Doolin may be best known for its toe-tapping trad music and windswept coastal charm, but there’s another flavour waiting to be discovered, its growing cocktail scene. It might be small in scale, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in creativity, character, and good craic. Whether you fancy something bold and fiery, smooth and creamy, or fresh and citrusy, Doolin’s pubs and bars are mixing up a cocktail crawl worth wandering for.
Here’s how to experience Doolin, one sip at a time.
First Stop:
Fitz’s Pub – Where Tradition Meets Mixology
Kick off your cocktail tour at the heart of Doolin’s lively social scene: Fitz’s Pub. Known for its 365 nights of live music and cosy fireside pints, Fitz’s is also home to an unexpectedly stellar cocktail list. Crafted with Micil Irish spirits and local ingredients, their drinks pack both personality and punch.
Try this: The Burren Brew – Micil poitín, cold brew coffee, cream, honey syrup, and a crumble of Burren honeycomb. Rich, warming, and with a hint of local magic.
Whether you perch by the fire or pull up a stool by the bar, Fitz’s is a great place to start your cocktail evening with flair.
Second Stop:
Russell’s Seafood Bar – Sophistication by the Sea
Stroll over to Russell’s Seafood Bar, where contemporary style meets coastal tradition. Here, cocktails are served with a side of elegance and exceptional seafood. With over 50 Irish whiskeys and a carefully curated list of cocktails, there’s no shortage of flavour.
Top pick: Sip one of their JJ Corry-inspired whiskey cocktails alongside their famous fish and chips. It’s a pairing that captures the spirit of Doolin beautifully.
Russell’s has that special blend of laid-back luxury, the kind of place where you settle in for one drink and stay for dessert.
Third Stop:
McDermott’s Pub – A Classic with a Spritz
Next up, wander into McDermott’s, a family-run gem where generations of warmth, music, and great food come together. It’s a favourite among locals and visitors alike for its hearty bar food and traditional tunes. But the cocktail menu might just surprise you.
Favourite flavours:
- Aperol Spritz – bright, zesty, and perfect for an early evening refresher
- Hugo Spritz – floral and fizzy, with elderflower and mint
- Sarti Spritz – a fruity twist with Sicilian blood orange
It’s the kind of place where good conversation flows as easily as the prosecco.
Final Stop:
McGann’s – Weekly Cocktail Specials & Warm Vibes
Wrap up your tour at McGann’s, where the atmosphere is always buzzing and the drinks board changes week to week. Their rotating cocktail special brings something new to the table every time, the perfect excuse to keep coming back.
Tonight’s star: Hurricane Bernardo, a tropical swirl of two types of rum, lime, orange and tropical juices, grenadine, and simple syrup. It’s sweet, citrusy, and just the right amount of fun.
Between the warm welcome, nightly music, and a crowd that feels like friends, McGann’s is the ideal place to close out your Doolin cocktail journey.
Cheers to Doolin!
Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or just looking to add a splash of flavour to your evening, Doolin’s pub scene offers the perfect mix. Each stop brings its own character, story, and signature sip.
So why not swap the usual for something a little shaken, stirred, or spritzed?
Find out more on things to do in Doolin HERE