Located in County Clare, Doolin is a small village with a giant heart. Its location on the Wild Atlantic Way makes it rich in scenery, heritage and outdoor excursions.
It’s also home to traditional Irish music & the warm embrace of a true ‘Irish Welcome’. From roaring fires to lively trad sessions, there are plenty of things to see and to do in Doolin.
Doonagore Castle
One of the most iconic landmarks on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way, Doonagore Castle is a must-see during your visit to Doolin. It's a beautiful 16th century tower house with a small walled enclosure, and is situated on top of a hill overlooking Doolin Point.
It was once a navigational pier, and today is a privately owned holiday home. But you can still get a good look at it from the outside, and it is definitely worth stopping by for a photo against the stunning backdrop of Doolin's cliffs.
But despite its beauty, Doonagore Castle has an unsettling past. When the Spanish Armada was wrecked in 1588, 170 survivors were hanged at the castle or on nearby hills.
A great day trip to do in Doolin is to take a bike tour of the area. On this tour, you'll visit ancient forts and castles, eerie shipwrecks, and other incredible sights. Plus, you'll be able to enjoy delicious fresh scones along the way!
Traditional Irish Music
Irish traditional music is a big part of the culture in Doolin, with pubs playing nightly sessions during the summer months and at the weekend during the off-season. This is a great way to experience the magic of Irish music.
A quiet, peaceful night in one of Doolin's pubs is a lovely way to enjoy some traditional Irish music and a pint or two. In McGann's, Blackie O'Connell, Cyril O'Donoghue and Geraldine O'Connell play at the Wild Atlantic Sessions on Monday nights, while Dubhlinn plays regularly at McDermott's.
This French-born sextet (guitar, bodhran, violin, tin whistle, accordion/vocals and bass) brings a fresh take on traditional Irish music, with their unique arrangements of instrumentals and vocals taking inspiration from pop rock, folk, jazz, funk or even rap – always with a love of the past and a desire to push boundaries.
The band has released four albums. Their most recent, CIRCUS BOY, is a heartfelt and moving album that takes the listener on a journey of friendship and solidarity on the road.
Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most popular attractions, attracting over 1.5 million visitors per year. They’ve been featured in TV shows, films, and music videos, and have even been the subject of a song by Westlife!
There are a few ways to see the cliffs: The easiest is to park at the visitor’s center and take a safe paved path along the edge of the cliffs. However, the cliffs are also accessible from smaller parking lots around Doolin village.
Another option is to hike the Doolin – Cliffs of Moher walk, which is an easy 10 km (5.5 miles) round-trip with a 126 m (400 ft) elevation gain. The trail begins near Doolin and ends at Hag’s Head in Liscannor, where trekkers can hop on a shuttle bus back to Doolin.
Doolin is a charming seaside town with great food and pubs. It’s a great base for exploring the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher.
Burren
The Burren is one of the most unique landscapes in Ireland, a rocky karst region with bizarre geological rock formations. It's a must see destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the nature of Ireland.
It's an ancient flora and fauna paradise, home to hundreds of rare wildflowers, herbs and medicinal plants. It also has a wide variety of caves and turloughs.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Burren is a place of great beauty and majesty. The bare limestone surface is fretted with hollows, channels and clints that have been created by rainwater soaking through the limestone rocks.
Take a guided tour and explore this incredible natural wonder. Or just head off on your own and make the most of your time in The Burren.
