Doolin is a pretty little village on the west coast of Ireland. Doolin is famous for its Irish Music traditions. It can also boast of having some of the most spectacular scenery along the whole of the Wild Atlantic Way. Case in point being the fact that Doolin is the nearest population centre to the amazing Cliffs of Moher. With such natural beauty on its doorstep, Doolin has become something of a Mecca for tourists wishing to have the quintessential Irish experience. Luckily, there are attractions to deal with every possible taste located within and close to the village. With this in mind, Wild Irish Walks have created the ultimate guide for what to do in Doolin.
More About Doolin
The below article about what to do in Doolin is broken down into:
- Attractions within the village itself;
- Where to eat and drink in Doolin;
- Nearby walks and hikes;
- Nearby visitor attractions (all within a 1 hour drive of Doolin); and finally,
- Some Accomodation options within Doolin
Doolin Village
Doolin has no real centre to the village. Starting from the most westerly point of Doolin, you have Doolin Pier which is the gateway to the Aran Islands. Moving inland brings you along the picturesque Fisher Street which has several shops and Gus O’Connor’s Pub. Turning left and uphill at the end of Fisher’s Street brings you to the Fitz’s Cross area. Further uphill again and along the R459 road brings you to the last area of Doolin called Roadford which offers even more options for food, drink and accommodation.
In The Village Itself
Music
The village of Doolin is famous for its traditional music scene with live music almost every night in the various pubs and hotels within the village.
Shopping
The shopping focus in Doolin is definitely on traditional Irish crafts and Artisan produce. Check out the below stores which are all located in the village.
Relaxation
Relax and unwind at the Doolin Seaweed Baths
Get Active
For people looking to get a bit more active in the village, check out
North Clare Sea Kayaking.
Based in Ballyvaughan, the company offers sea kayaking tours along the County Clare coastline.
Doolin Pitch and Putt
Probably the most picturesque Pitch and Putt course in Ireland. Tackle the 18 hole course that overlooks the Cliffs of Moher and the Wild Atlantic Way.
Doolin Pier Swimming
A man made seawater pool is located on the rocks beside Doolin Pier. The hole fills up at high tide with fresh sea water. The pool itself is not very deep and doesn’t seem to be used very often. Most people preferring to dive off the pier or enter the water via the boat ramp. As with any sea swimming, please do be very careful here as it can be dangerous for inexperienced swimmers.
Doolin Cycle Hub – North Clare Cycle Network
Doolin boasts 4 signposted cycle routes that go through the village. The shortest route is 18km and goes from Doolin towards the Cliffs of Moher. The longest route is 47km and travels north from Doolin along the coast road.
You can rent bikes in Doolin from Doolinrentabike.ie. Their website also has further details on the above mentioned cycle ways.
Where to Eat and Drink
Pubs
Doolin has a number of pubs to choose from. All of which also serve good food. Gus O’Connor’s Pub is located on Fisher Street on the way to Doolin Pier and is probably the most well known of all the pubs in Doolin.
Fitz’s pub is part of the large Hotel Doolin complex located at (unsurprisingly) Fitz’s Cross.
McCann’s and McDermotts are further uphill at the Roadford end of the village. McCann’s just shades it as my favourite pub in Doolin. McCann’s feels a bit more real and local compared to some of the other more touristy spots. Plus, the beer garden is up there as one of the best in Ireland.
All four pubs provide traditional Irish music with sessions held nightly.
Restaurants
Russell’s Seafood Bar
Russell’s Seafood Bar forms part of the Fiddle and Bow Hotel. While it is somewhat more of a restaurant than pub, the venue also offers live music and drinks until late.
Russell’s Fish Shop is the takeaway option available at the Fiddle and Bow.
Anthony’s at Doolin Inn
Similar to Rusell’s, Anthony’s is the restaurant section of the Doolin Inn Hotel. While the focus is on food, the drinks and cocktail menus are available until closing time.
Glas Restaurant and Stone Wall Pizzeria
Both the Glas Restaurant and Stone Wall Pizzeria are part of the Hotel Doolin. Although relatively informal, Glas is more on the fine dining side of things. Stone Wall offers wood fired pizza and always seems to be busy any time I pass it with lots of people availing of their takeaway options.
Oar Restaurant
The Michelin Guide probably knows a little bit more about food than I do. They note Oar as being “a cosy, contemporary, remotely set restaurant with views towards the Cliffs of Moher. The appealing menu offers hearty, well-executed dishes created using good quality Irish ingredients; locally caught fish is a highlight.”
