This small coastal village in County Clare is a gateway to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. It's known for nightly traditional Irish music in local pubs and boat tours to the Aran Islands.
Doolin, a small coastal village in County Clare, Ireland, lies along the Wild Atlantic Way. You can easily reach the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren from here. In Doolin, you'll find nightly traditional Irish music performances in the local pubs. The village and its surroundings offer various experiences, from climbing sea cliffs to exploring underground caves.
Exploring the Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher stretch for 14 kilometers along the Atlantic coast, reaching heights of up to 214 meters. You can visit the cliffs via the visitor center, which is open daily from 8am to 9pm. For a different perspective, take a boat tour from Doolin Pier to see the cliffs from sea level. Look out for seabirds like puffins nesting on the cliff faces.
Experiencing Traditional Irish Music
You can listen to live music sessions in the village pubs almost every night. Gus O'Connor's Pub on Fisher Street has hosted musicians for generations. McGann's Pub and McDermott's Pub also regularly feature live traditional music. These sessions allow you to enjoy the music and interact with locals.
Doolin Cave
Visit Doolin Cave to see the Great Stalactite - at 7.3 meters long, it's one of the largest known free-hanging stalactites in the world. Tours of the cave take about an hour and involve descending 120 steps. After the cave tour, you can walk the nature trail on the grounds to learn about the unique Burren landscape.
Taking the Ferry to the Aran Islands
From Doolin Pier, you can take ferries to the Aran Islands. These three islands in Galway Bay maintain many aspects of traditional Irish life, with Irish still spoken as the primary language. On the largest island, Inishmore, you can visit the prehistoric fort of Dún Aonghasa, which sits on a cliff edge. Ferries run regularly from Doolin Pier during the summer months, with less frequent service in winter.
Staying and Dining in Doolin
Doolin has several options for accommodation and dining. You'll find B&Bs, guesthouses, hostels, and campsites. The Doolin Inn is centrally located in the village. For meals, try Gus O'Connor's Pub for traditional Irish dishes, or visit Stonecutters Kitchen for fresh seafood with a view of the countryside. If you're craving something sweet, stop by the Doolin Chocolate Shop.
