How The Locals Are Keeping the Doolin Spirit Going during Lockdown
Usually, a bustling little village of tourists, locals, and musicians coming together and making memories, Doolin’s Fisher Street is quiet, the ferries are docked at the pier and the doors of local businesses are closed to the public. However, Doolin hasn’t lost its spirit through all this.
It’s common knowledge that the community in Doolin is a vibrant and positive bunch. So this crisis wasn’t going to dampen their spirits. In fact, the Doolin locals have been busy keeping the Doolin spirit going during Ireland’s Lockdown. Find out what they’ve been up to below!
Keeping the Irish Music Session Alive
The show must go on as they say, and it’s no different in Doolin – the home of Irish music. Local musicians have been allocating some of their lockdown time to a music challenge called #Quarantunes and playing some tunes online via Facebook and Instagram after being nominated for the challenge. The #Quarantunes Challenge is raising awareness for donations to the WHO COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. Here is Doolin Tourism’s very own coordinator and Doolin local, Charles Monod, performing two jigs “Fanning’s” and an old favourite, “Old John’s” on the concertina. Sit back and enjoy. And don’t forget to donate!
Taking in the view
Doolin Tourism’s committee members have become familiar with the ‘Virtual Background’ setting on Zoom, so every virtual meeting is being held in a different spot around Doolin. Some of our meetings have taken place overlooking Fisher Street, Doonagore Castle, and even with local canine, Princess!
The conversation is still in full flow
The Doolin locals love a good chat among friends, neighbours and visitors. So when the Irish government brought in the social distancing rules and closed the local pubs and eateries, the locals turned to apps such as Houseparty, Zoom and Facebook Messenger to get their daily dose of Doolin chat. A lot of Doolin’s beloved Nannys and Grandads have become tech-savvy and are video calling with their grandkids on the daily. Zoom is also serving as a virtual meeting space for local businesses to come together and support each other and plan through the crisis – as well as a good laugh! The conversation is still truly in full flow.
2km a day to keep the boredom away
Currently, Irish residents are allowed to exercise up to 2km from their homes daily, in order to stay fit and healthy in both body and mind. Some households have been going for walks around the green fields and rocky outcrops of the Burren, while others have been cycling or pier jumping down at Doolin Pier. Normally Doolin Pier would be a busy spot in Doolin, as it serves the ferry services to the Aran Islands. However, while the ferries have been docked while waiting to set sail in the near future, the sun has been shining and locals have taken this rare opportunity to dive into Doolin!
Hilltop picnics
Moloney House B&B took advantage of the fantastic weather we’ve been having and enjoyed a hilltop picnic on their farm field overlooking Doolin and the wild Atlantic – it looks like a dream in a time where many people are stuck inside the concrete jungles of large cities across the world. How blessed we are to have this on our doorstep!
Random acts of kindness
Local businesses and communities have been going above and beyond to look after elderly or more vulnerable people living in Doolin who may be reluctant to leave their homes or have been advised to cocoon during the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak. In March, Hotel Doolin was offering people in this situation a free dinner, delivered to their house every day. It was truly a heartwarming gesture in a time where so many people were feeling vulnerable surrounding the uncertainty of the crisis. Fair play lads!
Additionally, Burren Community Meitheal has sourced 140 community volunteers from the greater Burren area including Doolin, to help support elderly and vulnerable people by offering to collect shopping, medication, offering links to supporting organisations and agencies, or just simply a chat. It is remarkable to see such community spirit and support – sure we wouldn’t have it any other way!
Hosting events responsibly
St. Patrick’s Day was very different for the world this year. Usually, a day of colourful parades, green hats, Irish flags, trad sessions and pints of porter, Paddy’s Day 2020 couldn’t have been further from this. However, Doolin’s spirits weren’t dampened, and the “Beep Beep Parade” gathered at Doolin Pier with each household confined to the safety of their own car, before driving through Fisher Street and around Doolin beeping their horns in unison to celebrate the day of our great saint. It was a joy to see!
Darkness Into Light Doolin takes place every year and the event helps raise funds for vital mental health services. Usually, the event brings people together in the early hours of the morning for a 5km walk into sunrise. However, this year is a little different. Although we can’t walk together on Saturday 9th May, we are asking everyone to rise at 5.30am to watch the sunrise at home and spread the message of hope by sharing their sunrise moment using #DILSunriseAppeal #DIL2020
Donations can be made to www.darknessintolight.ie
Additionally, if you use #LoveDoolin we’ll share your sunrise moment across our social media stories throughout the day.
Please donate to www.darknessintolight.ie
Keeping busy - no rest for the wicked!
This new video podcast by Ireland Family Vacations where Anthony from Doolin Inn talks to Jody about life in Doolin during the current global crisis.
“Doolin is looking as good as ever”, with locals spending their time painting, gardening and refurbishing their businesses throughout the village so that visitors will experience Doolin at its very best again once travel resumes.
Watching a famous #DoolinSunset
Doolin Sunsets are a thing of beauty – overlooking Doolin, the cliffs, Crab Island, and the Aran Islands makes for a fab view. Even our locals don’t get sick of these views and have been sharing them with followers from various locations around Doolin, with messages urging people to stay home and stay safe, and that it won’t be long before we “see you soon” – Doolin will be waiting.
Be sure to explore the rest of our website to find out more information, or to plan your next visit to beautiful Doolin in County Clare.
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