Things to do in Doolin: 18 to Add to Your Bucket List!

Are you looking for the best things to do in Doolin Ireland?

If so, you have come to the right place! In this article, I will be sharing some of the best places to visit in Doolin that you should add to your bucket list.

Doolin is situated in County Clare and is a three-hour drive from Dublin.

I have visited Doolin several times over the year and am still charmed by its Irish culture and beauty.

Apart from that, Doolin, County Clare, Ireland boasts the most spectacular seascapes that will also leave you breathless.

I still cannot get over the bucolic farmlands of Doolin where you will find grazing sheep and cows. Trust me, it is a truly mesmerizing sight.

If you are traveling to Ireland for the first time, then I recommend spending a couple of days in Doolin.

Although it is a major tourist attraction, it still retains its local charm, as it is not as large as Killarney or Dublin.

Are you still unsure about what to do in Doolin? Then, keep reading our article on the 18 Best Things to Do in Doolin Ireland that you must add to your bucket list!

Things to do in Doolin: 18 to Add to Your Bucket List

1) One Of The Top Things To Do In Doolin Is To Visit The Cliffs Of Moher

Let us face it: most of us travel to Doolin because of the epic Cliffs of Moher.

It is at the top of our list of things to do in Doolin IE. And rightly so!

The Cliffs of Moher are magnificent and one of the most popular things to do in Ireland.

They rise a spectacular seven hundred feet reaching for the sky, and hug the Atlantic Ocean for an impressive five miles. 

You can drive to the Cliffs of Moher but will have to pay parking fees.

Make sure you take some time to visit the Cliffs of Moher Interpretive Center as well.

You will see this huge domed underground building built into the side of a hill once you enter. The visitor center contains lots of useful information and history concerning the Cliffs of Moher.

Restrooms are located right at the interpretive center, so make sure to use them before you begin your exploration of the Cliffs of Moher!

Tickets here: Cliffs of Moher Full-Day Tour from Dublin

2) Take An Adventures Clifftop Walk

If you are adventurous, do not forget to walk the Doolin Coastal Trail.

This clifftop walk leads to the majestic Cliffs of Moher and is one of the popular things to do in Doolin.

We always walk on this 8 km-long trail as it offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

You can also take the walk from the Cliffs of Moher to Doolin, the walk is still amazing.

And if you are lucky and the weather is clear and sunny, you might also see the Aran Islands from the Doolin Cliff Walk.

Tickets Here: From Doolin: Cliffs of Moher Guided Coastal Walk

3) Guided Tour or Not Is Up To You!

Although you can walk the Doolin Cliff on your own, you also have the option to choose a guided tour.

You can hire a local guide who is well-versed in the local history and make the most of your time here..  The guided tour lasts about three hours.

If you decide to go it alone, I would still suggest you leave at least two hours to enjoy all the views you will encounter.

From the bucolic countryside full of sheep and goats to the Atlantic Ocean views, the walk to the Cliffs of Moher is just amazing!

4) View The Cliffs of Moher From A Different Perspective!

If you are searching for things to do in Doolin to add to your Ireland itinerary, then consider viewing the Cliffs of Moher from the sea level.

That would be quite another perspective altogether!

You can take a boat tour leaving from Doolin Pier that lasts approximately one hour.

Tickets Here: Cliffs of Moher Tour with Boat Ride and Caherconnell Fort

5) Eating Is One Of The Delicious Things To Do In Doolin Ireland

With all the adventurous things to do in Doolin and the surrounding area, you will work up a hearty appetite for sure.

There are lots of amazing places to eat in Doolin so you will have lots of options to choose from.

When visiting Doolin, we chose to have dinner at the Ivy Cottage.

The weather was perfect and we decided to eat out on their patio. My vegan meal was scrumptious so, I highly recommend this restaurant.

Plus, they had a good selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes as well.

There are plenty of such restaurants in Doolin, making it the perfect destination for foodies.

6) Raise A Glass At One Of Doolin’s Gastropubs

Doolin’s pubs are world-renowned for serving up the “craic,” Gaelic for fun!

McDermott’s Pub has been around serving since 1867 and is still family-owned!

You can celebrate with a wide variety of beer on tap, bottled and there is a wine menu as well.

Another great option is visiting Gus O’Connor’s Pub.

This establishment has been around and serving the Doolin community and travelers since 1832!

7) Listen To Traditional Irish Music In Doolin

One of the most enjoyable things to do in Doolin is to listen to Irish music!

