Location: Doolin
Top Things to do in Doolin
The 10 Best Things to Do in Doolin, Ireland
Doolin (Irish: Dúlainn) is a coastal village in County Clare, Ireland, on the Atlantic coast. It borders the spa town of Lisdoonvarna. It is a noted centre of traditional Irish music, which is played nightly in its pubs, making it a popular tourist destination. There are numerous nearby archaeological sites, many dating to the Iron Age and earlier. Doonagore Castle and Ballinalacken Castle are also in the area. The area was officially classified as part of the West Clare Gaeltacht (an Irish-speaking community) until 1956, and, due to trade with the Aran Islands, maintained a strong connection to it until the 1990s.
Restaurants in Doolin
1. Clare Coastal Walk Project
Overall Ratings
5 based on 162 reviews
Reviewed By jf002
If you can walk, this is the way to see the Cliffs of Moher. Park your car (or get a ride) to the parking area by O'connors Pub in Doolin. Walk back across the bridge, turning to your right and up the small road until you find the sign and gate for the coastal walk. 6 kilometers of easy hiking (unless there has been a big rain) with very few people in sight. Gorgeous views which become even more spectacular as the cliffs rise in front of you. When you get to the area of the visitors center and parking, you will be astounded by the masses of humanity who climb off their day-bus trips and see such a small part of this beautiful area. Walk down to the carpark and take the Paddy Wagon shuttle back to your car. Be sure to check shuttle times before you go so that you aren't waiting around the car park too long. - they only run every hour or two.
2. Cliffs of Moher
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Scenic cliffs stretching 700 feet over the rugged Atlantic coast. A short walk to O'Brien's Tower provides an excellent lookout on Ireland's beautiful western shoreline. The visitor centre hidden underneath the hillside houses an exhibition, two cafes, gift shop, toilets, first aid centre, information points and baggage store
Reviewed By Dawn A - Baltimore, Maryland
This is a must-see when you’re in Ireland. The views from the cliffs are absolutely amazing! I could have stared at the cliffs and taken pictures all day had it not been so darn windy! There was also a very nice visitor’s center, a large gift shop, and a few other little stores as well. Definitely visit!
3. Lahinch Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 373 reviews
Reviewed By ThePBR - NE USA
It was quite the windy day - when we were at Lehinch Beach in October. It's beauty was breathtaking that day. Great to explore and take in the scenery. It was grand to walk about and watch the waves beating on the shore. The town offers a variety of shops, restaurants and pubs.
4. Mountain View Horse Riding Centre
Overall Ratings
5 based on 291 reviews
Located just outside Doolin village on the outskirts of the Burren. Enjoy fantastic views of the magestic Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, Connemara Mountains and Galway Bay on horseback. Gallop along the beach on Ireland's west coast. Caters for everyone from beginner to advanced rider offering treks from 1 to 6 hours long.
Reviewed By kseebe00 - Port Jefferson, New York
I cannot say enough how incredible this experience was. My friend and I went on the 2 hour Trek and loved every minute of it. All the staff were so friendly and helpful and the horses were very well trained. The views were simply stunning and far exceeded our expectations. I've been on other horseback riding excursions but this one tops them all by far. Make time for this experience- you won't regret it!
5. Doolin Cave
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 904 reviews
A Stunning Underworld Experience, the Great Stalactite at Doolin Cave is one of Europe's most compelling cave attractions. It is a truly unique and breathtaking experience:- the largest stalactite in the Norhern Hemisphere. Doolin Cave has a Farmland Nature Trail, which is FREE for its visitors.We have unusual breeds of chickens, sheep, cattle and alovely pygmy goat called Minnie, with her little kid called Vincent Van Goat or Vinnie for short.We have also planted lots of native trees and shrubs and wildflower meadows. Our cafe serves lovely fresh salads, soups, breads and homemade cakes We are very proud to announce that we have recently been awarded a Gold Award from Ecotourism Ireland. Hurray!
Reviewed By Panettonet
The tour of Doolin cave was great. Very informative guide who showed us everything in the cave so we were not left wondering what things in the cave were. The highlight of the tour was obviously the stalactite which we were amazed at. Really wish we could see it for the first time again. Its huge the pictures don't do it justice. The tour is about an hour and you get a hard hat at the beginning of the tour as its quite low in some parts. Great for something to do if you're out in the area or visiting the Cliffs of Moher.
6. The Roadside Tavern
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
Reviewed By Pook72 - Galway
You must try the Burren Gold and the Black. Very different, very tasty! Lots of people eating here so obviously does food well also.
