Tour Description
Spend a week on the rugged and beautiful Atlantic coastline of County Clare. The charming village of Doolin is your central base and in subsequent sections you'll find information on the stunning areas and sights within easy daytrip distance from Doolin. We also recommend a range of appealing optional activities and excursions to further enhance your Ireland experience.
The Benefits of Cottage Rental Holidays
- Low Cost - The more travellers in your party, the less each individual has to pay - Far better value than any other tour type
- Make further savings by not eating out all the time - You'll have a fully fitted kitchen at your disposal
- Your home away from home - A truly relaxing holiday experience as you return to a familiar setting after each days hard touring!
- Stress Free - No rushing from location to location or packing and unpacking on a daily basis
- Affords the opportunity of fully exploring the scenic glory of County Clare
- Flexibility - Combine a Cottage Rental with extra nights in B&Bs, Hotels or Castles
- Get even more out of your holiday - Add activities, experiences and guided excursions to your tour package
This tour package includes:
**Car rental includes Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), insurance, 24-hour roadside assistance, unlimited mileage, all taxes**
Your Home away from Home
Seaview Cottage enjoys an elevated location on the coast road a mile from the majestic Cliffs of Moher. Doolin Village noted for its traditional music pubs is just 2.5 miles down the road. The cottage is tastefully furnished throughout, with a delightful sunroom. All front rooms boast uninterrupted views of the sea across Crab Island to the distant Aran Islands and Connemara. The grounds of the property are fully landscaped. Nearby are Liscannor Stone, Burren National Park and Aillwee Caves, with golfing or surfing in Lahinch just 7.5 miles away.
Nearest Pub: 1.5 miles
Nearest Restaurant: 0.5 miles
Nearest Shop: 2.5 miles
Accommodation:
- Open plan Kitchen/ Lounge/ Diner
- 4 bedrooms (2 ensuite): 1 king double, 2 doubles and 1 twin
- Utility Room
- 3 bathrooms
Included Extras:
Open fire with starter pack, linen and towels supplied, games console, hairdryer, alarm clock, welcome pack, travel cot, high chair, stair gate, TV, DVD, CD player, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, partially enclosed garden, garden furniture, bbq, off road parking. Sorry no pets.
*Please note that you will be charged for the amount of electricity/heating oil that you use during your stay at the cottage. This usually runs at about 30.00 euro per week. A refundable damage deposit will be requested at the beginning of your stay (usually 100.00 euro)*
About Doolin...
The small coastal village of Doolin is located on County Clare’s wild Atlantic coast. The surrounding area has much of interest including the barren yet strikingly beautiful Burren region with, among other things, the 5,000 year-old Poulnabrone Dolmen. Also worth a visit is Doonagore Castle and of course the spectacular 650-foot high Cliffs of Moher, which are only a few miles from Doolin. But the real reason people flock to Doolin from all over the world is the traditional music in the local pubs. Until recently Doolin had only three pubs. There are now some new establishments on the scene but we recommend sticking to the old reliables: McGann’s, McDermots and O’Connor’s. Even at that you will be spoilt for choice. Each pub is full most nights with musicians and music lovers alike. Be sure to check out all three!
The following are within easy daytrip distance from Doolin
Galway City 1 hour away
In a recent nationwide survey the people of Galway were found to be Ireland's happiest! And visiting Galway City, the capital of their county it is not hard to see why. It is a lively university city of narrow streets, quaint shopfronts, bustling pubs and stunning surrounding scenery. It has always attracted a bohemian mix of musicians, artists and intellectuals and that attitude is palpable as you walk the streets. Galway has been commercially important since the 11th century when it was a centre for trade with Spain and Portugal. In 1477 Christopher Columbus paid a visit. Galway earned the title “City of the Tribes” around that time, when it was ruled by 14 wealthy merchant families. Today it is lively, with loads of things to do, and is so popular that it can get very crowded in summer, especially during the annual Galway Races. The annual Arts Festival also attracts thousands, especially for its street parade, organized by the multi-award winning production company, Macnas. Its famous Druid Theatre produces and stages plays and has toured internationally, winning awards, including Tonys on Broadway.
