Doolin, County Clare, Ireland by Peter Gorman

Feel it with your hand and you’ll realize that its almost bathwater warm. There is sun and warmth on the west coast that is not often seen in Dublin. It gets hot in the afternoon and feels like summer in the US. As great as this is, it is not the only reason to see Doolin.

Doolin is known for its traditional Irish music, all year round. It is more frequent in the summer during tourist season, but worth checking out. O’Connor’s is a warm, cozy place where the musicians sit in a booth near the front door and play all evening. The pub was packed in June and serving up food as fast as they could put it out. Naturally we had fish and chips and Irish stew, which was delicious.

Gus O’Connor’s Pub, Ireland by Carlos Mejía Greene

We met a couple from Atlanta, GA, one of which was originally from northern Ireland. She sang like an angel and knew every folk song they sang, and there were way too many to count. Her husband was as clueless as we were about the lyrics.

We had such a good time we stayed very late, and eventually the guitarist played “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” by John Denver, the only song we knew, and we sang loudly which I blame on the Guinness. It’s better in Ireland.

The friend from Northern Ireland said, “It’s all about the craic.” This is pronounced “crack” and means fun, gossip, news and entertainment. Without the craic, what have you got? It’s found in pubs.

Live Music at O’Connor’s Pub, Ireland by Emily OS

Craft shops in Doolin are worth a look too, and the natural beauty of the area with old stone walls in the pastures is very picturesque. The Village Crafts Shop, owned by Gus and Maeve, has woolens, tweeds and the like where we bought Irish sweaters that actually smelled like sheep. They were not processed by some factory; they were handmade locally and will last forever. The color is natural and not whitened; they’re warm and remind us of Doolin.

We stayed at a family-owned B&B and the owner found out that my wife was a professional jazz guitarist, so the jam was on. It was a nice country cottage with good amenities, much like others in the area, and the owners were friendly. It was an all around great experience.

Kevin Caldwell wrote this article for DublinTempleBarHotels.com who help travelers find hotels near Temple Bar in Dublin.

The post A Day in West Ireland appeared first on Best of European Union.

If you like Stone Henge then you may also find the following sites of interest:

Avebury Ring, Wiltshire

This stone circle, located west of Marlborough in the county of Wiltshire, was perhaps made even more famous by the 1970’s TV programme ‘Children of The Stones’. Since then it has become a mecca for history enthusiasts and Druids alike. Although it is the largest known stone circle in the world, the site is actually made up of circles within circles which distinguishes it from other megaliths. The larger outer earth bank is a massive 427m in diameter. In the centre of the larger stone circle are two smaller stone circles. Of the 154 original stones, 36 are still in place.

Avebury Rings, Wiltshire, England, UK by Phillip Capper

This stone circle (or collection of) is estimated to have been constructed anywhere between 2600 and 3000 BC and, like many, is thought to have been built for ceremonial purposes. However, the reason for its construction still remains unclear even to this day.

Knocknarea and Carrowmore, North West Coast of Ireland

For the more intrepid traveler, Knocknarea Cairn near Sligo, which dates back to around 3000 BC may be of interest. Although the stone circle here is small, it is none the less intriguing for it. Once you have climbed the main cairn you will find the final resting place of Maeve, queen of Connacht, known as Maeve’s Cairn. About 150 metres north of the cairn one can locate a small passage tomb. It is between this and the cairn that you can find the remains of a stone circle.

The impressive Carrowmore lies about a mile east of Knocknarea and is the largest megalithic stone cemetery in Ireland. These Dolmens, approximately 65 in total cover an area of one and a half square miles. A small cottage in the village of Carromore acts as a point of information and visitor centre.

Photo of Knocknarea, Ireland by Rowan of Ravara

Swinside (Sunkenkirk) Stone Circle, Cumbria

This charming stone circle, 28.7 m in diameter, is located in a peaceful location below Black Coombe in Cumbria and has many of its stones still standing. It is a curiosity that the stones that have fallen down, have fallen inward. The stones themselves form almost a perfect circle and legend has it that you cannot count the stones. Furthermore it is claimed that the ancients tried to erect a church in this location, but of an evening the devil would come along and pull down the stones. Also known as ‘Sunkerkirk’ which means that the devil sunk the stones.

Swinside, Cumbria by Jocelyn

Machrie Moor, Isle of Arran

The standing stones of Machrie Moor,located on the west of the Isle of Arran, are thought to have been constructed toward the end of the Neolithic period. There are six stone circles here which are all located within walking distance of the other. Therefore, these monuments are viewed as one site as opposed to six separate ones.

What is interesting is that there is evidence that timber circles were originally in place where the stone circles are now located. Clearly this was a site of great significant importance to the ancients.

Again, it is not known why these stones were erected, but it is safe to assume that they were for some form of ceremonial purpose.

Photo of Machrie Moor, Isle of Arran by Saskia Heijltjes

Moel ty Uchaf, Corwen, Wales

This stone circle made up of approximately 40 stones in North Wales is located on top of a hill in Denbighshire. ‘Moel ty Uchaf’ means ‘the High Bare Hill’ and the steep walk to reach the stone circle bears witness to its name. Many visitors come to Moel ty Uchaf to meditate and take in the beauty of the area, and many claim that it has healing powers. A favourite with healers and walkers alike, this small circle which is off the beaten track boasts stunning panoramic views in a spectacular setting. The circle itself is small, measuring only 11 metres across, and appears to consist of a burial cist in the centre along with a possible opening or entrance to the south east.

Photo of Moel Ty Uchaf, Corwen, Wales by Espresso Addict

Will Kerr writes on a wide range of travel topics, from the world’s most under-rated attractions, to more mundane issues such as car hire.

The post Beyond Stone Henge: Visit Britain’s Lesser Known Megaliths appeared first on Best of European Union.

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland by Bjørn Christian Tørrissen

The O’Brien’s Tower is a popular stopping point for those wishing to see the Cliffs of Moher. It was in 1835 when Sir Cornelius O’Brien built the famous tower as a means of impressing a lady. People who climb up to the top of the tower can be afforded some of the most awe-inspiring views imaginable.

The name of the cliffs is derived from the fort that was built hundreds of years ago at Hag’s Head. Fort Moher was still standing back in 178 when it was first mentioned to have existed. However, the old fort was torn down back in 1808 in order to make a tower in the area.

There are more than thirty thousand birds, spanning 20 species that call the Cliffs of Moher their home. People who visit the area will be able to see the Atlantic Puffin which thrives in the area surrounding Goat Island. The other popular birds that live along the cliffs include hawks, gulls as well as guillemots.

The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience is the welcoming center for those who chose to visit the cliffs. Designed to be environmentally responsible, the entire welcome center makes use of renewable energy. The heating is provided by geothermal means and the power is from solar panels in the roof.

While it may cost to visit the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, it is worth the small price. Inside there are a number of exhibits that are dedicated to the cliffs, their history and the life along them. You can even arrange to take a ferry trip along the base of the cliffs so that you can view them from the Atlantic Ocean.

So if you are planning on visiting Ireland, then you have to stop by and check out the Cliffs of Moher.

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