Last updated on March 12th, 2025 at 01:58 pm
When envisioning a trip to Ireland, iconic images like the majestic Cliffs of Moher, emerald landscapes framed by stone walls, and old Irish cottages come to mind. If this is how you picture your visit to Ireland, then Doolin in County Clare is the perfect place to base yourself!
In this Ireland travel article, we will guide you through the top things to do in Doolin, beginning with iconic highlights like the Cliffs of Moher and the nearby Aran Islands.
We’ll also introduce you to the best day trips from Doolin, how to get to Doolin, and our recommendations for top accommodations in Doolin. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?
The Best Things to Do in Doolin
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1 – The Cliffs of Moher
Let’s begin with the most obvious thing to do in Doolin – The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland’s second most visited site, is situated just a short distance from the village
Visitors can gaze in awe at the cliffs that rise dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean, reaching heights of over 213 meters (700 feet). Additionally, there are two scenic walking trails with more breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. Allow at least two hours at least two hours to take in the stunning views from O’Brien’s Tower, walk the scenic trails, and visit the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience Center.
The Cliffs of Moher are located only a short 10-minute drive from Doolin, with a distance of 9 kilometers (5 miles) making Doolin the perfect place to base yourself when visiting one of Ireland’s most famous attractions.
*Ireland Travel Tip – The Cliffs of Moher walking trails do not have safety rails in all areas, and unfortunately there have been fatalities over the years due to people getting too close to the edge. Have a great time, but please exercise caution.
2 – The Doolin Cliff Walk
One of the best things to do in Doolin is to hike directly to the top of the cliffs by following the Doolin Cliff Walk. While there may be signs indicating that the trail is closed, you’ll likely see many locals still using it, so the decision is yours.
An alternative hike is from Liscannor to the Cliffs of Moher, which we believe offers better views, as the sun will be at your back. Both hikes typically take around three hours to complete, and the best part is that you can enjoy the stunning cliffs without paying an entrance fee.
Again, exercise caution, as the paths can be slippery given the frequent rainfall in Ireland and barriers are not always in place.
3 – Cliffs of Moher Cruise
After enjoying the breathtaking views from the top of the Cliffs of Moher, another exciting thing to do in Doolin is to take a Cliffs of Moher cruise, providing you with a completely different view. Trust us, when the boat takes you to the base of the cliffs and you gaze upward, you’ll truly come to appreciate their immense size.
The tour lasts for one hour and will take you past iconic sights like Harry Potter’s Cave and the impressive Sea Stack. There are four departures daily from Doolin at 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 5:15 PM.
We strongly recommend booking in advance to secure the departure time that works best for you, especially in the summer months – Reserve your Cliffs of Moher Cruise today by clicking here.
4 – Take a day trip to the Aran Islands
A popular thing to do in Doolin is take a day trip from Doolin to the Aran Islands which are made up of three islands, Inis Mór, Inis Meain, and Inis Oírr. Visitors can take a ferry from Doolin Pier to explore these ruggedly beautiful islands, known for their ancient ruins, traditional Irish culture, and stunning coastal landscapes.
The three different Aran islands all have their own unique attractions.
- Inis Mór offers visitors the breathtaking prehistoric fort of Dún Aonghasa, the fascinating ruins of the Seven Churches (Na Seacht nEaglaisí), and the stunning natural beauty of the Worm Hole (Poll na bPeist)
- Inis Meain features the ancient Dun Fearbhai stone fort, and the informative Aran Islands Heritage Centre
- Inis Oírr (also known as Inisheer) has the iconic Plassy Shipwreck, made famous by the sitcom Father Ted, and the picturesque Inis Oírr Lighthouse located at the island’s western tip.
If you only have one day to explore the Aran Islands, we recommend Inis Mór. To book tickets and find time-tables use the Doolin Ferry website for the latest updates.
For additional ideas on exploring Ireland, take a look at Ultimate two-week Ireland Itinerary.
5. Doonagore Castle at Sunset
One of the best free things to do in Doolin is visiting Doonagore Castle at sunset. If you cant make it at sunset, don’t worry the view is still spectacular of this iconic attraction in Clare any time of the day.
Although the grounds are private and off-limits, Doonagore Castle is definitely worth a visit and offers a fantastic photo opportunity.
You can either incorporate Doonagore Castle into the Doolin Cliff Walk on your way back, or else it’s just a short drive from Doolin. Do be mindful that parking is limited here, and please drive slowly around the bends to ensure the safety of any walkers.
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6. Doolin’s iconic Fisher Street
As we mentioned before, this part of Ireland is exactly what you picture when you think of the country, and Fisher Street definitely fits that description.
