Doolin

Republic_of_Ireland

Doolin is a small village on the north west coast of County Clare in Ireland's Shannon Region famous for Irish traditional music.

Until the 1970s, Doolin was just a typical Irish village, but then Irish folk music became more and more popular all around the world, and one of the best Irish whistle players, Micho Russell, lived in Doolin. During the times that he was not on US tour or in the studio, he could often be found at the O'Connor´s Pub in Doolin playing with his two brothers. This attracted an increasing number of tourists to the village, which in turn lead to more pubs offering Irish music sessions. Even though Micho Russel died in 1994, Doolin has retained its reputation as the unofficial "capital of Irish traditional music".

Although the village is full of tourists during summer, it is not like other tourist destinations in Ireland. Some who visit do not just take a few photographs and move on, but get involved. They explore the local the culture and participate in the music scene. Consequently, the atmosphere is very friendly.

The village is just one street, Fisher Street. This is where most of the shops and pubs are. Beyond that, there is a wide net of small roads that consists of the residential area. There is very accommodation in the village.

There are no ATMs in Doolin.

  • Doonagore Castle. Doonagore Castle is a 16th-century tower house. It is a private holiday home and not open to the public. However, there is a wonderful view of the town from the road that runs by it.
  • Doolin Cave, +353 65 7075761.

Doonagore Castle. Doonagore Castle is a 16th-century tower house. It is a private holiday home and not open to the public. However, there is a wonderful view of the town from the road that runs by it.

Doolin Cave, +353 65 7075761.

  • Visit the Aran Islands. There are multiple daily sailings to the Aran Islands from Doolin during the summer months. It is about 30 minutes ferry ride to the closest and smallest island, Inis Oirr, and 1 hour 15 minutes to the furthest and biggest island, Inis Mór. There are two companies that operate ferry services to the islands from Doolin:
    • Aran Doolin Ferries, +353 65 7074455.
    • Doolin Ferry Company, +353 65 7075555.
  • Visit the Cliffs of Moher, 5 km to the south of Doolin. There are a number of ways to visit the cliffs from Doolin:
    • Guided walks run for 8 km from Fisherstreet in Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher visitors centre.
    • Both of the ferry companies operate cruises to the bottom of the cliffs from Doolin Pier. The trip takes about an hour.
    • There is also a park and ride service that runs from Doolin every 90 minutes.
  • Doolin is also a perfect starting place for visiting the Burren.

Visit the [[Aran Islands]]. There are multiple daily sailings to the Aran Islands from Doolin during the summer months. It is about 30 minutes ferry ride to the closest and smallest island, [[Inis Oirr]], and 1 hour 15 minutes to the furthest and biggest island, [[Inis Mór]]. There are two companies that operate ferry services to the islands from Doolin:

  • Aran Doolin Ferries, +353 65 7074455.
  • Doolin Ferry Company, +353 65 7075555.

Visit the [[Aran Islands]]. There are multiple daily sailings to the Aran Islands from Doolin during the summer months. It is about 30 minutes ferry ride to the closest and smallest island, [[Inis Oirr]], and 1 hour 15 minutes to the furthest and biggest island, [[Inis Mór]]. There are two companies that operate ferry services to the islands from Doolin:

  • Aran Doolin Ferries, +353 65 7074455.
  • Doolin Ferry Company, +353 65 7075555.

  • Celtic jewellery made in Doolin.
  • The Traditional Music Shop. Bodhrans and other Irish instruments, but also CDs with Irish music.
  • The Village Crafts Shop. A variety of crafts and souvenirs.

Celtic jewellery made in Doolin.

The Traditional Music Shop. Bodhrans and other Irish instruments, but also CDs with Irish music.

The Village Crafts Shop. A variety of crafts and souvenirs.

Food is served at all the pubs, and there is a small grocery store on Fisher Street.

Roadford House Restaurant, +353 65 7075050. Traditional Irish restaurant close to the Cliffs of Moher.

Cullinan's Restaurant, +353 65 7074183.

Stonecutters Kitchen, +353 65 7075962. Family-oriented restaurant on the road between Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher.

  • O'Connor's Pub, Fisherstreet, Doolin, +353 65 7074168. Which made Doolin famous for its traditional music sessions.
  • McGann's, Roadford, Doolin, +353 65 7074133. It's a bit smaller but also has excellent sessions.
  • McDermott's, Roadford, Doolin, +353 65 7074700. Has live music most nights and good home cooked food.
  • Fitz's Pub and Eatery.

O'Connor's Pub, Fisherstreet, Doolin, +353 65 7074168. Which made Doolin famous for its traditional music sessions.

McGann's, Roadford, Doolin, +353 65 7074133. It's a bit smaller but also has excellent sessions.

McDermott's, Roadford, Doolin, +353 65 7074700. Has live music most nights and good home cooked food.

Fitz's Pub and Eatery.