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Published: July 26th 2014
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POULNABRONE DOLMEN Another road trip to County Clare couple of days before. It was also an exciting trip . We started early morning and reached around 10.45 a:m. By road it takes approximately 3 hrs. The roads are very good and smooth. Less traffic as well. We went through County Offaly and County Galway (used Regional and National Roads ).
We went to see the Poulnabrone Dolmen first. We used our navigator to locate the place. If you wish to go through the fastest route, then keep in mind that the roads are very narrow with uneven surfaces. Only one vehicle can hardly drive through. The roads looks very lonely as well. But don't worry, you will reach your destination. You can use the national highway route as well. Dolmen is a portal tomb in Neolithic age. The surrounding areas are lined with limestones. Be careful while walking . There are small cavities on the limestones which was caused by the acidity in rain water. Also, holes are present in between the limestones. Its a nice photographic location especially in front of the portal tomb. So many tourists are coming to see the place. All the history of the place
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LIMESTONES is mentioned in that area itself.
Next , we planned to see the Doolin Cave . We reached there in the afternoon. There is a very nice elegant cafe which provides all types of sandwiches, salads, sweet confectionaries and so on. There is also a lovely garden outside the cafe with colourful flowers. Even you can see sheeps and hens nearby. There is enough space for parking as well. We can see the Cave with a guide only. Every half an hour a new group is taken to see the cave. So there is no need of any tensions.
One of the guides took our group to the cave. There are 125 steps to climb down to reach the cave and also has to climb up to come out of the cave. Should be very careful while climbing down or up the steps. If there is heavy rainfalls they might not allow tourists to go inside as there is high risk of flood in the cave. When we reach the cave the guide will provide us with yellow working caps to avoid hitting our heads to the roof of the cave. There are lights present in
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HOLES IN BETWEEN THE LIMESTONES the cave but fairly dark. There are so many surprises to see inside . I don't want to crack it now. Overall, you will enjoy the trip. One more thing, its better to take a cardigan or jacket with you as it might be cold inside. But the staffs over there are very pleasant and friendly. They will provide you with all the information that are needed.
From there we went to find out a good hotel or B&B to stay. In the months of July and August, the place is really very busy and crowded with tourists from different places and countries. Its better to book any nice hotel or B&B before you visit there. We got a very nice and beautiful hotel to stay in Doolin itself. It is known as the Ballinallackal Castle Hotel where The Ballinallackal castle was situated nearby. Now its a private property. The staff from the hotel will give a tour to that castle for the guests in that hotel. The place is fabulous. There are rooms in that hotel viewing to the ocean and also to the gardens. We took a nice ocean view room. There is a good restaurant which
is gracefully decorated and also a pub. There is also facility to play Ping-Pong. We can sit outside in the benches which gives a good view to the ocean especially in the evening time. Enough space is also there for car parking. Anyway the hotel was really grand.
The next day we set off to see the World Famous Cliffs Of Moher. It was only 12 km from our hotel. The tickets to enter Cliffs Of Moher was provided from the car Parking area itself which is a good idea. Cliffs Of Moher is one of the outstanding coastal features in Ireland. It is formed about 320 million years ago in carboniferous time. No one should miss this place. The Cliffs are vertically standing on the Atlantic Ocean. It is known as a haven for the sea birds. Unfortunately we couldn't see any puffins but so many sea gulls were there. You can walk through the paved surfaces on the cliffs and also through the edges which is an amazing experience. From there it seems like we can touch the sky. With the children the parents should be very careful while walking through the cliffs. We can
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ROADS TO POULNABRONE DOLMEN spend our whole day there. We can take rest in between. Can sit or lie on the grass enjoying the scenic beauty. You can walk on all the cliffs. From there one can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay as well as the Twelve Pins, Maum Turk Mountains to the north in Connemara and Loop Head to the South. Also , you can arrange cruise tours to see the cliffs . The Cliffs Of Moher is never tiresome. Its a MUST see place.
We also went to the Lahinch Beach thinking to see the seaworld. But the seaworld has been closed last year. But the beach is really breathtaking.
The water is very clear. But could see so many dead jelly fishes on the beach. Most of the people are coming to learn surfing . There are so many surfing schools nearby. Even they provide you with the wet suits. Parents and children are coming to swim or to have a picnic. Lifeguards are there all the time. There are many shops and restaurants nearby. You can have fun there as well. Also , if any one is interested in golf there is also a golf
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DOOLIN CAVE club nearby.
Overall , County Clare is a magnificent place to visit. Go and enjoy your holidays there.
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