We have made a short 3-day itinerary packed with suggestions on how to make the most of your time in Doolin. We definitely recommend spending at least 3 days in Doolin but of course there is more to do, here are only a few highlights.
Day 1 – Cliffs of Moher & Doolin Cave
Arrive in Doolin in the morning and start your day with the amazing Doolin Cliffs Walk, which will lead you all the way to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre (length of walk 8km). Enjoy the views and fresh air, grab a coffee at the Visitor Centre and then head back to Doolin
After that go to Doolin Cave and have some lunch in their beautiful café before going inside the cave, where you will see the largest stalactite in the northern hemisphere. It is an incredible sight and very informative tour that we highly recommend.
It will be time to check-in at the Rainbow Hostel after the tour, where we will give you a warm welcome and more recommendations on things to do in Doolin. For your evening, have some delicious food at McGann’s Pub (only 2 minutes walk from the hostel) before enjoying great traditional music.
Day 2 – The Aran Islands
On your second day in Doolin, head over to Doolin Pier and catch a ferry for the Aran Islands. We recommend visiting the smallest Island, Inis Oírr, as it is ideal for a day trip that you can also combine with a cruise along the Cliffs of Moher for a different and unique perspective. On the island, you can take a ride by horse and cart with a guide, make sure to visit the Lighthouse and the shipwreck of the Plassey, which washed up on the coast of Inis Oírr in 1960. Before heading back to Doolin have a swim on the sandy beach beside the pier in Inis Oírr!
After a long day spent exploring the island, you will be delighted to grab a drink and some dinner at McDermott’s Pub, which is right beside the Rainbow Hostel. It is another great pub with tasty food and exciting Irish music sessions!
Day 3 – The Burren
For your third full day in Doolin, we recommend exploring The Burren. Start by following the Burren Coast Road (R477) to Ballyvaughan via Fanore (there is a stunning beach there, not to be missed!) and Blackhead Lighthouse. It is a very scenic route so make sure to take your time and make a few stops along the way.
Once you are in Ballyvaughan, drive inland again towards Poulnabrone Dolmen. It is probably the most iconic pre-historic monument in the Burren and a beautiful sight. After that head to the Burren Perfumery for some lunch in their café and enjoy their beautiful garden.
After lunch, drive back to Doolin via Kilfenora and Lisdoonvarna. In Kilfenora we recommend visiting the old cathedral, which is home to beautiful celtic high crosses. In Lisdoonvarna stop at the Burren Smokehouse, one of Ireland’s most famous smoked salmon producer. They have a very informative visitor centre and a beautiful shop where you will be able to sample their products.
To wrap up the day, head over to Fitzpatrick’s Bar in Doolin. They have great food as well and there is always great music, from traditional music to folk and other local bands.
These are 3 days packed with adventures, good food and great music in Doolin. There is plenty more to do, but that would be a great start for anyone visiting Doolin!
