7 Days in Doolin
Day 1
Begin with a stroll around the unique fishing village of Doolin. Follow up with a quick five-minute coastal drive bringing you to the world famous Cliffs of Moher that cover up to 8km of coast. The Cliffs of Moher also house an indoor interpretive centre with an interactive exhibition and on-site café.
For the second part of the day why not visit one of the world class caves – both Doolin and Aillwee caves are close by. On your return call in to Fitzpatrick’s Bar for some bar food and famous traditional Irish music.
Day 2
Aran Islands
Have an early start and head down to Doolin pier to take a ferry to the amazing Aran Islands and see Irish life from an unspoiled point of view. Enjoy a tour of the island by bicycle or pony and trap and have a day trip to remember! Take the Cliffs of Moher cruise on your return to experience the cliffs and sea life close up. Tickets can be purchased with Doolin2Aran Ferries or at the desk in Hotel Dolin where daily schedules are available.
Day 3
The Burren Region
Burren.ie
The Burren Region can be seen on a loop drive that is simply magnificent. On this drive stop off and experience an array of unique wild flowers, archelogy and natural landscape. The landscape is a stark formation of grey contrasting at every turn with the sky, nearby sea views and the hills of Doolin. Hiking trails and walks can be done alone or in organized groups with a local guide.
Look for Mullaghmore Mountain, it is beautiful with 3 different trails to the top it is worth the 1-hour trek to the top! There is lots to explore in the Burren. Located in the heart of Carron, is The Burren Perfumery Shop. Visitor are encouraged to watch a
free audio-visual presentation and encouraged to enjoy a wander of the shop and adjoining garden. Browse the workshop and have a chat with the staff where everything is made on site with ingredients from The Burren. In the summer time the organic Tea Room is open and serves delicious lunches and homemade cakes.
Day 4
Sea Cliff Walk to the Cliffs of Moher
Doolin Cliff Walk is a fantastic walk from Fisher Street in Doolin Village, along the sea cliffs leading to the Cliffs of Tip Enjoy a coffee and well-earned slice of cake half way at the Cliff Interpretive Centre Moher. Follow the trailed route along the coast and above the cliffs. Green fields of cows and sheep lead the way on one side and the pounding waves of the Atlantic Ocean on the other. This is the best way to experience the stunning rural beauty of the countryside in this part of Clare. This walk takes about 4-5 hours and starts and ends in Fisher Street Doolin. If you wish to cut this walk by half, take the Doolin Park and ride bus to the top of the Cliffs of Moher and walk downhill from there. The timetable is available from:
Day 5
While you are on the Wild Atlantic Way surrounded by the ocean why not spend some time at one of the many beaches. The beautiful blue flag beach at Fanore is a must. It is just a 15-minute drive north. To get to Fanore Beach use an access road off the R477 to the beach. You will see a caravan park is located adjacent to the dunes and you can park here. For the more adventurous enjoy a surf just 8km away at Lahinch loved for being a surfer’s paradise, children’s lessons are also available.
Indoor swimming at Lahinch SeaWorld provides lot of indoor children’s activities, for times check their website:
Scuba Diving at Doolin Pier
Surfing in Lahinch & Fanore
Spot Dusty the Dolphin
Dusty the bottle nose dolphin first appeared at Doolin pier in 2011 and spends a lot of time there. Dusty can be seen splashing about following the boats and at the end of the slipway with swimmers. Dusty is a female dolphin and is believed to be about 12-14 years old. She is about 10ft long. Catch a glimpse of her here!
Day 6
Galway Day Trip
Spot Galway across the water from Clare – then drive it! A day trip to Galway and even a little further to Connemara is not to be missed. You will be amazed what you can see on your day trip – from a cultural city to wild and stirring scenery and historic sites. Galway is as Irish as Ireland gets. Galway is the proud stronghold of Irish culture and language with winding medieval streets lined with pubs where you will hear everything from traditional music to indie rock.
A drive through Connemara ensures you will see the pony and stone walls it’s so famous for! Travel a little further to the port town of Clifden to reach Kylemore Abbey. This is one of Ireland’s great buildings. The magical castellated grey facade sits on a lake against a mountain backdrop. Spend some hours there and walk the grounds and Victorian walled garden.
Day 7
A Golf or Relaxation Day at the Falls Hotel Ennistymon
County Clare is a golfer’s dream and you are ideally located to access the many golfing treasures. Ennistymon has a championship course, if this is too challenging the town boasts an 18-hole links pitch and putt course.
At nearby Lahinch Golf Club just a 15-minute drive away choose from one of two superb golf courses here. The links championship course and the 18-hole castle course certainly won’t disappoint you. Booking essential phone +353 (0)65 708 1003 A 45-minute drive from Doolin Village Lodges is the Greg Norman designed Doonbeg Golf Club. Recently renamed to Trump International Golf Links, this course offers spectacular golfing in an amazing setting.
On you way home stop into The Pipers Chair, a local gift shop full of great keepsakes to remind you of your time in County Clare. The River Spa at the Falls Hotel offers over 50 treatments in this luxurious spa. After your treatment have a swim and enjoy lunch pool side. Booking essential