Connemara 1.5 hours away
Northwest of Galway lies the rocky, barren, but breathtakingly stunning region of Connemara. This area is one of the few remaining in Ireland where the native tongue (Gaeilge) is still fluently spoken as a first language. Stop off in the fishing village of Roundstone, where currachs, old style featherweight rowing boats are still in everyday use. The village also boasts an impressive crafts complex, selling everything from teapots and sweaters to traditional Irish music instruments. Clifden, Connemara's capital is well worth a visit and the scenic Sky Road drive just outside town should not be missed. From here travel north to see the exquisite neo-gothic Kylemore Abbey, nestled in a lush forest on the edge of Kylemore Lake. However long you spend in Connemara you will be constantly enchanted by the ever changing scenery of mountains and valleys, lakes and beaches and bays. This is Ireland's big sky country.
Westport 2 hours away
Westport is a postcard-pretty town with as lovely a main street as you'll be likely to find anywhere in Ireland. The town lies in the shadow of Croagh Patrick with Clew Bay and its 365 islands just to the west. While in Westport be sure to visit Westport House and climb at least a little of Croagh Patrick. Westport House dates from 1730 and offers everything from a dungeon to a zoo! Croagh Patrick is a 765-meter hill where St. Patrick is said to have banished the snakes from Ireland. This hill is climbed (often barefoot) by thousands of Catholic pilgrims each July. South of Westport are some stunning scenic drives leading into the Connemara region. A trip northwards will bring you to remote Achill island which is accessible by a small bridge. Even further off the beaten path is Belmullet in the northwest corner of County Mayo. Westport also boasts a great selection of traditional pubs, among them Matt Molloy's of the Chieftains.
The Aran Islands Ferry from Doolin
The Aran Islands are located off the west coast of Ireland. Here you can immerse yourself in the rich Celtic culture among people who speak Gaelic as their first language. You take a 90-minute ferry ride from Galway City to one of these islands and experience a whole different way of life. Here you will find that Irish is the most widely spoken language and the people here are quite removed from the hustle and bustle of the modern world. There are just over 1,500 people that inhabit the these islands. One of the most famous attractions on the island is the ancient stone fort of Dun Aengus. This fort dates back to the Celtic Iron Age around the first century AD and is perched atop spectacular 300 foot cliffs that drop straight down to the Atlantic.
Please note that the cost of the ferry to the Aran Islands is not included in the land price above. It must be purchased independently while here in Ireland. Authentic Ireland customers are, however, entitled to a 28% discount on the regular ferry fare. We recommend booking a day or two in advance.
Ennis 45 minutes away
Located just 15 miles from Shannon Airport, Ennis is the county town of Clare and is always pleasantly busy. It takes its name from the Irish word “inis” (island) as it is virtually surrounded by the River Fergus on which it sits. Its streets are narrow and attractive, some of them pedestrianised. The Friary at the bottom of Abbey Street, was founded by the O’Briens in the 13th century. Many of its original features survive and it’s well worth visiting. But the main attraction in Ennis is the locals' obvious love of traditional music. Every May the town hosts Fleadh Nua, an international celebration of Irish culture, while in November, the Ennis Trad Festival is held. But trad music of the very highest quality is on display in the pubs of Ennis throughout the year. It often seems that those in the town that can't sing or play an instrument are very much in the minority. The person who recently labeled Ennis the Nashville of traditional Irish music wasn't far wrong.
Bunratty 1 hour away
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is high on the list of Ireland's top visitor attractions. If you want to learn about Ireland and how the Irish lived in earlier times, Bunratty's Folk Park is a must. Entire houses of various sizes and dates have been taken apart stone-by-stone and reassembled here, along with a school, a pub, a church, a row of shops, and other buildings. What makes it especially enjoyable is watching activities, including scones and bread being made, as well as work being carried out in the little fields. Chat with the staff; they are very friendly and informative. Bunratty's most obvious attraction is its imposing castle which overlooks the river Shannon. Once the stronghold of the O’Briens, kings and later earls of Thomond, it reflects their style and power. Its Great Hall has a very fine collection of 14th-century furniture, paintings and wall hangings and also hosts medieval banquets which anyone can attend with plenty of entertainment as well as food and drink. Finally no visit to Bunratty would be complete without a pint of plain in the world-famous Durty Nelly's Pub located right next to the castle.