Doolin has the reputation of being the home of traditional Irish music, and the most musical village in all of County Clare!

It is said that there are more musicians per square mile in Doolin than anywhere else in the world!

Most of the local pubs or music houses start their loud and often raucous music “sessions” around 9:30 PM. But check with the local establishments to verify.

You can check out McGann’s Pub, where nightly Irish music is played every night. Some evenings, they play music outside so you can sit on the patio and enjoy it.

Trust me, one of the top things to do in County Clare is listen to the traditional Irish music in Doolin IE.

8) Chill at the Fanore Beach

If you are looking for fun places to visit near Doolin, then I would recommend adding Fanore Beach to your Ireland itinerary.

It is only a 20-minute drive from Fisher Street but perfect for a beach bum like me.

This gorgeous sandy beach is a Blue Fag Beach and sees lots of local swimmers. You can swim here as well but just be a little careful.

For adventurers, another fun thing to do at this Doolin beach is learning how to surf.

So, make sure you visit this place once on your trip.

9) Visiting The Burren Region

One of the top places to visit in Doolin is The Burren.

It looks otherworldly and certainly deserves to be on your list of top things to do in Doolin IE.

The limestone rock landscape you will encounter looks nothing like the enchanting rolling green hills of Ireland that you are accustomed to seeing on your Irish trip thus far.

The Burren region is 116 square miles and is home to many interesting geological patterns, tombs, and historical ruins.

I also loved that there are so many trails and walks for you to choose from. So, if you are interested in a little adventure, this is a great place to start.

Tickets Here: Full-Day Cliffs of Moher & Burren Tour

10) Take A Guided Tour Of The Burren

This region is full of stone grey landscapes, archeological forts, stone crosses, and tombs.

If you aren’t sure about exploring it on your own, then you can also take a guided tour with a local guide.

There are plenty of tours available for exploring the Burren region.

Tickets Here: Full-Day Cliffs of Moher & Burren Guided Tour

11) Head 70 Feet Underground At Doolin Cave

Another one of the top places to visit near Doolin is the famous Doolin Cave.

It is located in The Burren Region just outside of Doolin Ireland (less than 3 miles).

For this cave, you will descend 70 feet into the earth. There are 127 metal steps to climb down where you will receive a hard hat to protect your head.

Then, the guide will tell you about Varley and Dickenson who were the early explorers of this cave.

There is an entry ticket associated with this cave which you can buy online to save time and money upon your visit.

Tickets Here: Doolin Cave: Underground Stalactite Tour

 12) Marvel At The Magical Great Stalactite!

The main attraction of Doolin Cave is the magical Great Stalactite.

It is 23 feet (7 meters) long, hanging down from the cave ceiling.

It is so unbelievable it has to be seen to be believed and should be added to your list of things to do in Doolin Ireland.

Tickets Here: Doolin Cave: Underground Stalactite Tour

13) Walk The Farmland Nature Trail And View An Ancient Castle

The Farmland Nature Trail is a gentle one-kilometer (less than one mile) looped trail around the Doolin Cave Visitor Center.

You can wander at your own pace and enjoy authentic Ireland countryside views.

There is also the ancient Ballinalacken Castle that you will find here. Once used as a fortification, it is abandoned now, but a wonderful part of Irish history.

For history and nature lovers, this walking trail is a great way to spend time in Doolin Ireland.

14) Stop At  Doonagore Castle For Epic Photos

One of the top things to do in Ireland, apart from visiting the Cliffs of Moher, is exploring the Doonagore Castle.

This castle is located 1 km from Doolin and lies between the Doolin Village and the Cliffs of Moher.

What fascinated me about this castle is that it is a round 16th-century tower house with a small round courtyard enclosure.

Moreover, due to its location, it offers stunning views of Doolin and the Atlantic Ocean to visitors.

15) Surfing Is An Adventurous Thing To Consider!

Of course, for adventure lovers, one of the best things to do in County Clare is surfing.

Yes, it is a thing here!

You will find plenty of surf schools in the area, making Doolin Ireland the perfect place to hone your surf skills.

Apart from surfing, you will find schools here for other watersports as well including sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, and more!

16) Coasteering Is An Epic Sport To Try If You Dare!

Are you still confused about what to do in Doolin? Well, if you love adventure, then do try coasteering in Doolin!

This adventure activity involves climbing, jumping, swimming, and exploring gullies, caves, and rock formations.

Oh, and sometimes jumping off high cliffs. Not for the faint of heart.

