So many place have tried to claim that they are the inspiration for Middle Earth or The Shire, that I've stopped keeping count. However, this one is just up the road from me, so I guess I'll have to check it out!
http://www.roadsidetavern.ie/roadside/a ... %20Society
Having spent a lot of time in the Burren I'd be inclined to say that the only place in Middle Earth it brings to mind would be maybe the Barrow Downs. Its a unique geological formation, essentially a section of Seabed raised up above water and has its own unique flora that are protected by law. That said, Poll na gColm (pronounced Poulnagollum) is one of the caves I haven't come across, although there are many, notably Ailwee Caves, which is a tourist attraction and was in fact one of our stops on the Ireland Moot so many year ago.
The Burren is also the home of the Poulnabrone Dolmen, which could also be inspiration for the Barrows.
Poll na gColm - Gollum's Cave
Poll na gColm - Gollum's Cave
The Vinyamars on Stage! This time at Bag End
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