There are lots of things to do in Doolin. Doolin is a small town in the County of Clare known as the base for Cliffs of Moher. From amazing landscapes and seascapes, there are also interesting activities in Doolin that visitors can enjoy.
READ MORE: Best Hotels In Doolin.
So here are the top things to do in Doolin, and why it’s worth visiting this charming town.
Things you'll find in this article
Things To Do In Doolin Ireland (For 2024)
1. Doolin Cliff Walk – one of the top things to do in Doolin
The Doolin Cliff Walk starts at Doolin and ends at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center. This walk offers a spectacular sight of the cliffs along the Atlantic. The trail is about 8 km and approximately takes about 3 hours and it’s one of the best hikes and walking trails in Ireland. From the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center, you can just take the public transport to go back to Doolin.
2. Doolin Music House – one of the fun things to do in Doolin
Want to experience authentic Irish traditional music? This music house is owned by Christy Barry, a Doolin local. The difference with other traditional music performance is that it is done inside his own house, giving visitors a homey ambiance.
Christy Barry is also an award-winning traditional musician and played extensively in Europe and the USA. So if your idea of a good time includes a cozy ambiance, amazing music, good wine and snacks in front of a fireplace, then this music house is a must.
Opening Times
The sessions at Christy Barry’s home take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (other days available on request) from 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm.
Contact Information
Address: R478, Aughiska More, Ireland, Doolin V95 WY06, Ireland
Email: doolinmusichouse@gmail.com
Phone: +353 (0)86 824 10 85
3. Doonagore Castle – Doolin Ireland
Doonagore Castle is Doolin’s iconic 16th century round tower house castle on the hill overlooking Doolin Point. The name Doonagore came from the Irish words Dún na Gabhair which means “fort of the goats”. Currently, the castle is not accessible to the public as it is a private holiday home. It is one those Irish castles that are not owned by the state so touring inside is not possible but you can get close to it and take a picture.
4. Doolin Cave
Doolin Cave or Pol an Ionain is a limestone cave in Doolin located at the western edge of Burren National Park. It is known for its Great Stalactite which is one of the longest free hanging stalactites in the world and the longest known free-hanging stalactites in Europe.
This cave is one of the best things to do in County Clare and one of the amazing activities in Ireland.
Opening Times
Open 10am-5pm daily.
Admission Fee
Adults: €15.00
Children: €8.00
Family 2 Adults and up to 3 Children: €45
5. Gus O’Connor’s
This pub is quite popular with locals and tourists and for a reason. Not only that they serve amazing food but this pub has been entertaining guests with awesome Irish traditional music since 1832.
If you find yourself in Doolin, make sure to stop by for lunch or dinner. Gus O’Connor’s is one of the best things to do in Doolin.
Opening Times
Monday – Sunday from 10 am to 12 am
Contact Information
Address: Fisher Street
Email: gusoconnorspub@gmail.com
Phone: 00353 657074168
Things To Do In Near Doolin
6. Take a day trip to the Aran Islands
Aran Islands are a group of rocky islands located in Galway Bay. The islands include Inishmore (Inis Mór – the largest island), Inishmaan (Inis Meáin – the second largest), and Inisheer (Inis Oírr – the smallest). On the islands, you can explore ancient stone forts and churches, awesome cliffs, and flora and fauna. It is one of the best day trips from Galway.
7. Aillwee Cave & Birds of Prey
Aillwee Cave is a cave complex in Burren National Park in County Clare. It is privately owned along the Birds of Prey center in the location.
A visit to Aillwee Cave includes exploring the caverns, underground river, stunning rock formations, and a waterfall. It is said that the cave is over 350,000 years old.
The Birds of Prey center, on the other hand, educates visitors on the conservation of the Raptors, their biology, and the ancient art of Falconry.
Opening Times
10 am to 5 pm. However, it varies month to month so for an updated list of opening hours, click here.
Admission Fee
Cave only
Adult €12.00
Child between 5-16 yrs of age €5.50
Family Ticket €29.00 (2 Adults & 1/2 Children)
Family Ticket €35.00 (2 Adults and up to 4 Children)
Birds of Prey Centre only
Adult€12.00
Child between 5-16 yrs of age€8.00
Family Ticket €29.00 (2 Adults and up to 4 Children)
Joint Ticket for Cave & Birds of Prey Centre
Adult €18.00
Child between 5-16 yrs of age €10.00
Family Ticket €44.00 (2 Adults & 1/2 Children)
Family Ticket €50.00 (2 Adults & up to 4 Children)
Contact Information
Address: Ballyvaughan, Clare, Republic of Ireland
Email: info@aillweecave.ie
Phone: +353 65 7077036
8. Cliffs of Moher cruise
Cliffs Of Moher, Image by Christine Rogador
There are several Cliffs of Moher cruises that start and end at Doolin pier. If you want a different way to see the cliffs, then a cruise is a must. The boat cruises below the spectacular cliffs which tower over 700ft above the ocean.
To book your cruise tour for €15 per person, click here.
9. Doolin Chocolate Shop
And lastly, nothing beats ending your trip in a chocolate shop. The Doolin Chocolate Shop is a popular shop to try handmade Irish artisan chocolate.
The chocolate shop offers amazing chocolate bars, chocolate slices, chocolate boxes, fudges, and chocolate lollies – a treat for yourself or your loved ones. See it for yourself!
Contact Information
Address: Fisher St, Ballyvara, Doolin, Co. Clare, Ireland
Phone: +353 61 922 080
10. The Burren
The Burren National Park is the smallest among the national parks in Ireland. Established in 1991, it only covers an area of 5.8 square miles in County Clare.
The name Burren came from the word “Boireann” which means “great rock”. It is because the entire park is dominated by a glaciated karst landscape. Despite the soil being covered by rocks, the park has diverse and rich floras. During summer, these floras bloom in a way that will leave the visitors in awe because of the park’s natural beauty.
Opening Times
April to September only. Daily between 9:30 am to 5 pm. To verify the schedule, click here.
Admission Fee
Free
Contact Information
Email: burrennationalpark@chg.gov.ie
Phone: +353-65-6827693
11. Moher Hill Farm
Moher Hill Farm is an open farm and leisure park located on the Western seaboard of Cliffs of Moher. It is located in the nearby Liscannor and it’s only less than 15 minutes from Doolin.
Aside from the animals, they also have several outdoor and indoor activities for the entire family. They have mini-golf, nature walking trail, picnic and play areas. If you are traveling with family, this is one of the best things to do in Doolin with kids.
Opening Times
Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm. Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm.
Admission Fee
€8 Adult
€8 Child
€6 Child under 3 years
€6 Senior Citizens
Children under 18 months go free
Contact Information
Address: Moher Hill Open Farm, Cliffs of Moher Road, Liscannor, Co.Clare.
Email: moherfarm@eircom.net
Phone: 0657081071
Planning to visit Doolin and don’t know where to start yet? Here’s a list of the best accommodations in Doolin.
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Alexander Popkov
Tuesday 5th of February 2019
Somehow, I liked the cliff most of all. A place where I would love to hand out with my camera.
Marc
Tuesday 5th of February 2019
My friend and I are planning a road trip around Ireland in March so this was very useful. I’ll be sure to share this with my friend too