Doolin
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Doolin (Irish: Dubh Linn) is a coastal town in County Clare, Ireland, on the Atlantic coast. It borders the spa town of Lisdoonvarna. It is a well known center of traditional Irish music, which plays nightly in its three pubs, making it a popular tourist destination. There are numerous nearby archaeological sites, many dating to the Iron Age and earlier. Doonagore Castle and Ballinalacken Castle are also in the area.
Doolin is one of three places with ferry services to the Aran Islands (Galway and the village Rossaveal on the northwest shore of Galway Bay are the others), which are visible from the town. Doolin is also near the Cliffs of Moher, and a bus service from Limerick/Ennis stops both at the cliffs and Doolin on its way to Galway – stopping along the other direction also. The area is at the south-western corner of the Burren region.
The scattered village of Doolin comprises three parts – the upper part, Roadford, which has two pubs, a restaurant, a café, a few hostels, B&Bs and a campsite – and about one kilometer down towards the shore and harbour, Fisher Street, with O'Connor's Pub, a hostel, shops, restaurants and bed and breakfasts. In between there are two new hotels and another pub which opened in 2006/2007. Even further towards the sea, Doolin Harbour and another campsite lie at the end of the road.
The Aille River runs from the hills of the Burren down past Doolin to meet the sea. The small Crab Island is a short distance out from Doolin Harbor, barren except for the remains of a 19th Century stone constabulary outpost.
Often called the "Traditional Music Capital of Ireland", Doolin is famous for its three pubs which feature nightly live music sessions of trad music. The three pubs are Gus O'Connor's, McDermott's and McGann's. The Micho Russell Festival Weekend is held each year after the last Friday in February.