Adare 1.5 hours away
Adare is a quaint picturesque village lined with traditional thatched-roof cottages. Snuggled in a wooden and lush countryside setting, Adare is widely regarded as being Ireland's prettiest and most unique village. Situated on the river Maigue, a tributary of the Shannon river, Adare (Gaelic name: "Ath Dara" - the "ford of the oak" - from the combination of water and woodland) dates back, at least, to the early 13th century. Adare village has a rich wealth of heritage, as well as architectural and scenic beauty. Two groups of world famous, ornate, thatched cottages line part of the village's broad main street, punctuated with beautiful stone buildings, medieval monasteries and ruins. Situated in the centre of County Limerick, with just 15 minutes from Limerick City and 45 minutes from Shannon Airport, Adare Village is an ideal base from which to explore County Limerick's many visitor attractions such as Lough Gur and King John's Castle
Add an Activity, Experience or Excursion to your tour
Guided Walk in the Burren 2.5 hours
We offer guided walking tours into the heart of the Burren landscape located on Irelands west coast. Each tour covers a broad range of interests such as an introduction to a working farm where you learn of old and new practices. Irish history, the archaeology of the Burren, mythology, the Burren’s unique botany, story telling, folklore & folk traditions, Poteen distilling and much more.
We cater for all levels of experience and groups sizes. Our walks are sociable and relaxed, interesting and most importantly lots of fun. The walks run on average between 1.5 - 2.5 hours.
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Medieval Banquet Dinner at Bunratty Castle 2.5 hours
Join the Earl of Thomond in the splendour of the main guard of Bunratty Castle for a dinner experience not to be missed! Bunratty Castle, was built in 1425 by the Earl of Thomond. Following his tradition of hospitality, the world renowned Bunratty Medieval Banquet is held twice nightly throughout the year.
Since 1963, the Ladies of the Castle, aided and abetted by the Earl's Butler, have welcomed guests from the four corners of the globe to dine at The Earl's Banquet at Bunratty Castle. The entertainment provided by the world renowned Bunratty Singers is a fitting compliment to a mead reception, a four course meal, and of course good wine.
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Play Golf at Lahinch 4 hours
Golf at Lahinch goes back to 1892, when officers of a Scottish regiment - The Black Watch - stationed in Limerick city, out exploring the rugged countryside of County Clare happened upon the vast expanse of sand dunes that is Lahinch.
Together with some native enthusiasts these Scotsmen founded Lahinch Golf Club on Good Friday, 1893. The original course was designed by the legendary 'Old' Tom Morris of St. Andrews who, on completing the layout, enthused: "I consider this links as fine a natural course as it has ever been my good fortune to play over".
In 1928 the links was extensively revised by Dr. Alastair MacKenzie who was so impressed with the fine natural terrain that he declared: "Lahinch will make the finest and most popular course that I, or I believe anyone else, ever constructed". Praise indeed from a man who was responsible for such formidable layouts as Pebble Beach, Cypress Point and Augusta National.
Today Lahinch boasts two 18 hole courses, the Old Course and a second, the Castle Course, which was added in 1975. Much of the pleasure of Lahinch is derived from the atmosphere that envelopes not just the golf links but the entire village which rests just above the course. For in Lahinch everybody is a golf enthusiast and this quickly transmits itself to the visitor hence the description of Lahinch as the St. Andrews of Irish Golf. Apart from the splendour of its location, Lahinch has gained world-wide recognition through its charming idiosyncrasies.
The Old Course is the permanent home of the South of Ireland Open Amateur Championship, first played in 1895, and which annually attracts the cream of Ireland's amateur golfers to play for this most coveted title and the magnificent trophy which goes with it. The course also regularly hosts the Irish National Amateur and Professional Championships. Set right on the Atlantic and exposed to the ocean through all her moods, moulded and shaped over centuries by nature’s harsh elements and an occasional touch of human genius, Lahinch, with its towering sand dunes, undulating fairways and rolling greens is the perfect natural golfing terrain - a true links.
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