Active Pursuits

Bird-Watching

The Bridges of Ross, on the north side of Loop Head, is one of the prime autumn bird-watching sites in Ireland, especially during northwest gales, when several rare species have been seen with some consistency. The lighthouse at the tip of the Head is also a popular spot for watching seabirds.

Dolphin-Watching

The Shannon Estuary is home to about 70 bottlenose dolphins, one of four such resident groups of dolphins in Europe. Cruises run by Dolphinwatch leave daily May to September from Carrigaholt. Advance booking is essential (tel. 065/905-8156; www.dolphinwatch.ie). Fees start at €20 ($26) for adults, €10 ($13) for children under 14.

Golf

Doonbeg Golf Club, Doonbeg (tel. 065/905-5246; www.doonbeggolfclub.com), has links designed by golf pro Greg Norman in a breathtaking setting. The magnificent 15th hole ends in a funnel-shaped green surrounded by sky-high dunes. With a helipad and a complex that includes a country club, hotel, and deluxe cottages, Doonbeg has quickly become a haunt for the moneyed set, so it should come as no surprise that greens fees are a hefty €185 to €195 ($240-$253) per person.

Also famous, but less pricey, is Lahinch Golf Club, Lahinch (tel. 065/708-1003; www.lahinchgolf.com). It has two attractive 18-hole links courses, and the "Old Course" -- the longer championship links course -- is the one that has given Lahinch its far-reaching reputation. This course's elevations, especially at the 9th and 13th holes, make for great views, but it also makes wind an integral part of play. Watch the goats, Lahinch's legendary weather forecasters; if they huddle by the clubhouse, it means a storm is approaching. Visitors are welcome to play, especially on weekdays; greens fees are €150 ($195) daily for the Old Course, and €50 ($65) for the newer Castle Course.

Surfing

If you've always wanted to try it, here's your chance: Lahinch Surf School (tel. 087/960-9667; www.lahinchsurfschool.com) is set up in a hut on Lahinch promenade, and they specialize in getting people suited up and out on the waves -- regardless of whether you surf every weekend, or have never hit a board in your life. Staff are friendly, and surfing is good for you, apparently. Wet suits, surfboards, and lessons included. Rates start at €90 ($115) for private lessons.

Irish Spelunking

The area around Doolin is well known among cavers for its many intriguing potholes and caves. The area is riddled with them -- the ground underneath your feet may look solid, but it's really like Swiss cheese. If you're interested in joining the spelunkers, you can stop by the tourist office and pick up brochures from local caving guides, as well as maps.

The most extraordinary single cave is Poll na gColm, just northeast of Lisdoonvarna. This is one of Ireland's longest caves, and its caverns wander for miles through underground passageways, vaults, and natural wonders.

For divers, there's a cluster of underwater caves just north of Doolin's harbor called the Green Holes of Doolin that are said to be simply extraordinary. You can get a peek at what divers will see at an area known as "Hell," where the roof of a cave has worn away, and the water rushes through an open cavern into a series of undersea pathways.

Novices should not go caving on their own without training or guides. To get one or both of those, check out www.cavingireland.org.