After you finish your Doolin Cliff Walk, head to Fisher Street for some great photo opportunities of the charming, colorful traditional Irish cottages.
There are a few shops on Fisher Street where you can pick up a few souvenirs. In our opinion, the best attraction on Fisher Street is Gus O’Connor’s Pub, Doolin’s most famous pub, where you can relax by the fire with a pint of Guinness or enjoy a hearty traditional Irish meal like seafood chowder or Irish Stew.
7. Explore Doolin Cave
One of the most adventurous things to do in Doolin is visiting the nearby Doolin Cave, a natural attraction with one of the longest stalactites in the world, measuring over 7 meters in length.
This remarkable natural feature is over 350 million years old and a visit to Doolin Cave is like stepping into a different world. Visitors can take guided tours of the cave that last about one hour, learning about its geological formations and the fascinating history of the area.
There are five daily tours operating every hour from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. During the summer months, this is one of the most visited attractions in Doolin, so it’s a good idea to book your Doolin Cave Tour in advance to secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment.
8. Aillwee Cave Burren Experience
While we are talking about adventurous things to do in Doolin, consider visiting another cave. Ailwee Cave is located in the Burren National Park and is 30 minutes by car from Doolin.
While Aillwee Cave may not feature a gigantic stalactite, there are still incredible rock formations. However, our favorite thing about Aillwee Cave is that it was once home to brown bears. Visitors can see the skeletal remains of two of these brown bears found inside, dating back 10,000 years to the last ice-age.
As always, book a ticket in advance to secure your spot – Aillwee Cave Burren Experience Entry Ticket.
9 – The Burren National Park
We highly recommend visiting the Burren National Park, besides Aillwee Cave there are several other fantastic attractions to explore in the area, which we’ll discuss shortly. But first, let’s take a closer look at Burren National Park itself.
One of Ireland’s six national parks, the Burren is a unique karst landscape that almost resembles the moon. It’s best explored by car, and a great road trip and a popular thing to do in Doolin is driving the Burren Scenic Drive.
In addition to driving the Burren Scenic Drive, there are also some excellent hiking opportunities in the Burren such as the Mullaghmore Loop (Blue Route), Slieve Carran, and the Eagles Nest Loop.
10. The Poulnabrone Dolmen
Situated in the heart of the Burren National Park is one of Ireland’s oldest and most famous megalithic sites, believed to be over 5,000 years old. While it may not be the largest dolmen in Ireland, it is the most popular among the approximately 172 dolmens in Ireland.
The Poulnabrone Dolmen has been the site of several excavations, revealing the remains of 33 individuals, including a baby with Down syndrome, which is believed to be the earliest known case of the condition.
The Poulnabrone Dolmen is a fantastic Doolin attraction and is free to visit.
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11. Father Ted’s House
If you’re a fan of the sitcom Father Ted, you’ll definitely want to check out the next amazing thing to do in Doolin, the iconic house where much of the series was filmed. If you don’t know Father Ted, start watching the best comedy series to come out of Ireland!
Father Ted’s House is also located in the Burren, and we recommend including it in your Burren Scenic Drive itinerary. Unfortunately, there are no tours available, and please note that the house is now private property. Parking is limited, but if you drive a little past the house, you will find some space to pull over for a quick photo.
12. Corcomroe Abbey
During our last visit to the Burren, we decided to stop by Corcomroe Abbey since we were in the area, and we’re so glad we did! Corcomroe Abbey is a hidden gem in Ireland that we hadn’t heard of before.
Built in the 13th century, Corcomroe Abbey is set against the stunning backdrop of the Burren. This free attraction features remarkable stone carvings, considered some of the finest in Ireland.
You can also find the tomb of Conchobhar Ruadh Ua Briain, the King of Thomond, who was killed in a nearby battle. Be sure to add Corcomroe Abbey to your list of things to see in Doolin, it’s definitely worth the visit!
13 Fanore Beach
You might be surprised to learn that Ireland has a lot of stunning beaches! One of these gems is Fanore Beach, which is just a 20-minute scenic drive from Doolin.
Fanore Beach is a great addition to the Burren Scenic Drive and can be included with a visit to Corcomroe Abbey.
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14. Loop Head Drive
There are endless options for day trips from Doolin and the Loop Head Drive is a fantastic thing to do when in Doolin. This picturesque coastal drive takes visitors on a journey around the Loop Head Peninsula, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and some of the best traditional beautiful villages in Ireland along the way.
