Doolin, located on the stunning west coast of Ireland, is known for its rugged cliffs, traditional music, and charming atmosphere. This summer, we are looking forward to welcoming visitors from near and far to soak up the hospitality, scenery, and Doolin magic for as long as their itinerary allows! We would recommend staying at least a week to discover as much as you can! For those who don’t have that much time on their hands, we have this suggested 4-day itinerary to make the most of your summer trip.
Day 1: Arrival and Village Exploration
Morning: Arrive in Doolin and settle into your accommodation. If you haven’t booked your accommodation yet, take a look at all the accommodation options on our website here. Take a stroll through the village centre, soaking in the quaint shops, colourful houses, and friendly atmosphere. Start at Roadford to the North of the Village and make your way down through Fitz’s Cross and onto Fisher Street. You will find Doolin Tourist Information centre at Fitz’s cross right beside Glás Restaurant.
Afternoon: Head to the Doolin Pier and take a boat trip to the Aran Islands with Doolin Ferry Company. Book your tickets online in advance. The Ferry to Inisheer only takes 15mins where you can explore the stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and vibrant culture of these remote islands. Take the last ferry back to Doolin Pier that evening. For a guided experience, reach out to Ollies Tours.
Evening: Enjoy a hearty Irish dinner at one of Doolin’s cozy pubs. Stay for the live traditional music sessions that often occur in the evenings. Read all about how to join our music sessions here.
Day 2: Cliffs of Moher and Coastal Walk
Morning: Start your day early with a visit to the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most iconic natural landmarks. Take a leisurely walk along the cliff edge, marvelling at the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The cliff walk from Doolin runs for 7km with amazing views along the way. For a special experience, join Pat Sweeney on his guided cliff walk and learn all about the area from a local.
Afternoon: Enjoy lunch back in Doolin in one of our many restaurants or grab a lunch to go from Aran View Service Station. Take in a round of Pitch and Putt at Doolin Pitch and Putt Club- the most scenic one in the world!
Evening: Return to Doolin and relax with a delicious seafood dinner at one of the local restaurants. End your day with another evening of traditional Irish music or make a reservation with Doolin Music House for a more personal night of music with Christy Barry.
Day 3: Going Underground
Morning: Embark on an adventure to Doolin Cave. An unmissable visit during your trip to Doolin. Take a fully guided tour of one of Europe’s most compelling caves attractions and go over 200 feet under the limestone of the Burren landscape. Travel back in time over 350 million years and see how the Burren was formed. You’ll journey through a system of passages before emerging in a large chamber which is home to one of the greatest natural wonders of the world, the Great Stalactite – which was once beautifully described as “the palest gleam in the darkest deep”.
Afternoon: Make your way a couple of kilometres outside of Doolin to Lisdoonvarna to visit the famous Burren Smokehouse. The Masterclass in Smoking Salmon will let you discover the secret of how smoked salmon is handcrafted in a presentation by a member of staff in the visitor centre. You will also see the smoking process in a 6-minute video (available in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish), and get to taste the smoked salmon. Look into the smoke box, the kiln and feel the materials they use for smoking.
Evening: Treat yourself to a well-deserved dinner at a gourmet restaurant in Doolin, savouring locally sourced ingredients and fine Irish cuisine. You will have a choice of pubs to pick up a trad session- McDermotts, McGanns, Fitz’s and more.
Day 4: Cultural Immersion
Morning: Spend the morning on an outdoor yoga session with Doolin Yoga. There is nothing like waking up your body with the sound of the Atlantic!
Afternoon: Make your way to Caherconnell Fort for Lunch time and enjoy a sheep dog demonstration. Caherconnell Stone Fort is the only fort in the Burren scientifically excavated and developed for tourism. It is a wonderful site where you can dive into the Burren’s history and also enjoy the amazing sheepdog demonstrations which take place daily. The Visitor Centre also include a beautiful craft shop and “Mountain Haven” where you can get refreshments and delicious farm fresh food.
Evening: End your trip with a farewell dinner at a traditional Irish pub, where you can savour hearty Irish dishes and raise a glass to your unforgettable time in Doolin.
This itinerary combines the natural beauty, outdoor activities, and rich cultural experiences that Doolin has to offer, ensuring a memorable summer getaway. We look forward to welcoming you to Doolin.
Read Next: Embracing the unhurried, slow adventure in Doolin
Be sure to explore the rest of our website to find out more information, or to plan your next visit to beautiful Doolin in County Clare.
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