads and byroads in the locality Doolin makes a great base for walking tours. The Burren has a walking terrain to suit every grade of walker from experienced hill climber to complete beginners. Doolin Cottages are located on the Burren Way Walking Route. For more information, visit The Burren Way


Watersports

Swimming, diving, boating, surfing and canoeing for all levels of experience are available in the area. For more information, contact:

The Surf Shop
The Promonade
Lehinch
Co. Clare
Tel. +353 65 7081543


Cycling

Cycling in North Clare could not be better with several country roads and byways leading to seaside coves, rural villages and towns, castles and historic sites. There are several places to rent bikes with daily and weekly rates available.


Horse Riding

There are many riding centres around Doolin offering a wide range of facilities, catering for every rider, whether novice or experienced and regardless of age. For more information contact:

Burren Riding Centre
Fanore
Ballyvaughan
Co. Clare
e-mail: burrenriding.ennis@eircom.net


Local Links

The following website contains many useful links to other activites and information on Doolin. I & RFB Silversmith (Celtic Jewellery)