Starting your journey in Doolin, make your way to Spanish Point and then proceed to Kilkee where the official road trip begins. The best attractions on the Loop Head Drive Head are: the Kilkee Cliffs, the Bridges of Ross, the Loop Head Lighthouse, and Carrigaholt Castle.
Travel Tip for Ireland: The Loop Head Lighthouse has been guiding ships along this treacherous coastline since it was first lit in 1854 and is now open for tours. Visitors can enjoy guided tours and breathtaking views from the top of the lighthouse.
15. Saint Brigid’s Well
One of the most overlooked things to do in Doolin is Saint Brigid’s Well, one of the oldest wells in Ireland that is believed to possess healing powers. Inside the grotto, you’ll see thousands of mementos and candles left by visitors. Be sure to include the nearby old graveyard, which features some intriguing graves from World War I, along with those of local clan leaders.
Saint Brigid’s Well is a free attraction near Doolin that is open at all times. There are two locations listed on Google Maps, so make sure you select the one near Moher Cottage.
16. The Rock Shop
Just a short drive from Saint Brigid’s Well is The Rock Shop, a unique gift store quickly becoming one of the most popular things to do in Doolin.
If you’re looking for authentic Irish souvenirs, this is the perfect shop. It offers a wide range of items, such as Celtic jewelry, crystals, locally made beauty products, fridge magnets, and more, all at reasonable prices.
The shop also features a cozy cafe where you can relax both indoors and outdoors with a coffee and sandwich while enjoying scenic views.
17. Lahinch
If you are looking for recreational things to do in Doolin then drive for twenty minutes to Lahinch, known as one of the premier surfing destinations in Ireland.
Numerous surfing schools in Lahinch will provide you with lessons if you need it, and all the surfing gear you need.
Not into surfing no problem, there is also a stunning beach with a golf course right next to it and plenty of lovely cafes, restaurants, and some of the best pubs in Ireland!
18. Take a Sauna on the Beach
In the last couple of years, a new trend in Ireland is to take a sauna followed by a refreshing dip in the Atlantic Sea. A short walk to Doolin Pier you’ll find a sauna and a seaweed bath. With an increasing number enjoying this activity it has become one of the most popular things to do in Doolin.
19. Irish Music Trad night
When in Ireland, a visit to an Irish pub is a must to truly experience Irish culture. One of the best things to do in Doolin, or anywhere in Ireland is a “Trad Night.”
A trad night is a live performance of traditional Irish music from local musicians playing instruments such as fiddles, flutes, bodhráns (Irish drums), and guitars. Everyone is invited to sing along or join in. We love a good trad night!
The best pub in Doolin for a trad night is Gus O’ Shea’s Pub. Other bars are Fitz’s Pub, McCann’s Pub, and McDermott’s Pub. Enjoy!
20. Visit Galway on a day trip
Rounding off our list of top things to do in Doolin, is another road trip, this time to Galway City.
While we recommend spending a night in Galway to truly experience one of the best cities in Ireland, you may have your accommodation booked in Doolin already. In that case, you must take a day trip, it will be worth it!. Some of the must-see attractions in Galway include Eyre Square, the Latin Quarter, and the Galway Cathedral
Spend 4 amazing days in the southwest of Ireland. Visiting Galway, Cliffs of Moher, the amazing Dingle Peninsula, visiting traditional Irish villages, and finishing with a kiss of the Blarney Stone.
Click on the link for all details.
Doolin Hotels: Where Will I Stay in Doolin?
The following Doolin hotels were chosen based on location, value for money, and of course, guest reviews.
Luxury Lodges in Doolin Village
When you stay at Luxury Lodges in Doolin Village, you’ll be just a short 10-minute drive from the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. Each of the 8 uniquely decorated guest rooms and cottages features outdoor private hot tubs and fully equipped kitchens, making them ideal for families and self-catering stays.
This highly sought-after accommodation in Doolin fills up quickly, so be sure to book your stay at the Luxury Lodges in Doolin Village to secure your spot!
Hotel Doolin
If you’re searching for a hotel stay, look no further than Hotel Doolin, the best hotel in the area. Hotel Doolin is perfectly located to explore all the best things to do in Doolin.
The modern rooms include a traditional Irish breakfast, and there’s also a restaurant and residents’ bar to enjoy a few pints in the evening – Book your stay with Hotel Doolin here.
There are many great things to do in Doolin!
Whether you take on all of these day trips from Doolin or pick and choose some of the fantastic things to do in Doolin itself, we are certain you will fall in love with this picture-perfect coastal town, just as we have, and we wish you the most wonderful trip.
Why not let us know how you get on during your Doolin visit? You can leave a comment below, or even better, leave us a message on our socials.
Slán go fóil
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