Gorse Cottage - Doolin, Co Clare, Ireland

Local Sights

The Burren
The Burren is one of the strangest regions in Europe, a sparse landscape of limestone pavements with crisscrossing cracks, that in places looks like the surface of the Moon. Beautiful Alpine and Mediterranean flowers grow together amongst the pavements - most famous is the blue Spring Gentian flower.

The Burren is peppered with fascinating archeological sites, including Caherconnell Stone Fort, Poulnabrone portal tolmen, Kilfenora high cross, plus various other megalthic tombs and ring forts.

The Cliffs of Moher
One of the most famous views in all of Ireland, the huge Cliffs can be found just to the south of Doolin. A new, smartly designed Visitor Centre, built into the hillside, opened up in early 2007, with interactive exhibits and films.

Bunratty Castle
About an hours drive from Doolin but well worth the trip. Bunratty is a restored medieval castle in excellent confition. At certain times of year the castle grounds are host to battle re-enactments and medieval fairs.

Just as impressive is the nearby folk park, in which traditional stone cottages from various parts of Ireland have been rebuilt amidst gardens, along with their original interiors. If you're lucky there might even be a farmer's wife cooking up traditional food.

Ailwee Cave
Discovered in the 1940s by a farmer out walking his dog, the cave was eventually opened to the public in 1970. About a km long, the cave features an underground river, stalagmites, stalagtites, a waterall and the bones of an ancient bear (plus a well-stocked gift shop). Go to the Cave Website for more info.

The Aran Islands
Visit the three beautiful islands of Inishmore, Inishman and Inisheer to get a feel for how life was lived in traditional Gaelic cuture. Most people still speak Irish even today. There are also ancient sites and awsome landscapes to see. Visit the Doolin Ferries site for inofrmation on how to get to the Aran Islands from Doolin.

Both Inishmore and Inisheer claimed to be the Craggy Island mentioned in the Father Ted series - a five a side football match was held to decide who could claim the title (it's Inishmore - at least for another year).



		Home Testimonials Photos Sightseeing Festivals Contact Prices/bookings Art gallery Gorse Cottage Doolin Co Clare Republic of Ireland email: info@gorsecottage.com		Local Sights The Burren The Burren is one of the strangest regions in Europe, a sparse landscape of limestone pavements with crisscrossing cracks, that in places looks like the surface of the Moon. Beautiful Alpine and Mediterranean flowers grow together amongst the pavements - most famous is the blue Spring Gentian flower. The Burren is peppered with fascinating archeological sites, including Caherconnell Stone Fort, Poulnabrone portal tolmen, Kilfenora high cross, plus various other megalthic tombs and ring forts. The Cliffs of Moher One of the most famous views in all of Ireland, the huge Cliffs can be found just to the south of Doolin. A new, smartly designed Visitor Centre, built into the hillside, opened up in early 2007, with interactive exhibits and films. Bunratty Castle About an hours drive from Doolin but well worth the trip. Bunratty is a restored medieval castle in excellent confition. At certain times of year the castle grounds are host to battle re-enactments and medieval fairs. Just as impressive is the nearby folk park, in which traditional stone cottages from various parts of Ireland have been rebuilt amidst gardens, along with their original interiors. If you're lucky there might even be a farmer's wife cooking up traditional food. Ailwee Cave Discovered in the 1940s by a farmer out walking his dog, the cave was eventually opened to the public in 1970. About a km long, the cave features an underground river, stalagmites, stalagtites, a waterall and the bones of an ancient bear (plus a well-stocked gift shop). Go to the Cave Website for more info. The Aran Islands Visit the three beautiful islands of Inishmore, Inishman and Inisheer to get a feel for how life was lived in traditional Gaelic cuture. Most people still speak Irish even today. There are also ancient sites and awsome landscapes to see. Visit the Doolin Ferries site for inofrmation on how to get to the Aran Islands from Doolin. Both Inishmore and Inisheer claimed to be the Craggy Island mentioned in the Father Ted series - a five a side football match was held to decide who could claim the title (it's Inishmore - at least for another year).