Discovering the Aran Islands for the first time is to savour what it must have been like living in Ireland many decades, and in parts centuries, ago. The Aran Islands are a small set of 3 islands set 8 km off the west coast of Ireland. Heading west from the islands there is nothing but Atlantic ocean all the way to the American east coast and it is this exposure to the Atlantic that has formed the Aran Islands, making it rugged, isolated and an unspoilt scenic location for day-trippers and visitors wishing to find something tranquil and relaxing on Ireland’s west coast.

The scenery is the big draw with the islands formed on a tough limestone base of grey/blue craggy rock. Many traditional Irish cottages dot the landscape of these islands on their sheltered side (being sheltered from the Atlantic breeze) and the characteristic stone walls that are centuries old will give you picture opportunities down every winding little lane. Indeed, the real fun of the islands is to wander around their many narrow lanes to discover the old monastic settlements.

There are three islands: Inishmor, Inishmaan and Inisheer. Visitors can take the short ferry (30 – 60 minute journey) from either Galway or Doolin (with the Doolin ferry trip being the shorter one). Alternatively, Aer Arann do a flight from Minna airport (40km west of Galway) if you don’t fancy the ferry ride.

Inishmor is the largest and most tourist-oriented of the 3 islands with plenty of accommodation options on offer along with shops where you can buy authentic Aran woolen sweaters. This is the biggest of the islands at about 14km long so if you are only over for the day then rent one of the bicycles (available from the harbour) and take an enjoyable spin through the lanes. None of the islands are mountainous so most should be able to ramble/cycle around them without too much strain. Inishmor also has some of the most impressive stone forts with Dun Aengus outside the village of Kilronan being one of the must see sites to the islands. It is a wonderful archaeological site sitting atop a sheer cliff which really has to be seen to be believed. Just be careful of the pathways and don’t go off the main track as there are no guard rails. The islands lesser visited forts at Dun Eochla and Dun Duchathair are just as enjoyable.

On Inishmaan island you can expect more tranquillity than Inishmor but it is no less scenic and worth the visit. Fans of the author JMSynge will know that he stayed on this island writing over several years and seeing the cottage he lived in and ‘Synges Chair’ on the west of island is worth the trek to see where the writer spent his time reflecting and, most probably, enjoying the spectacular views.

Inisheer is the smallest of the islands and unfortunately the lesser visited of the three due to the lack of archaeological ruins or forts and the lack of traditional houses. That said, it still has wonderful rugged scenery and views and the avid walker will enjoy strolling through the tranquil rock walled lanes of this island.

Related posts: Doolin Ireland – Town Guide | Doolin Hotels – Reviews and Deals

The days when the perception of Irish cuisine consisting purely of potatoes can now be finally put to rest. Any visitor to Ireland’s main cities will of course be aware of the numerous bars, cafes and slew of dining options covering every conceivable type of cuisine on the planet.
What might surprise the average visitor though is the wonderful dining options that can be found outside the main cities, in seaside towns and small country villages. Many small villages and towns are now following suit on towns such as Kinsale in Cork, the gourmet capital of Ireland.

The latest town to tempt our taste buds is Doolin, located in County Clare on the west coast of Ireland. This harbor town is a jump off point for the ferry to the Aran Islands and its principal draw for decades has been the authentic Traditional Irish music that can be heard nightly in the bars in this picture perfect town. More recently though, visitors are being drawn to the culinary options in Doolin from its restaurants, bars and hotel restaurants.

For seafood lovers, Cullinan’s Guesthouse and Restaurant in the village provides a memorable dining experience with a great selection of dishes making the most of the locally caught seafood. The service is professional and the owners have added some special touches, such as choosing dessert wines to complement your desserts, which you would not find in many restaurants of the region.

A fine dining experience is available at Ballinalacken Castle Country House Hotel and Restaurant. Indeed there is a wonderful blend of the plush dining room decor, the exquisite food, the panoramic views of Galway Bay and all set with the backdrop the 15th century castle which forms the backdrop to the hotel and restaurant.

If you are unsure of what type of dining option you and the family wish to take then a visit to the Aran View House Hotel just north of Doolin village has plenty of options. The completely informal option is to take the bar menu and enjoy the views out to the Aran Islands. Note this is a hotel bar so is definitely family friendly. The adjoining restaurant also caters for standard and a-la-carte dining options for a proper sit down dinner.

And finally, for those seeking pub fare in an authentic Irish pub, then stop by McGanns Pub and Restaurant or O’Connors Pub in Doolin village to enjoy wholesome fare with menus full of delicious seafood chowder and Irish stews, amongst other Irish favorites. Just make sure to get along before the music starts as both these pubs are meccas of traditional Irish music so the bar fills up quickly most evenings.

