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The Burren
The Burren, in North County Clare and parts of South County Galway covers an area of 160 square km. It is
unique and is like no other place in Ireland. There are no bogs and very few pastures. Instead there are
huge pavements of limestone called 'clints' with vertical fissures in them called 'grikes'. The unique
diversity of the Burren's flora has constantly attracted much attention and is at its best about
mid-May or a little later. It is estimated that 70% of Ireland's 900 native species can be spotted in
the Burren.
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It is about the only place on
earth where Mediterranean plants grow side by side with alpine plants. There is fantastic walking anytime of the year, but in
spring when the wildflowers are blooming, it's spectacular.
The Burren also contains long monastic and pre-Celtic history with famous burial mounds, ringforts and the Dolmen (a
burial tomb).
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Kinvara village
Well known for the great Irish traditional music that can be found at one of the 11 pubs on almost any night throughout the
year. Every year Kinvara is host to two famous music festivals: May Bank holiday weekend is the Fleadh na gCuach or Cuckoo
Fleadh (festival) celebrating the return of the cuckoo bird to the area and then in August the Cruinniu na mBad (Gathering
of the Boats) which features the history of the Hooker boats which were the lifeblood of the west coast of Ireland
transporting food, turf for fuel and other goods.
Many of the 100 year-old boats converge on the little harbour and quay in Kinvara for races including who can unload their
load of turf onto the dock the fastest. Music found all day in all the pubs of the village for both events. Picturesque
setting at the foot of Galway Bay.
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Dunguaire Castle
A terrific and easily accessible little castle on the bay on the north side of Kinvara village, built
in 1520 by the Hynes Clan. Spring through autumn you can enjoy a medieval banquet with nice food
followed by entertainment highlighting the musical and literary history of the area.
Don't forget to produce your An Óige / Hostelling International membership card on entry to receive a
discount!
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Literary sights
Coole Park, home of Lady Gregory and Thoor Ballylee, home of W.B. Yeats are just 15 minutes drive from Doorus House. These
two met at Doorus House in 1897 and established the idea of the Irish National Theatre which became the Abbey Theatre in
Dublin, created to feature only Irish based and Irish written works.
Coole Park is also a wonderful wooded park with several kilometres of easy walking trails, a lake often filled with swans
and a nice picnic area. Thoor Ballylee is open throughout the summer and has a good visitor centre and you can tour the
tower.
Coole Park has a great visitor centre with films about Lady Gregory and the natural history of the area. The centre is
open from Easter through September and An Óige/Hostelling International members receive a discounted entrance fee on
production of their membership cards. The park is open year round.
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Aran Islands
These are located off the coast and can be reached by ferry from Doolin or Rossaveal which is west of Galway city. The
main island, Inis Mor, can be easily toured in a day with an early ferry out and taking the last ferry back in the
evening.
Great historical landmarks include the fantastic stone fort of Dun Aengus, consisting of three irregular semicircles, each
a line of defense. What is this structure doing in this place? When was it built? Who built it? Archeologists, historians,
antiquarians have no definitive answers to these and other questions about Dun Aengus!
This is a fort with no water supply or evidence of dwellings, hardly suited for a long siege. Estimates on its time of
construction range from a few centuries B.C. to the eighth or ninth century. To get to the Aran Islands, go to
www.aranislandferries.com and avail of your 10% discount with your
membership card!
Dun Aenghus is also discounted with your card.
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Cliffs of Moher
These are the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Spring is great for birdwatchers as hundreds of thousands of seabirds nest on
the rugged cliff face.
A new visitor centre is being constructed, and the cliffs are accessible by Bus Eireann. Located about one hour south of
Doorus House and can be seen as part of a day tour of the Burren.
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Traught Beach
This is one of only a few Blue Flag beaches in Ireland and it's on Doorus House's doorstep and
literally a 10 minute walk away. Traught Beach is a lovely sandy beach with lifeguard and toilet
facilities. Water quality is checked daily throughout the summer. Gentle sloping beach which is
shallow for quite a distance and makes for a great family day out with the kids. Great seashells
too!
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Monastic sights
Following the long religious history of the area, Kilmacduagh is about 15 minutes away and comprises of seven different
churches, one being a cathedral. Founded by St. Colman on of the three famous saints of Ireland, (St. Patrick and St.
Brigid being the other two) it features one of the finest intact round towers in all of Ireland. Access inside the
buildings can be obtained by securing a key from the B&B across the road from the sight...a small deposit is required to
secure this key. This can be viewed as part of a day tour including Coole Park and Thoor Ballylee. Also nearby (about 15
minutes by car) is the the beautiful Corcomroe Abbey located in the Burren, featuring incredible decorative carved
stonework of flowers and faces. Farther up in the Burren is the village of Kilfenora which has a tremendous interpretive
centre of both the Burren's natural history as well as religous history featuring some priceless carved high crosses.
Avail of student rate entrance in the Burren Centre on production of a valid An Óige / Hostelling International
membership card.
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Galway city
Incredibly vibrant city easily walked as it's a compact, bustling place. Pedestrian only main shopping street with
sidewalk pubs and restaurants. Cinemas, live theatre, music, art galleries, historical sights, the river Corrib and much
more...a nice way to spend a day and easily done from Doorus House via Bus Eireann or private car. It is 30 kms north of
the hostel.
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Connemara
Connemara is just another 45 minutes north of Galway and makes a terrific day tour. Go to Recess and
turn right onto the R344 following the signs for Kylemore Abbey and Letterfrack (Connemara National
Park).
It's a beautiful drive through the Twelve Pins, a stark mountain landscape totally different to the
Burren but only a couple hours apart from one another. Kylemore Abbey is a stunning old house turned
into a convent and school.
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It's worth the admission to walk up along the lake to the little chapel
built by the family who originally owned the house, and with your membership card you get discounted
admission!
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For more information on Doorus House Youth Hostel or the area surounding it, please email doorushouse@kinvara.com.
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