An Dún Beag: History, Coast and Festivals

An Dún Beag (Doonbeg) brings together local history, coastal and dune landscapes, routes through the bog and recurring events. If you’re looking for a hotel, you can first decide which of these themes you’d like to shape your stay.

Coast, Golf and Walking Routes

Doonbeg’s landscape is shaped by Atlantic dunes and fertile farmland. The Doonbeg Loop runs south of the village along country roads and bog paths; its start and finish are at the Doonbeg Church car park. The church is therefore a fixed point of reference for starting and returning from the route.

The Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Ireland golf course in Doonbeg is an 18-hole championship course. It stretches along Doughmore Bay; its landscape includes 1.5 miles of crescent-shaped beach and centuries-old sand dunes. The golf course and the Loop differ in their landscape: the bay, beach and dunes shape the surroundings here, while the Loop runs south of the village along country roads and bog paths.

White Strand Doonbeg is 2.5 kilometres west of the village. The beach is in a designated Natural Heritage Area and also in a Special Area of Conservation. It has Blue Flag status, which can change from one season to the next. During the summer months, lifeguards supervise White Strand. Check the current supervision arrangements before visiting.

History in the Village Centre

The ruins of Doonbeg Castle date from the early 16th century and overlook the Doonbeg River just before it reaches the sea. The present-day village grew up around the castle. Right beside it, a six-arched humpback stone bridge marks the village centre. Built around 1820, it served as temporary shelter for two families during the Great Famine in the 1840s.

Events and Practical Information

The West Clare Drama Festival takes place in Doonbeg every March and has brought performers from across Ireland together there for six decades. The annual Doonbeg International Jazz Festival features a weekend programme of performances by Irish and international musicians and music groups. The drama festival takes place in March; the jazz festival programme runs over a weekend. Check the latest dates for both events before you travel.

Shore fishing is popular in Doonbeg, and the Doonbeg River is known for salmon and sea trout. TFI Local Link bus route 335 serves Doonbeg. Check the current timetable before travelling.

County Clare as a Wider Destination

In the wider destination of County Clare, the Cliffs of Moher offer a different focus. At O’Brien’s Tower, the cliffs rise more than 700 feet and stretch for almost 14 kilometres along the Clare coast. The visitor facilities include 800 metres of paved paths and viewing points, including access to O’Brien’s Tower. For regional trip planning, this offers a different focus from Doonbeg’s village history, Loop and fishing themes. Visitor facility operating details may change; check them before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Dromoland, Killaloe, Kilfenora, Broadford, Whitegate, Lahinch, Kilshanny, Ennis

For the wider travel overview: County Clare.