Explore The Region

Doolin is a charming small seaside village on the northwest coast of County Clare on Irelands Wild Atlantic Way. Set against the rugged Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by the spectacular limestone landscape of the Burren, Doolin is a place of breathtaking beauty.

Doolin itself is noted throughout the world for its famous Traditional Irish music. Musicians from every corner of the world travel to Doolin to experience its uniqueness.

Doolin is situated 8km from the famous Cliffs of Moher, 6km from Lisdoonvarna spa town, 50km from Shannon Airport and 70km from Galway City on the west coast of Ireland.

There are lots of different activities and attractions to enjoy during your stay.

Exploring the burren

Local Activities

  • Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk – The spectacular coastal walking trail links the village of Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher. Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher is 7km long and takes about 1.5/2 hrs each way. The trail starts in Doolin, outside O’Connor’s pub.

  • Boat Trips to Aran Islands – Doolin is the gateway to the Aran Islands. There are numerous sailings to the 3 islands daily, starting at approx 9.30am from Doolin pier - check out DoolinFerry.com

  • Horse Riding – There is a horse riding centre 5 minutes from our B&B which has lots of different options including Beach Trails and Burren Trails – www.mountainviewtrekking.com for further details.

  • Surfing & Kite Surfing – Our nearby village, Lahinch is a surfing mecca for all age groups and is a 15 minute drive from Doolin village.

  • Cycling – If you want to tour the area by bicycle, there are a number of bike rental options in Doolin village.

There are lots of other activities available including hiking trails and rock climbing. Please enquire if you would like more information.

  • Ailwee Cave/Birds of Prey – Explore a cave, watch eagles in flight and sample delicious local food products at Aillwee Cave in Ballyvaughan County Clare. This stunning creation of nature was gradually formed by prehistoric Ice Age melt waters carving paths through this limestone mountain. The Burren Birds of Prey Centre has been educating and entertaining visitors with dynamic flying displays set against the dramatic Burren Landscape – For more details, check out www.aillweeburrenexperience.ie

  • Aran Islands – The three Aran Islands, Inis Mór Island (Big Island), Inis Meáin Island (Middle Island) and Inis Oírr Island (Smallest Island) are situated in a north westerly, south easterly direction at the mouth of Galway Bay, Ireland. They are famous for their geological formation, historical monuments and their linguistic and cultural heritage. The Irish(Gaelic) language is still spoken here. Boat trips to the islands are available daily from Doolin Pier.

  • Burren Smokehouse – The Burren Smokehouse is a family-run business that was set up in 1989 where they smoke their own salmon. It is renowned all over the world and a lot of the local pubs, hotels and restaurants in the area order salmon from the Smokehouse. Call into the Burren Smokehouse Visitor Centre and get a tasting of their Burren smoked salmon.  For further details check out: www.burrensmokehouse.com

  • Poulnabrone Dolmen – Poulnabrone dolmen is among the most famous landmarks in the Burren. The Dolmen is surrounded by the characteristic Burren limestone pavement where many examples of the famous burren flora can be found. Poulnabrone Dolmen excavated in 1986 and among the discoveries were the remains of 16-22 adults and 6 children.

Local Attractions

  • Cliffs of Moher – The Cliffs of Moher are Ireland’s most visited natural attraction. They stretch for 8km (5miles), as the crow flies, along the Atlantic coast of County Clare and reach 214m (702 feet) at their highest point just north of O’Brien’s Tower. Here you can have a world class one in a million visitor experience – www.cliffsofmoher.ie for more information.

  • Doolin Cave – Doolin Cave is home to the Great Stalactite which hangs at 7.3 metres (23feet). It is the longest free-hanging stalactite in the Northern Hemisphere. The Great Stalactite, suspended from the ceiling like a chandelier, is truly astounding. Visitors can hardly believe that it was formed from a single drop of water over thousands of years. Doolin Cave also have a nature trail and a cafe where you can relax and enjoy some delicious home-cooked foods and home-baked cakes. Doolin Cave pottery, hand-made using glacial clay found deep within Doolin Cave, is available in the gift-shop. Check out www.doolincave.ie for more information.

  • Burren Flora and Fauna – The Burren is home to 1,100 species of plants out of the 1,400 in Ireland as a whole. It is the only place in Europe where Mediterranean and Arctic Alpine plants grow together in perfect harmony. Rare flowers include Lady’s Tresses (Spiranthes spiralis), Bee Orchids (Ophrys apifera) and Fly Orchids (Ophrys muscifera).