Doolin, Ireland is a beautiful seaside village in County Clare. With amazing scenery in all directions and close location to the Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands Ferry, it’s ideal for a day trip, overnight, or extended stay. Doolin is one of the best places to visit on the Wild Atlantic Way. The village is located less than one hour from Shannon Airport and 1.5 hours from both Galway and Limerick City Centres. So visit and enjoy all the benefits of the charming West Coast of Ireland without ever being too far away.
Doolin village is divided up into three main areas. They are Fisher Street, Roadford, and Doolin Harbour. The villages are all within 10 to 20 minutes walking distance of each other. There are also three world famous traditional Irish Pubs in Doolin- Gus O’Connor’s, McDermott’s, and McGann’s to keep the locals and visitors alike smiling. You can enjoy Irish music, local dishes, and mighty ‘Craic’ throughout the year so these places are worth a stop in. Music is played nightly at all three venues in the summer months.
Some top attractions located in Doolin are Doonagore Castle, Doolin Cave, Aran Islands Ferry, Cliffs of Moher Ferry, and Hotel Doolin which hosts many events throughout the year. Many local businesses are members of Doolin Tourism so be sure to visit their website for the best information and details on all things Doolin. When you take the ferry to the Aran Islands or Cliffs of Moher you will sail out below the impressive Doonagore Castle peering down from the hillside over Doolin Pier.
There is no shortage of things to do in Doolin from outdoor pursuits to fireside music sessions. There are also new activities, shops, and cafes popping up all the time so you are spoiled for choice. We’ve picked out the Top 5 things to Doolin to give you a head start.
If it’s history and legend you want than this area has what you are looking for. There are many nearby archaeological sites dating back to the Iron Age that the history buffs in your crew will be fascinated by. It is said that here in Doolin and the Burren Region is where J.R.R. Tolkien got his inspiration for the famous ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy and so an annual Tolkien Festival takes place right next door in Lisdoonvarna.
Whatever your interest, from archaeology to adventure, from geology to botany, there is something at the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark that will stop you in your tracks.
Burren Ecotourism Network
The Doolin Ferry Co. is a proud member of the Burren Ecotourism Network since 2012. This is a network of tourism enterprises with the objective of establishing the Burren as a premier internationally-recognised sustainable tourism region ensuring the future economic and social growth and sustainable development of its communities, environment and heritage. Firstly it seeks to support continued training, mentoring and accreditation in sustainable tourism for its members and for businesses interested in joining the Network.
Furthermore, the Network aims to be a recognisable network of enterprises in the Burren, who have achieved independent accreditation, demonstrate ecotourism ‘best practice’, positively discriminate in each other’s favour, provide ‘one voice’ representation on issues impacting the Burren (where appropriate), and inspire conservation activism.
Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark
The Burren and Cliffs of Moher are very proud of the UNESCO Global Geopark designation. This is not easily achieved and therefore it’s highly valued. The award also honours the successes in creating partnerships between local interests and national agencies in making the tourism and conservation a passionate common interest. The planning and hard work of so many people through the years – and the subsequent winning of the designation – is a shared success. It simply wouldn’t have been possible without an enormous and committed local, county and state collaboration. Our Geopark champions are many and varied.
We are very lucky to be surrounded by so many great things to do and environmentally focused attractions near Doolin, Ireland. The surrounding villages include Liscannor, Lahinch, Lisdoonvarna, Kilfenora, and Ballyvaughan. We’ve picked out our top 5 things to get you started.
Doolin has a wide variety of places to stay. Whether you’re looking for Bed and Breakfast or Self-Catering there is an option for you. Accommodation in Doolin can book up early in the season so be sure to plan ahead if you are hoping to spend some time here. If you are having any trouble finding a place to stay there are also many great options close by in neighboring villages. You can visit the Doolin Tourism website for an up to date accommodation list also.
The Aran Islands Ferry operates from Doolin Pier, Doolin, Co. Clare. The ferry service operates from March to late October, 7 days a week (including holidays).
Look for Fisher Street (where O’Connor’s Pub is located) and the Pier is about a 2 minute drive further. When you see the water and Aran Islands ahead in the distance and then you’ll know you have arrived. Come see Bill Doolin. We are the original Doolin Ferries Est.1970.
Doolin and the surrounding Burren Region of County Clare is jam packed with things to do for all including sightseeing, walking, surfing, caving, rock climbing and much more.
Sail with us on our Express Ferry Fleet! The largest, fastest, and most comfortable ferries from Doolin.
Excellent way to see the Cliffs of Moher. Great and informative young guy who took us out was so friendly and helpful, even offering to take photos for us...
Audrey Whittaker
This is a great boat trip to see the Cliffs of Moher. The guide was very knowledgeable but was hard to hear. Would recommend this cliffs of moher cruise.
Fionnuala Higgina
Great experience heading over to Inisheer. Couldn't fault them, very fast crossing and extremely helpful with boarding & alighting with bikes etc. Will definitely travel again with them to...
David McNamara