Oar is located in the Roadford area of Doolin and also has guest rooms available also.
Ivy Cottage
Back on Fisher Street, we will find the Ivy Cottage. The Ivy is an old fashioned cottage converted into a restaurant. Additional outdoor seating is available. The Ivy Cottage operate a walk-in only policy.
Riverside Bistro
The Riverside Bistro is located at the Roadford side of Doolin and offers reasonably priced food in a comfortable setting.
Homestead Cottage
Another eatery on the Michelin Guide. Michelin describe Homestead as “A charming 200 year old cottage houses this rural restaurant that counts the Atlantic Ocean as its neighbour. The lovely terrace allows you to enjoy a spectacular sunset over drinks, before moving inside to the characterful interior with stone floors, cookery books and rustic wooden tables. Wonderful Irish produce is used in equally impressive dishes that are clean and modern, with no unnecessary frills. Dinner is a 7 course tasting menu that flows beautifully, while lunch is a lighter, simpler affair with a daily changing menu”
Homestead is located about 6km outside of the village.
Walks
Cliffs of Moher Walks
Doolin is the closest village to the famous Cliffs of Moher. In my opinion, the Cliffs provide the best walk in Ireland. You have a few options here. I have written previously about the walk between Lahinch and Doolin which is 28km. Alternatively, you could complete the 6.5km Doolin Cliff Walk to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre.
My recommendation would be to walk from Doolin to Liscannor which comes in at 20km. While still a long walk, you can relax with a pint and get some food in Liscannor while waiting for a taxi to bring you back.
The Burren Way
If you are into long distance, multi day hikes, then The Burren Way could be for you. The Burren Way consists of a linear route taking in some of the bigger towns and attractions located in the Burren. Doolin is one of the main stops along the Burren Way and so acts as a good base if you wanted to take on this long distance challenge.
I would also recommend other nearby walks which require short drives to get to the trailheads.
Black Head Loop (24 minutes drive from Doolin)
The Black Head Loop (purple arrows) is a 26km looped walk which starts and finishes at the majestic Fanore Beach. Check out visitclare.ie for more details.
A shorter 14.5km option from Fanore Beach comes back via the Caher Valley and is marked by red arrows.
Burren National Park Walks (32 minutes drive from Doolin)
The Burren National Park has 7 waymarked trails. These vary from a short 30 minute looped walk to 3 hour strenuous hikes over limestone hills with all routes starting from Gortlecka Crossroads. You can find details on these hikes at nationalparks.ie.
Lough Avalla Farm Loop (32 minutes drive from Doolin)
Also starting from Gortlecka Crossroads, the trails meanders through traditional working farmland before circling around the beautiful Lough Avalla. Although only 6km, the diversity of landscapes on offer really captures the imagination.
Doonbeg Walks (50 minutes drive from Doolin)
Doonbeg is another picturesque Clare village. With Doonbeg acting as the trailhead for two lovely waymarked trails – the Doonbeg Loop (8km) and the Tullaher Loop (20km) – the scenic location is well worth a visit.
Mountaineering
In addition to the above wonderful walks and hikes, the Irish Mountaineering Academy is based in nearby Fanore. The academy provides training in rock climbing, abseiling and bouldering. Half day, full day and weekend courses are available.
Nearby Attractions and Day Trips
Cliffs of Moher
I’ve mentioned the Cliffs of Moher walking trails above. Another option for taking the breathtaking cliffs is via cruise. You can catch a boat from Doolin Pier. Tours last around an hour and offer a unique way to see the cliffs.
Day Trip to the Aran Islands
Doolin Pier also provides boats that sail to all three of the Aran Islands. I’ve written a whole separate article about a wonderful day trip to Inis Oírr. The islands are simply an amazing experience and I would highly recommend to anyone spending time in Doolin to make the trip across. You can organise yourself or book guided trips to the islands here.
Moher Hill Farm (14 mins drive from Doolin)
If you have little ones with you on your stay and wondering how to keep them entertained, a nice option is the Moher Hill Farm and Leisure Park.
The farm has a wide range of activities aside from their petting zoo such as bouncing castles, go-karts, a mini-golf course and a nice playground.
