Doolin is a boisterous village with a passion for traditional Irish music. The village is packed with atmospheric bars and pubs where you can listen to foot-stomping tunes. Order a pint of Guinness and watch world-class musicians play fiddles, banjos, accordions and ‘bodhran’ drums.
From the mighty Cliffs of Moher to the genteel spa town of Lisdoonvarna, Doolin is a great base for daytrips in County Clare. Discover dramatic landscapes like the Burren, where ancient glaciers have carved cliffs, caves and rock formations into the limestone.
See one of the longest stalactites in Europe at Doolin Cave. The enormous spire is more than seven metres long and weighs a huge 10 tonnes. It hangs from the ceiling of a cathedral-like cavern and has been forming for more than 350 million years.
Board a ferry and sail to the Aran Islands. The archipelago is just offshore and home to some of the most fascinating ancient sites in Ireland. Dún Aonghasa, a prehistoric hillfort perched on a rugged clifftop, is one of the most famous.
Getting there
Doolin is on the west coast of Ireland, a 1.5-hour drive from Galway. The village is compact and easy to get around on foot. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Doolin and explore County Clare at your own pace.