Related posts: Doolin Ireland – Town Guide | Doolin Hotels – Reviews and Deals

Around Doolin there are several historical and scenic points of interest that are well worth visiting. Due to the relatively short distances to each of these locations they provide the ideal day trip.

The Aran Islands

The 3 islands off the coast of Ireland can be reached by ferry from Galway or Doolin harbour and represent a relatively unspoilt part of western Ireland. The islands formed on the same limestone rock as found in the Burren on the mainland and this informs the rugged unforgiving land on these islands. That is not to say that the islands are not beautiful – in fact, their beauty lies in the bluey/grey rock with the richly colored grass and wild-flowers growing out of any cracks.

Many day trippers head over to the islands to enjoy the scenery and views out to sea. Restaurants and pubs are limited in numbers, as are the quantity of houses so visiting the islands can be like traveling back in time. Most folk get around the island on foot (so pack some hiking or desert boots for rambling) or by renting a bicycle. Accommodation options are sparse so many visitors base themselves in Doolin hotels instead of seeking out guest houses on the island

The Cliffs of Moher

These steep limestone cliffs are quite rightly a must-see location on your tour of the West. The cliffs rise over 200 meters from the sea below, the sound of which is a constant reminder as the waves far below crash against the rock face. Coach tours invariably arrive in mid morning and are prevalent until mid-afternoon, but for the best views it is better to visit at sunset to watch the sunset .

There is a short walk up to O’Brien’s tower which most visitors enjoy making to enjoy the views out to the Aran Islands and Galway bay.

The Doolin Caves

There are several caving locations around Doolin to keep the average spelunker (potholer) happy. The Poll na gColm potholes (east of Lisdoonvarna) lay claim to being Ireland’s longest cave with 13 kilometres of passageways currently mapped.

South of Ballinalacken Castle  lies the entrance to the Poll an Eidhnain cave although this requires permission to enter from the local landowner. The cave itself is narrow and mucky until reaching a central chamber where, its claimed a 6 meter stalactite is located.

North of Doolin Harbour sits the longest undersea caves in these waters called the Green Holes of Doolin. While some scuba-divers do venture down them, the average visitor can get a view of the caves from a large 6 meter wide gash in the rocks north of Doolin harbour.

Ballinalacken Castle

This 15th century Ballinalacken Castle sits alongside the hotel and restaurant that has adopted its name. A visit here offers spectacular views out across the bay from the top of the castle and the recent renovations have made this a pleasant location to unwind and enjoy the views or a nice meal in their restaurant.

Related posts: Doolin Ireland – Town Guide | Doolin Hotels – Reviews and Deals

By Car

Take the R479 road north out of Lahinch though the majority of visitors will take the coastal road that swings around west past the Cliffs of Moher as Doolin is only about 4 kilometres further past the cliffs. An alternate route is to take the N67 to Lisdoonvarna then head west to Ballinalacken Castle from which it is a short road into Doolin.

cheap car hire Knock airport
Find the best deal for car hire at Knock airport, using the this leading hire comparison site.

By Bus

In the absence of rail links to this part of the county, Bus Eireann provide a network of local buses linking the village to Ennis, Lisdoonvarna and Lahinch with Ennis being a hub point for buses further afield to Galway, Limerick and Dublin.

By Boat

Doolin is the set off point for the Aran Islands with many visitors stopping by the harbour in order to take the ferry over to the islands.

The journey itself is well worth the 30 minute trip for the photo opportunities of seeing Doolin, the Cliffs of Moher and the Islands from the sea.

In choosing which of the islands to go to, the 8km ferry trip to the smallest & easternmost of the islands Inisheer runs the cheapest with approximately 7 ferries running daily between the hours of 10am and the last departing Inisheer at 6pm (note: check the times when boarding the ferries as times are prone to changing depending on weather conditions and the time of year).

Trips out to Inishmor, the largest of the islands, take about 50 minute one-way and generally run from 10am with the final returning ferry departing at 4pm. Once again, check the times on the day is they can change depending on a number of factors.

Finally, the ferry to Inishmann is a 40 minute journey and ferries run from 10am with the return ferry departing around 4.30pm.

Doolin Ferries and Aran Island Ferries are two ferry service operators for the islands with prices ranging from €10 to €20 for return tickets (depending on the time of the year you travel). Tickets can be purchased from the kiosks on the Doolin harbour.

One important element to note about visiting the islands is that they have a number of festivals throughout the year relating to music, the irish language and the Friends of Ted festival which can make getting the ferry all the more difficult due to the volumes of visitors wishing to get over to the islands. Note also that accommodation on the island can be at a premium in high season so many visitors base themselves in Doolin hotels and make day trips to the islands.

By Bike

A number of the Doolin hotels and hostels also have bicycles to rent for those feeling energetic and up to the cycle up to the Cliffs of Moher. These are a good option to for taking over on the ferry to the Aran Islands in order to take an enjoyable, and hilly, spin around the islands.

