Doolin Is On The Doorstep Of Many Attractions
June 3rd, 2010To see several great sights in a short space of time, you may like to take a trip to Doolin in County Clare.
The town is in a great location for seeing a number of Ireland’s cultural sites and most famous attractions. If you choose to stay in Doolin you can pass time walking its quaint streets and relaxing in its pubs listening to traditional music and enjoying the friendly atmosphere. From here, there are lots of different options for sightseeing, with many day-trippers booking ferry rides from the town to the nearby Aran Islands.
Located in Galway Bay, the islands stay close to their cultural roots and their peaceful ambience appeal to visitors who are keen to enjoy their pristine beaches and sedate pace of life. As well as spending time in quaint fishing villages and appreciating the views of Ireland’s coastline, the outcroppings are studded with historical ruins that hail from the distant past. The largest of the islands, 羠ainn, is home to a large ring fort called D鷑 Aonghasa, which looks out to sea on cliffs soaring 100 metres into the air.
Further ancient dwellings and ceremonial centres can be seen on Inis Me醝n, if you pay D鷑 Chonch鷌r and D鷑 Fearbha?forts a visit. As well as Iron Age battlements, you can also see structures that protected medieval man from the elements and enemies on the archipelago’s smallest island Inis O韗r. The 14th Century O’Brien’s Castle has been the centre of several past battles and many walkers hike up to the ruins in order to take in the hilltop views of the surrounding landscape.
Crossing the bay to return to Doolin you are spoilt for choice regarding the natural sites on offer. Staying in the town, you are close to the south west corner of the spectacular Burren region. Before you drive off to explore the 250 kilometre square sight, it is advised that you top up on fuel and make sure you have car insurance and breakdown cover should your motor fail while you are on your trip.
The unusual landscape of the Burren is down to the many limestone blocks that make up the surface of the region. Rainwater and erosion has divided the large chunks into smaller areas, where plant and animal life thrive. The pale, stretching wilderness is great for hiking and the spectacular formations offer a rare natural vista that is not commonly seen throughout the globe.
More sights created by Mother Nature can be viewed at Doolin Cave, near the village of the same name. Underground, a rocky outcropping called the Great Stalactite has formed due to constantly dripping mineral deposits. Measuring 7.3 metres in length, the huge formation is reported to be one of Northern Europe’s largest.
Author :
By: Rochelle Martinez
Rochelle Martinez, Freelance Web Content Article Writer for three years. Some of her articles are about www.quinn-direct.com.