Not far from Ireland’s famous Cliffs of Moher lies a small, alluring seaside village called Doolin. Surrounded by the stunning, bare limestone landscape of the Burren and abutting the rugged Atlantic Ocean, Doolin is a place of astonishing beauty. Historically a fishing village, Doolin is now also acclaimed worldwide as the traditional music capital of Ireland.

The three pubs in Doolin that have live music are McDermott’s, O’Connor’s and McGann’s. Visitors will find music performed nightly by both local and visiting musicians which makes each night unique due to the eclectic styles and mix of instruments. The best and most intimate sessions are often in the winter. Many well known names in Irish Traditional Music have started out in Doolin and numerous already famous musicians have come just to join a session.

Centrally located on the Burren Trail, Doolin is also ideal for travelers interested in outdoor activities. Hikers will find that the trail is scattered with archaeological remains and has spectacular views of the Aran Islands. Some other popular outdoor activities include rock climbing, mountain biking and caving. From Doolin, visitors can take a 30 minute boat trip to the mystical Aran Islands which feature an incredibly rugged landscape, ancient forts and prehistoric relics.

I found Doolin to be the perfect base for a few days while visiting the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands.

IMAGE VIA: sduffy on Flickr