Related posts: Doolin Ireland – Town Guide | Doolin Hotels – Reviews and Deals

Doolin‘s principal attraction for decades has been its thriving Traditional Irish Music. The pubs of Doolin have music sessions almost nightly and in the high-season you can expect every venue to be packed to the rafters with music fans.

Hot on the heels of music, the various restaurants (standalone and hotel restaurants) have become a real draw to visitors to County Clare seeking good food that utilises the best produce from the region.

Below is a smattering of the dining options in Doolin hotels, restaurants and pubs that are available.

The Roadford House is situated in the northern part of the village this new restaurant offers a dining experience of class and quality. The chef Frankie Sheedy had formerly plied his trade at the Ballinalacken Castle (see below)  and the restaurants prides itself in using locally sourced produce which is lovingly used in a variety of European style dishes that will prove a culinary highlight of your stay in Ireland. The Roadford House was recommended by Georgina Campbell  in her guide as “one of the top ten best newcomers in 2007″. Guests staying at the connecting B&B can also benefit from the gourmet breakfast that is included in their stay.

The Cullinan’s Guesthouse in the village also has an excellent seafood restaurant run by the owner chef. The service is professional and the dining room has a wonderful ambience. That said it will be the attention to detail that is in the dishes Cullinans serve that will make this dining experience. Little touches like specially chosen dessert wines with your sorbet make dining here standout.

For those with families in tow, the Stonecutters Kitchen provides a traditionally Irish family-friendly environment in which to enjoy properly wholesome food. While its an ideal spot for families (they even have toys there for the kids) this is an enjoyable dining spot for adults that is close enough to the Cliffs of Moher to provide a welcoming meal before/after seeing the cliffs.

For a fine dining experience with exceptional views across Galway Bay then you owe yourself a visit to Ballinalacken Castle Country House Hotel and Restaurant. The plush dining setting itself is enough to set an ambience befitting of the classic fine cuisine on offer from chef Michael Foley.

For those looking for a break from the busy village in Summer, a walk up to the Aran View House Hotel and Restaurant is certainly worth the walk with a bar and restaurant with views across to the Aran islands and a range of food on offer from wholesome pub style snacks to a-la-carte menus.

In Roadford (the northern section of Doolin Ireland) lies Mc Gann’s Pub & Restaurant which along with O’Connors Pub are the most frequented pubs for traditional Irish music sessions. You can certainly expect either spot to be very busy in the high season with music playing nightly (and less frequently in winter). Don’t overlook though the traditional pub-grub meals on offer here with seafood chowder and Irish stew being hearty favourites.

Gus O’Connors Pub is renowned for its traditional Irish Music in an authentic Irish setting. Get along early though to beat the music fans for the trad session, or better still, get along to enjoy variety of seafood and steak dishes on offer. Don’t forget to check out the slew of international police badges on display behind the bar.

MacDiarmada’s (McDermott’s) Pub in Roadford by the post office may however be the ideal pub to check if you want either want to avoid the throngs in O’Connors/McGanns or just are looking for a great pint. Locals frequent this pleasant pub and by all accounts it can be a great setting on nights when a trad music session starts up.

Related posts: Doolin Ireland – Town Guide | Doolin Hotels – Reviews and Deals

Doolin Ireland: Doolin in County Clare is a seaside town which sits in some of the most wonderful Irish countryside. The surrounding region, referred to as The Burren, is the picture postcard representation of an Irish country village.

Thankfully, the village has retained many of its traditional Irish elements – the houses, streets, pubs and ambience have not been commercialised to the same extent as other country towns in the region.

Doolin is a village of 200 or so residents, a combination of traditional West Ireland cottages and widely regarded as the capital of traditional Irish music. The village’s authentic pubs (no mega-pubs like in Dublin – which is a good thing) are a focal point for traditional Irish music sessions on a nightly basis.

Check Rates And Availability For All Doolin Hotels

The biggest draw for many foreign tourists would be the traditional Irish music that is played. Whereas Irish music is played all around the region (West & South West Ireland), the town of Doolin has remained a natural draw for musicians who wish to play for passion, more than simply to be putting on a show.

Doolin however is expanding on what it has to offer. The past decade has seen the growth of many fine restaurants with a variety of culinary delights. Certainly, this is following suit on the success of Kinsale in Cork (the dining capital of Ireland) with many Doolin hotels and restaurants providing a level of cuisine over and above what the average visitor may have expected. Gone are the days of plates of Irish spuds and stew that had seen better days. In has come the likes of the mouth watering food provided by the likes of Roadford House and the Ballinalacken Castle Country House.

