Doolin
Save15 hand-picked places in 6 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See a ready-made day plan ↓10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Ireland's most famous sea cliffs, rising 200 m above the Atlantic.
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Walk the coastal trail from Doolin for fewer crowds
- Stay well back from the edge in wind
📷 Photos
- 2
Show cave home to one of the world's longest free-hanging stalactites.
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Nature trail and farm on site
- Good option on a wet day
📷 Photos
- 3
Legendary Fisher Street pub with nightly traditional Irish music.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Seafood chowder is a favourite
- Music usually starts around 9:30pm
📷 Photos
- 4
Round 16th-century tower house on a hill above Doolin.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Private property, admire from the road
- Best photographed with the sea behind
- Lovely at sunset
📷 Photos
- 5
Rocky harbour where ferries leave for the Aran Islands and cliff cruises.
- Tip: Sunset
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Waves crash spectacularly on stormy days
- Great sunset spot
📷 Photos
- 6
Row of colourful cottages, craft shops and pubs at Doolin's heart.
3 tips
- Browse the music and craft shops
- Short walk to the pier
- Parking is limited in summer
📷 Photos
- 7
Smallest Aran Island, with stone walls, a shipwreck and an old castle.
3 tips
- Ferry from Doolin takes about 20 minutes
- Rent a bike or take a pony trap
- Visit the Plassy shipwreck
📷 Photos
- 8
Iconic Neolithic portal tomb in the limestone Burren landscape.
3 tips
- Free to visit, small car park
- Stay on the path
- Around 30 minutes' drive from Doolin
📷 Photos
- 9
Cave and birds of prey centre in the heart of the Burren.
3 tips
- Combined tickets with the bird centre
- Farm shop sells local cheese
- Good for families
📷 Photos
- 10
Sandy beach with dunes beneath the Burren hills.
3 tips
- Popular for surfing
- Lifeguards in summer only
- Scenic coast road drive from Doolin
📷 Photos
Take this map with you
Opens Google Maps with these places, ready to save to your own list.
Before you go: Doolin tips
Transportation
- Take Bus Eireann: buses link Doolin with Galway and Ennis via the Cliffs of Moher, a good option if you are not driving.
- Ferry to the Aran Islands: from Doolin Pier, seasonal ferries cross to Inis Oirr and Inis Mor, some with cruises under the Cliffs of Moher.
- Drive slowly on narrow lanes: Burren roads are narrow and winding, with stone walls, so take care and pull in for oncoming traffic.
Security
- Stay back from cliff edges: the Doolin to Cliffs of Moher coastal walk has unfenced edges and strong winds; keep to the path.
- Check ferry conditions: Atlantic weather can cancel crossings to the Aran Islands, so confirm sailings the morning you travel.
- Plan for dark roads: rural lanes have no streetlights, so bring a torch for walking back from the pubs at night.
Saving
- Enjoy free trad music: Doolin pubs like Gus O'Connor's, McGann's and McDermott's host free traditional music sessions.
- Walk to the Cliffs: the coastal path from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher lets you see the cliffs on foot.
- Explore the Burren: the Burren's limestone landscape, wildflowers and dolmens like Poulnabrone are free to visit.
Weather/Clothing
- Bring waterproofs: Atlantic weather means rain is likely any time of year, so pack a waterproof jacket and trousers.
- Layer up against the wind: even summer days on the cliffs can be cool and windy, so pack a warm fleece.
- Wear sturdy shoes: the coastal path and Burren paths are rocky and muddy; hiking boots are best.
Cultural
- Respect the session: during trad sessions, keep chat down near the musicians and do not grab a stool reserved for players.
- Try seafood chowder: west Clare pubs serve hearty seafood chowder with brown soda bread, perfect after a windy walk.
- Visit Lisdoonvarna in September: the nearby town hosts a famous matchmaking festival, with music and dancing all month.
Local Hacks
- See Doolin Cave: it holds one of the longest free-hanging stalactites in Europe, a great rainy-day option.
- Catch sunset at the pier: Doolin Pier offers great sunsets over the Aran Islands, with crashing waves on stormy days.
- Swim at Fanore: Fanore beach, a short drive up the coast, is a sandy spot with Burren views and surfing.
1-day itineraries in Doolin
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.