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LOCAL ACTIVITIES
Doolin is a charming fishing village on the Northwest coast of County Clare. Set against the rugged Atlantic Ocean, it is surrounded by the spectacular bare limestone landscape of the Burren National Park and offers easy access to a wide variety of acctivities and attractions.
ISLAND TRIPS
Take a boat trip from Doolin to the mystical Aran Islands, which are stunningly beautiful and feature cliffs, incredible rugged landscapes, ancient forts and other prehistoric relics. Travel to the islands, from Doolin (the shortest crossing point), by passenger ferry, in less than 30 minutes.
GOLF
Just 20 minutes drive from Doolin lies Lahinch, a legendary links course established in 1892. The Old Lahinch Course is a formidable challenge in a spectacular setting. The South of Ireland Championships is held there annually. Across the road the Lahinch Castle Course provides a slightly less challenging option. And just 35 minutes from Hotel Doolin you will find the Doonbeg Golf Resort, which opened in 2002. This links masterpiece by Greg Norman, has been developed out of such a natural habitat that you would be convinced that it , too, was built in the 19th century. Massive dunes stretch along a mile and a half of crescent shaped beach, with the Atlantic visible from almost every hole. North of Lahinch, lies Spanish Point, a tricky little 9-hole links, where accuracy is essential to register a good score. Doolin has an excellent nine hole pitch and putt course located along the ocean front.
CAVING
Doolin Cave is home to a wondrous geological phenomenon - The Great Stalactite. Measuring almost 7 metres in length, it is one of the largest free hanging stalactites in the world and the longest stalactite in the Northern Hemisphere. What makes it even more impressive is the fact that it is held on by a section of calcite, less than 0.3 m square. Visitors to Doolin Cave will experience an unforgettable adventure. Ailwee Cave is 2 million years old and is now a developed showcave where visitors can be guided to explore the hibernation chambers of long extinct brown bears and other amazing underground sights. The cave is located 20 minutes drive from Doolin.
WALKING
Doolin is centrally located on the Burren Way marked Trail. The Burren Way always captivates its visitors in that it involves a hike along the spectacular Cliffs of Moher with views to the Aran Islands. The trail is dotted with archaeological remains and many of the Burren's rare flora can be seen on route. Doolin makes an ideal base for walking enthusiasts.
www.heartofburrenwalks.com
FISHING
The Clare coast line is famous for it's shore angling which can be done at Fanore, Doolin, Liscannor and Lahinch.
CRUISING
Depart from Doolin and head off on a voyage of discovery along an 8 km shoreline which the scale and beauty of the Cliffs of Moher can be truly appreciated
www.mohercruises.com
PITCH AND PUTT
www.doolinpitchandputt.com
Green Fees for adults is €6.50, Club Hire for adults, €2
Green Fees for Under 16 is €4.50 and Club Hire is €1 per club
Enquiries to: info@doolinpitchandputt.com or telephone 065 7074289
SURFING
Within a 20 minute drive of Hotel Doolin, you will find the two-mile long beach in Lahinch with its variety of breaks caters for novice, intermediate and experienced surfers. 5 miles further south you will find Spanish Point, another perfect surfing beach. Both are some of the best places in Europe to learn surfing with the advantage of the slower rolling Atlantic waves
Aloha Surf School in Fanore
www.surfschool.tv
Bens Surf Clinic, quality surf lessons in Lahinch. All levels catered for.
www.bensurfclinic.com
CYCLING
Cycling is another popular and indeed healthy way of exploring this beautiful region. Bike hire is available locally in Doolin.
Please reference our Links page for some websites which may provide some further information for you.
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