Rob Henderson
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Camping & Glamping
Tipi Hire - Camping With Soul...
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is becoming a popular sport in the Burren - routes are traditional and offer stunning views of the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher. The closest and some of the most popular Burren routes are located at Alihee's, only three miles up the coast towards Fanore. There is also good bouldering on Doolin's rocky shore a short walk form Doolin village
Caving
Doolin and the surrounding area are riddled with caves and potholes for self-equipped cavers with some experience. Doolin pothole being the closest only a few minutes walk away. There is also a newly opened exhibition cave that is more suitable for tourists - Doolin cave boasts the Northern Hemisphere's largest free-hanging stalactite doolincave.ie/. A little further afield are the Ailwee Caves that offer tours through an extensive system of caves and also boast a Birds-of-Prey centre www.aillweecave.ie/.
Diving
The Atlantic coast offers clear water and interesting wrecks to explore. Head down to Doolin pier and launch yourself into the Atlantic. There are shark, skate, and tope to be found on deep sea diving trips which can be arranged in nearby Ballyvaughan. One can also learn to dive in Lahinch Seaworld leisure centre.
Swimming
There are a number of excellent beaches in the local area, including a small beach at Doolin pier, and other designated swimming beaches at Lahinch and Fanore which are patrolled by life-guards during the summer.
Pony Trekking
Pony trekking is available in Doolin and nearby Ennistymon. Trails rides vary from an hour to the day, offering a unique perspective in exploring the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher. There is a horse riding centre 3 miles Doolin called mountainview horseriding centre that offers trips into the Burren, up mountains, and down to the beach. http://www.mountainviewtrekking.com/
Walking
There are endless places to walk around Doolin. From the doorstep of the hostel are several routes raging in duration from half an hour to a full day's excursion.
Music / Pubs
In the 70's, Doolin became a Mecca of traditional Irish music, partially due to the talent and character of three brothers who lived here. While Micho Russell took his music to the World, his brothers waited in Doolin for the World to come to them. Come they did and still do. Traditional music can be heard in McDermott's, McGann's and O'Connor's pubs every night. The musicians that make Doolin their base are some of the best in the world, and it is not uncommon to see some famous faces here! We also have many traditional music sessions in the hostel and musicians stop by on a regular basis to play tunes and hang out by the Aille River - all are welcome to join in.
Surfing
Doolin and its surrounding areas are now rated as some of the top places to surf in Europe. There are two right-hand reef breaks - Doolin Point and Crab Island, both within twenty minuts walk from the hostel, but be warned, these aren't for the uninitiated! Recently, a 40 foot wave was 'discovered' between Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher. Named Aileens after it's location Aill na Searach (meaning 'leap of the foals', after the legend of seven fairy horses who met their fate at the spot), it's a tow-in wave for experts only. There are a number of good beach breaks close by in Lahinch, Fanore and Spanish Point.