Before you go

Your trip to Doolin.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Doolin – Clare Destination Clare and the Falésias de Moher about 40 km from Ennis

How to get there

Aeroporto de Shannon (Shannon Airport) (SNN) Shannon · 65 km
Parada de ônibus de Doolin (Fisherstreet) 1 km
Estação de Ennis (Ennis Station) Ennis · 40 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Check before booking. Shannon Airport is about 65 km away, about an hour by car. From Galway it's roughly 75 km via the Burren coast, and from Ennis 40 km. Regular buses link Doolin with Galway and Ennis, passing the falésias; there is no train.

How many days

Two nights allow one day for the falésias, with the coastal trail, and another for the Burren or the boat to the Ilhas Aran. With only one night, do the falésias late afternoon and the Burren the next morning.

When to go

From April to September boats operate and the coastal trail is safer. In May and June the Burren is often in flower. In July and August the village fills up and guesthouses often sell out. In winter, strong winds and seas stop the boats and some guesthouses close.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

It helps. The falésias can be reached on foot via the coastal trail or by bus, but the Burren, Poulnabrone and Doolin Cave require a car, a tour or a bicycle. The roads are narrow, between stone walls, and in Ireland you drive on the left.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Doolin

Morning
Doolin Cave and Burren
Visit Doolin Cave, 5 km away, and follow the Burren roads to the Poulnabrone dolmen.
Afternoon
Parque Nacional do Burren
Do one of the waymarked trails of the Parque Nacional do Burren, across the limestone slabs, and return via the coast of Fanore.
Late afternoon
Falésias de Moher
Arrive at the Falésias de Moher after the tour buses have left and walk to the Torre de O'Brien.
Evening
Music in the pubs
Dine in Doolin and stay for the traditional music, which usually starts around 9:30 PM.

2 days in Doolin

Day 1

Morning
Cliffs trail
Walk the coastal trail from Doolin to the Falésias de Moher, about 8 km with the sea on your right.
Afternoon
Visitor centre and Torre de O'Brien
Exhibition at the visitor centre, Torre de O'Brien, and return by bus or on foot.
Late afternoon
Doolin pier
Relax on the Doolin pier, with views of the Ilhas Aran and the sea breaking over the rocks.
Evening
Doolin pubs
Dinner and traditional music in one of the village pubs.

Day 2

Morning
Boat to Inis Oírr
In season, take the boat from Doolin pier to Inis Oírr, the smallest of the Ilhas Aran, about 30 minutes.
Afternoon
Return along the coast
On the return, some boats pass under the Falésias de Moher. Afterwards, Doolin Cave and Poulnabrone by car.
Late afternoon
Burren at dusk
Follow the Burren coastal road between Fanore and Black Head, with low light over the limestone.
Evening
Last night in Doolin
Have fish for dinner in the village and finish the night in a pub with music.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Is the pub music in Doolin every day?

In season, pubs usually have traditional music on most nights, and some also in the afternoons. In winter, sessions are more concentrated on weekends.

Can you walk from Doolin to the cliffs?

Yes, via the coastal trail, about 8 km to the visitor centre. It's an earthen path along the cliff edge, with narrow and muddy sections; avoid it in strong wind or rain.

When do the Doolin boats operate?

Generally from March or April to October, depending on the sea. Boats go to the Ilhas Aran and run tours under the falésias. Check schedules on the day.

Does Doolin have a centre?

Not exactly. The village is spread across three clusters along the road: Roadford, Fisherstreet and the pier. Distances are short, but there are stretches without sidewalks.

Back to Doolin