To get your bearings, the town consists of the northern Roadford upper village part, with the Catholic church, shops, some b&b’s, restaurants and the post office. Further down the road lies the lower village, centred around Fisherstreet with the always popular Paddy’s Doolin Hostel and O’Connors pub. Then, after a short walk of just over a kilometre lies the harbour and the ferry crossing to the Aran Islands.

Check Rates And Availability For All Hotels In Doolin

Quite a few visitors to the region miss out on Doolin‘s charm as they hurry through to get to the ferry over to Aran. What they miss is the enjoyment of spending a relaxing break in this charming town set in some wonderful countryside with panoramic views out to the Atlantic and the Aran Islands.

Related posts: Dining out at Doolin Hotels, Pubs & Restaurants | Doolin Hotels – Reviews and Deals

Thanks for visiting the Doolin Hotels Guide. We have taken the time to organize information to help you to make the right hotel choice and get the best rates for accommodation in this seaside town in County Clare, Ireland.

Most visitors to Doolin like to use the town as their base while exploring the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands, Dingle Peninsula and the Burren. Any of the great hotels highlighted here would make any visitor’s stay in Doolin all the more memorable and comfortable.

Check Rates And Availability For All Hotels Near Doolin

Ballyvara Guest House

Ballyvara Guest House

This 4-star guest-house in the heart of Doolin is the ideal location for a relaxing break. Ballyvara has a variety of rooms, all of which are spacious, comfortable and modern with regular rooms containing queen size beds and luxury suites sporting king size sleigh beds. By way of a contrast there are also family rooms and rooms with balconies at this well appointed guest house.

All rooms are fitted with modern amenities such as satellite TV, bathrobes and slippers along with luxurious marble en-suites with either a spa or Jacuzzi bath.

Ballyvara also has 2 open plan self-catering studios annexed to the main guest-house each containing air conditioning, 2 sofa beds, 1 queen size bedroom, a kitchenette and dining area.

..Check Rates and Availability | Show All

Tir Gan Ean House Hotel

Tir Gan Ean (Tir-gan-Ean) House Hotel

The Tir Gan Ean Hotel Doolin is a modern 4 star hotel in the village of Doolin. The hotel consists of 12 contemporary styled spacious rooms with lift access to the upper floors. All rooms are air conditioned and have en-suite bathroom with the usual amenities (under floor heating, plasma TV, mini bar, safe, queen size beds, etc.).

Staff are friendly and always helpful providing advice on what to see and do in the village. Breakfast is included in rates with several options to suit all palates including omelettes, scrambled eggs with Burren Smokehouse smoked salmon, Becky’s delicious banana bread and, of course, a hearty full Irish breakfast.

Single, Double, Twin and Family rooms are available.

..Check Rates and Availability | Show All

The Aran View House Hotel

The Aran View House Hotel

This 19-room country manor style 3-star hotel just 1km north of the village is a perennial favourite. Its location and panoramic views of the Irish countryside can’t be beat. Its also the largest of the hotels Doolin has so close to the village but that doesn’t affect the country ambience as the welcoming and friendly staff help make your stay an absolute pleasure.

Its bar and restaurant is open to all visitors to the town and deserves special mention for the excellent lunches, dinners (optional a-la-carte menu) and breakfasts that are available. The seafood available, sourced locally, is a particularly good dinner choice.

Family, double and twin rooms are available.

..Check Rates and Availability | Show All

Outside Doolin

Within a few short miles of the above Doolin accommodation options there are a number of excellent hotels located around County Clare that are well worth a visit.

Rates & Availability For All Hotels Near Doolin

Sleepzone The Burren	Sleepzone the Burren Lisdoonvarna, 3 miles outside Doolin.	Sheedy's Country Manor House Hotel	Sheedy’s Country House Hotel Lisdoonvarna, 3 miles from Doolin.
Lisdoon Lodge	Lisdoon Lodge Guesthouse Lisdoonvarna, 3 miles outside Doolin.	Rathbaun Hotel	Rathbaun Hotel Lisdoonvarna, 3 miles from Doolin.
Cliffs of Moher Hotel	Cliffs of Moher Hotel Liscannor, 5 miles outside Doolin.	Logues Liscannor	Logues Liscannor Hotel Liscannor, 5 miles from Doolin.
Vaughan Lodge Hotel	Vaughan Lodge Hotel Lahinch, 5 miles outside Doolin.	Lahinch Golf and Leisure Hotel	Lahinch Golf and Leisure Hotel Lahinch, 5 miles from Doolin.
Gregans Castle Hotel	Gregans Castle Hotel Ballyvaughan, 8 miles outside Doolin.	Armada Hotel	Armada Hotel, Spanish Point Milltown Malbay, 11 miles from Doolin.

Rates/Availability For All Doolin Hotels

Thanks again for the visit and make sure to check back often to receive additional information (including discounts and promotions that operators are offering – we’ll endeavour to find & share this information).