Doolin Cave (5 mins drive from Doolin)
Just a few kilometres outside the village, Doolin Cave sells itself as being a great attraction in bad weather conditions – they even offer a sunny day discount. The other main attraction of the cave is that it is home to the largest stalactite in Europe. Tickets can be booked through viator here.
Ailwee (31 mins drive from Doolin)
Guided Tours of the impressive cave system are available through the Ailwee Burren Experience.
Strangely enough, the Ailwee Burren Experience also has a bird of prey centre. Combination tickets for the caves and the birds can be bought. The bird handlers on site will teach you all about the various birds such as eagles, falcons and hawks.
Tickets can be booked for both here.
Doolin Music House
Another attraction close to Doolin Village is the Doolin Music House. Homeowner Christy Barry hosts music sessions every Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 7p.m. – 8:30p.m. Places are limited and need to be booked in advance – see the Doolin Music House website for more information.
Beaches
With Doolin being on the Wild Atlantic Way, there is no shortage of options for a day on the beach. Hopefully you get the weather for it. Some of the best beaches near Doolin are:
- Lahinch (19 minutes drive from Doolin)
2km of golden sandy beach make Lahinch an ideal spot on a sunny day.
Lahinch is also a real hub for surfing with numerous surf schools available.
- Fanore (23 minutes drive from Doolin)
Fanore has a beautiful blue flag beach. Aloha surf school is located at Fanore and offers lessons as well as equipment hire.
- Spanish Point (34 mins drive from Doolin)
Spanish Point has a popular blue flag beach which also gives you the opportunity to explore the nearby village of Milltown Malbay – another place famous for Irish music.
- Milltown Malbay White Strand
Another blue flag (31 minutes drive from Doolin) beach near Milltown Malbay is White Strand.
- Doonbeg White Strand (57 mins drive from Doolin)
A little further out is the picturesque small blue flag beach at White Strand in Doonbeg.
The Burren
Burren Visitor Centre (16 mins drive from Doolin)
I’ve mentioned above the walking options within The Burren National Park. You can also try the Burren Visitor Centre near Kilfenora to learn all about the Burren.
Poulnabrone Dolmen (30 mins drive from Doolin)
One of the best known symbols of the Burren, the Poulnabrone Dolmen dates back nearly 6,000 years. Poulnabrone is the second most visited tourist site in the Burren (after the Cliffs of Moher). Excavations at the site in the 1980’s revealed the remains of 36 bodies buried here over a 600 year period during the Stone Age.
Caherconnell Stone Fort and Sheepdog demonstrations (30 mins drive from Doolin)
Yes, they have sheepdog demonstrations. And yes, you would be mad not to book this if you are staying in Doolin.
You can get tickets for the daily shows here. Tours of the stone fort are also available with a cafe and craft shop on site too.
Castles
So Many Castles nearby. They just seem to pop up out of nowhere as you drive along. Some of the more notable ones are:
Doonagore Castle
This 16th century Tower House is unfortunately not open to the public. However good views of the castle can be seen while completing the Doolin Cliff Walk
Dunguaire Castle (49 min drive from Doolin)
At the time of writing, Dunguaire Castle is unfortunately closed to the public and likely not to reopen again until 2025. While previously offering castle tours and banquets, currently only views of the spectacular exteriors are on offer.
Golf
Two of the best courses in Ireland are within reach of Doolin. The links courses at Lahinch (18 mins drive) and Doonbeg (49 mins drive) will test the most experienced golfers. The Doonbeg course is owned by a certain Mr. Donald Trump…you might have heard of him – probably most famous for his appearance in the hit movie Home Alone 2.
Scuba Diving
The Burren Sub Aqua club is based out of Doolin and scuba dive weekly. If you are interested, you can contact the club via their website.
Burren Smokehouse Visitor Centre (8 mins drive from Doolin)
Located in nearby Lisdoonvara, the Burren Smokehouse delves into the history and process of smoking salmon. You can also pick up a picnic from the food shop to take with you for your next activity.
Father Ted House (35 mins drive from Doolin)
The cult TV show Father Ted acted almost as the definition of Irish humour for a very long time. For many, the catchphrases and famous one liners from Father Ted still pepper their daily lexicon. As such, a trip to County Clare is not complete with gazing at the wonderful exterior of the Father Ted house. While previously, the private owners allowed access and served tea inside (Ah Go On), today you will have to suffice with a picture of yourself at the gates. Still, a trip to the Father Ted House remains a pilgrimage to many.