You will find plenty of schools here to learn coasteering. This activity is mainly done along the spectacular cliffs of County Clare, not far from Doolin, along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Here is my daughter, Victoria, from Follow Me Away jumping off a very high cliff, while coasteering along the Wild Atlantic Way!

Are you this adventurous? Fun fact: I am not!

17) Meander Main Street Doolin For An Authentic Souvenir

Of course, one of the top things to do in Doolin Ireland is exploring the local crafts here.

You will find plenty of cute boutiques and shops offering a wide variety of gifts to explore around the village.

Textiles, handmade Irish knitwear, jewelry, etc. can be bought for your home.

Trust me, there are plenty of authentic souvenirs and gifts that you can find in Doolin!

18) A Trip To The Aran Islands

Another one of the top things to do in Ireland is planning a trip to the Aran Islands.

Thankfully, the islands are close to Doolin so you can easily plan a day trip from the village.

The three Aran Islands are world-renowned for their geology, history, and Irish culture. And one of the rare places where the inhabitants continue to use their native Irish language every day!

You can get to the Aran Islands from Doolin Pier using the local ferry.

These ferries operate generally from March until November and are the quickest way to explore the islands.

There are lots of amazing things to do on the Aran Islands.

You can take a guided tour,  or hire bicycles and head out to explore the raw beauty and local culture the Aran Islands offer.

Tickets Here: From Doolin: Day Trip to Inisheer with Bike or Tractor Tour

Getting To And Around Doolin Ireland

Renting a car is one of the best ways to travel the Wild Atlantic Way and see all the breathtaking vistas and views all along the way.

You would have your transportation to the various attractions in and around Doolin and could plan your days on your schedule.

If a car rental is not in your plan, there are lots of guided tours headed to Doolin.

Each way has its pros and cons, and it is for you to decide the best way to travel to Doolin Ireland that is most convenient and practical for you and your traveling companion.

Where to Stay in Doolin

Fiddle + Bow Hotel – One of the best boutique hotels in Doolin IE, Fiddle + Bow Hotel is a great place to stay.

It is located in the city center and features Russells, an authentic dining experience that suits everyone. This is the perfect hotel for exploring the Aran Islands, the Cliffs of Moher, and so on.

Check Prices Here

Aran View Country House – For a unique stay, Aran View Country House is perfect. This is a Georgian house located on a hill and offers amazing views of the Clare coastline.

It is a 10-minute walk from Doolin and only 11 km from the Aran Islands.

Check Prices Here

The Pipers Rest – If you wish to stay close to the Irish pubs in a homely atmosphere, then the Pipers Rest is perfect for you. Couples love this place and you have lots of options for hiking, surfing, horse riding, etc. in the area.

Check Prices Here

Additional Packing Tips For Your Trip To Ireland

It is always prudent to pack light in a carry-on during your travels in Ireland.

A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring during your visit to Ireland. This unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors

If you have a pouch already you may not want to or need to invest in a new one, like me. If it does not come with the RFID protection, these RFID sleeves would be handy to prevent identity theft.

I was never a fan of packing cubes until I tried them out! Now I am sold. These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use whenever I travel.

This world traveler adapter kit can charge several devices at the same time.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is very easy to use.

I am a big fan of locking my luggage too. These TSA compatible durable luggage locks have easy to read numbers and are easy to set.

I I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it will fit nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse.

And the Bobble carbon filter ensures fresh clean water whenever and wherever you fill the Bobble. You can find filter replacements here. 

This collapsible set of silicone foldable water bottles would work well for you.

You will want to bring a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle,phone, extra clothes, etc.. This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.

You will be walking more than usual when visiting Doolin. A sturdy and comfortable pair of walking shoes is a must-have. These waterproof all-season shoes are extremely affordable and yet fashionable.

Mostly everyone is familiar with the Skechers brand, and these Air Run high fashion sneakers come in a lot of colors to match your outfits and are still affordable.

They are very comfortable. I also sometimes bring along my Vionic Tides flip flops. The toe post is so comfortable which makes wearing these super comfortable.

We all need to protect our eyes from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. These unisex polarized sunglasses come in a lot of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too.

If you are fond of the aviator-style of sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you. I like polarized sunglasses because they remove the glare and help you to see things more clearly.

If you are in need of new luggage, this expandable soft side spinner luggage is affordable and comes in lots of colors. If you like hard-sided better, then you may favor this hard-sided luggage set better.

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

On your visit to Doolin Ireland, you can snap a memorable Instagram shot just as Victoria and Terrence of Follow Me Away did. 

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