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ter to the summer tourist season, Cliffs of Moher
Doolin’s pubs are buzzing 365
days a year. 8 kilometers south of Doolin, the
cliffs that line much of Ireland’s
Melodies of live trad (slang for tra- coast reach their most dramatic
ditional Irish folk music) invite lo- height and geography. Trails al-
The village of Doolin, on the rugged and cals and visitors to huddle togeth- low you to walk along their jagged
scarcely populated Central West coast of Ireland. er around the tables and fireplace, edge, inches away from a perilous
Right: Local Irish cheese. Below: The author’s to tap their feet and clap their free fall. Fortunately, the strong
favorite pub for a cold pint and a warm fire. hands into the wee hours. Stews gusty winds blow inland. The cliff’s
of beef braised in stout, and fish façades are ridged, like a piecrust
from the nearby sea battered to a plunging straight down to the sea.
crisp, are served piping hot from Curious sightseers are tempted to
the kitchen. This is the perfect set- get as close as possible to the edge
ting to do what you’ve longed to do without falling over. Even though
ever since you booked your ticket the scenery remains the same for
– walk up to the bartender and say, miles, every step is breathtaking.
unavoidably with a bit of an Irish
accent, “a pint o’ Guinness please.” Galway
That is when you know you’ve fi- Galway city, located on both sides
nally arrived. Doolin is the small- of the River Corrib where it spills
est town with the biggest heart in into the Atlantic Ocean, is most
Ireland. Stop here for a night or famous for its Latin Quarter - sev-
two of Irish Craic. If you miss the eral narrow pedestrian streets that
stop sign, you’ll be in the middle attract activity around the clock.
of nowhere, beneath a sky full of The youthful spirit, brought on by
stars with the sounds of waves trendy restaurants, lively pubs and
crashing against the rocky coast hip shops reminded me of a teeny
just over yonder. tiny version of Barcelona - A bit
Wine Dine & Travel Summer 2014 75