The Father Ted House is right beside the Burren National Park so is a handy stop off for a picture on the way to other attractions nearby (e.g. the Burren Walks starting from Gortlecka).
Burren Food and Wine (27 mins drive to Doolin)
Specialising in gourmet lunches, wine tastings and picnic hampers, Burren Food and Wine is a nice treat. I really like the location of the restaurant too. Near Ballyvaughan, Burren Food and Wine is located at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill. As the name suggest, the road twists and turns back on itself a number of times along the narrow drive uphill.
Caher Bridge Gardens (26 mins drive from Doolin)
Near Fanore, Caher Bridge is an award winning garden set around a restored riverside cottage. Noted as one of the top 100 gardens, Caher Bride is open by appointment only. Further details are available via Discover Ireland or the Caher Bridge facebook page.
The Burren Perfumery (36 mins drive from Doolin)
If you are interested in organic creams, balms and perfumes inspired by local ingredients and landscapes, then the Burren Perfumery is the place for you. In addition, the Burren Perfumery has a lovely Tea Room and herb garden on site. All in all, the perfect ingredients for a lovely relaxing afternoon.
Cliffs at Baltard (57 mins drive from Doolin)
While the Cliffs of Moher are a must see for any visit to Doolin, another set of spectacular cliffs is also relatively close by. The cliffs at Baltard are tall, steep and impressive. While these cliffs are a bit off the beaten track, definitely worth a visit.
Corcomroe Abbey (40 mins drive from Doolin)
The 13th century Cistercian Abbey lies to the north of Ballyvaughan. The Abbey draws most of its fame from the unusual ornamentation and carvings on the walls. Plus the legend that the King who commissioned the building of the Abbey murdered the five stone masons who built it following completion of the build. Thus ensuring no similar structure could ever be built. The Abbey remains open to the public year round.
Map of What to do in Doolin
I’ve detailed above nearly 60 of the best and coolest options for what to do in Doolin. With so many great tourist attractions in and around Doolin, you can start organising an amazing trip to this beautiful part of Ireland.
As an added help, I’ve created a map of all of the above mentioned tourist spots. I think this will be really useful for planning day trips and knowing what destinations are close to each other.
If you need any further advice about your visit to Doolin, please don’t hesitate to drop me a line at wildirishwalks@gmail.com. I can help you with arranging an amazing itinerary for however long your stay may be. With so many great things to do in Doolin, the problem will likely be trying to fit everything in!
Where to Stay in Doolin
Now that you have this great resource for organising your drip to Doolin, you need to book somewhere to stay. Doolin has established itself as one of the most popular tourist locations in Ireland. As such, you will find loads of local Hotels, B&Bs and campsites in the area.
I’ve listed below some of the best accommodation options. Wild Irish Walks is a registered affiliate of booking.com so if you book via any of the below links we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. It would really help with the upkeep and running of this website so please do use these links if you are going to stay in Doolin.
Hotel Doolin
Probably the most well known accommodation option in the village. I have spent lovely times eating and drinking in Hotel Doolin. The food is top notch with multiple offerings through Glas Restaurant, the Stonewall Pizzeria and the hotel bar itself. The atmosphere is always nice too if you are just there for a drink. Accommodation options include both rooms within the hotel and family friendly guesthouses for larger groups.
Fiddle and Bow
Similar to Hotel Doolin, the Fiddle and Bow Hotel has a few different food and drink choices for patrons such as Russell’s Seafood Bar, Russell’s Fish Shop and Rocket House. The Fiddle and Bow offers hotel room, cottages and guest house accommodation options. A lovely hotel in the heart of Doolin.
Doolin Inn
Offering 4 star country house accommodation with a lovely restaurant and bar on site, the Doolin Inn will satisfy all your needs. Well worth a visit on your trip to Clare.
Oar Restaurant and Rooms
As mentioned above, the Oar Restaurant offers Michelin guide quality food. With only a small number of rooms available, grab this opportunity to stay in this upscale yet reasonably priced establishment should it arise.
Dubhlinn House
If you are interested in a more down to earth option, the Dubhlinn House B&B is the one for you. Anytime I have stayed in this B&B, I have been impressed by the clean rooms, hospitable hosts and tasty breakfast on offer. I stayed here most recently while completing the Burren Way and couldn’t find fault with this great accommodation option.
So that’s it from Doolin. Hope to see you there soon!