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Doolin, place of music, Guiness, hiking and song

From A YEAR IN ENGLAND in Doolin, Ireland on Apr 13 '05

Karen Watkins has visited 1 place in Doolin
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On the hike to the Cliffs of Moher
On the hike to the Cliffs of Moher
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The prehistoric landscape of the Burren has giant rock formations from the megalithic era. I stayed at Aille River in Doolin, the best place to hear the exhilarating rhythm of traditional Irish music in an atmospheric pub, and taste creamy Guinness. All children play an instrument, no wonder the country has produced such brilliant musicians, such as the Corrs and U2. Enjoying my first Guiness in a pub that evening (there is no smoking in Irish pubs by the way), I was amazed how musicians joined those already playing, even if they didn't know the tune!

70m sea stack covered with guano and seabirds, Cliffs of Moher
70m sea stack covered with guano and seabirds, Cliffs of Moher
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My plan was to visit the table-like Poulnabrone Dolmen, but there was no transport so instead I walk to the Cliffs of Moher. On the muddy road I was electrocuted on fences and chased by a cow!

O’Brien’s Tower on the Cliffs of Moher was built by the eccentric Cornelius O’Brien

Eventually reaching the cliffs where, perched on the highest point of the 203m vertical cliffs is O’Brien’s Tower, built by the eccentric Cornelius O’Brien to impress female visitors. Below is a 70m sea stack covered with guano and seabirds while 3km in the distance is a signal tower at the end of the peninsula at Hag’s Head.

The tranquillity broken by noisy gulls
The tranquillity broken by noisy gulls
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I was already tired from the long walk but decided to carry on to the tip, much further than expected with fewer people along the way. Fortunately I managed to get a lift on the way back.


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