7. Hag's Head
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By Dr Tim T - Sarasota, Florida
Take the trail to the left!! One of the O'brians built this to entertain his female friends!! There is a charge to climb to the top!! 2 Euros. Worth the charge -- great views in all directions!! Absolutely breathtaking scenery!! Hope for a sunny day!!
8. Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 202 reviews
The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geoapark lies on the west coast of Ireland. In the stunning surrounds of this UNESCO-recognized Geopark you will find the longest cave system in Ireland, the largest stalactite in Europe, the Burren National Park, the Carron Nature Reserve, and a host of wild flora and fauna. It's a destination brimming with activities, attractions, culture and excellent food.
9. Burren Smokehouse Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4 based on 130 reviews
The Burren Smokehouse Visitors Centre, Lisdoonvarna, was established in 1995, to create a window for the smokehouse’s own products and other local gourmet products and crafts. We offer a video for our visitors that shows how our salmon is being smoked, starting from filleting to dispatch. The audiovisual is available in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian and English with Dutch subtitles. You can taste our salmon and also look into our very first kiln – now retired – with its smokebox that had a facility for 25 sides of salmon to be smoked.Apart from a painting done by the late Cyril O'Ceirin depicting how salmon was smoked in Ireland thousands of years ago, you will discover our unique mosaics telling the story of the ‘Salmon of Knowledge’.Our Visitor Centre has become a popular attraction in the North County Clare area and welcomes visitors from all over the world. It is open all year round, please check our website – click on ‘Visit us in Ireland’ – to see the opening hours.The centre can also cater for groups of up to 50 people – booking in advance is necessary. In our crafts and delicatessen shop you can conveniently cover all the presents that you will need to bring home with you.The Burren Smokehouse is a family-run business that was set up in 1989 by Birgitta & Peter Curtin. We carefully source our Irish quality raw materials for the Burren Smoked Salmon, Trout, Mackerel, and Cheese. We control our own quality standards with backup of regular testing from independent laboratories and regular checks from organisations who certify us. The Smokehouse currently employs a staff of fifteen, and ships within Ireland and to countries all over the world through our visitor centre and through our website.We are associated with Slow Food Ireland and help organise the annual Burren Slow Food Festival which takes place every May in Lisdoonvarna. We are also member of Good Food Ireland and the Burren Ecotourism Network. We are passionate about our local and Irish foods that you can buy in our gourmet shop. Our range includes: * Our own smoked organic salmon, smoked mackerel, trout; we only use fish caught or grown in Ireland * Irish craft products, gifts, beauty products and clothes * Delicacies like jams, chocolates, biscuits, fruit wine from County Clare, mead, seaweed products, seasonings, honeys * Locally produced dairy, goat and sheep cheese specialtiesFree parking available, as well as access and facilities for the disabled.We offer a world wide mail order service in our visitor centre - pick from our wide range of products and have it shipped to yourself or your friends and family as a souvenir from Ireland.Feel free to ask us any questions you may have, we will be happy to answer them for you.
Reviewed By PatDonnellan1
Visited here on Sunday of August bank holiday weekend. Had visited Bunratty Castle, Ailwee Caves, Birds of Prey centre and camped at Nagles, Doolin. All fantastic experiences and our 2 boys were free at Bunratty & Ailwee...both under 6. Visited the smokehouse on the return trip home. Arrived at 2pm and were told we were in luck that a tour group of American visitors were just arriving and we could join them for the smokehouse experience....for a cost...€21 for the 4 of us. Our boys love smoked salmon and they were interested in seeing how it was made. The experience involved a short video (not very informative), a brief demo of how oak shavings are used in the smoking process, a cringe worthy recounting of the salmon of knowledge story, tasting of 2 types of smoked salmon and finally a sales pitch of the range of products available. The shop is lovely with some great local produce...we should've skipped the video etc but we thought for €21we would have had a better "experience". At the very least a discount on the produce could be offered. I ended up purchasing 4 packets of smoked salmon for €39.95. Not complaining about that as it is really nice but I could've got that by just walking into the shop and saved my €21. Also, overheard some American tourists on the tour commenting that they were expecting a bit more. Bit of a rip off really.
10. The Rock Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 173 reviews
Unique Gift Shop selling rocks, fossils, gems and jewellery and with 'something for everyone' you are sure to find the perfect gift. Also enjoy our homemade scones, cakes and savouries in our relaxing tearoom with beautiful views over Liscannor bay.
Reviewed By Tonycpfc1
Selection of cakes was a little bit overwhelming in a good way. We all enjoyed our cakes . Great coffee as well and all very reasonably priced.
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