Doolin

Doolin village in County Clare, Ireland lies between the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran islands. Doolin is renowned as the traditional music capital of Ireland. Doolin for some is a centre of music and merriment, for others it is a place of great beauty and tranquility. Most however find Doolin an ideal base from which to explore a magnificent part of Clare, and from here Doolin has no peers; it's a paradise for geologists, botanists, ornithologists, speleologists, and even the less qualified "walkerologists"! Young, aspiring musicians came from Europe, America and Australia and were made welcome before the days of organised sessions. The denim-clad visitors joined in, thrilled to find music that was, and still is a living reality today. The celebration of the musical heritage and the cultivation of the living tradition of Doolin continues to grow. Foremost in the traditional music calendar in Doolin is the "Russell Memorial weekend". This occurs during the last weekend of February each year and is a festival of musical events organised by the Doolin Festival Committee.

Doolin has long been regarded the home of traditional Irish music in the west of Ireland. All this region of county Clare has strong celtic folklore influences and was regarded as a Gaeltacht (native celtic) area late into the 1970's. Doolin was firmly put onto the global map of irish traditional music thanks to the three Russell brothers; Packie, Gussy and Miko. They learned their musical talent from their mother Annie and then as young men from older traditional musicians in the area and so inherited the distinctive style and sound peculiar to Clare.

A number of passenger ferries will take you across to the islands in 30 minutes. There are several crossings daily during the summer season. (weather permitting)

Doolin is dotted with the remains of historical churches and castles including the ruined Doonmacfelim Castle. Although reduced to one story it still remains prominent landmark today.