Exploring Doolin, the home of traditional Irish folk music

Located only four miles from the Cliffs of Moher, Doolin’s history is often intertwined with that of the iconic cliffs. The area has been inhabited for a long time, with objects dating back to the Neolithic era having been found around the site. Artefacts from the Iron Age and the medieval period have also been found, indicating that the area has been continuously populated throughout the centuries. You’ll find many old medieval castles and builds around the village that are worth seeing if you’re interested in medieval Irish life and customs. The standout castles include Doonmacfelim Castle and Ballinalacken Castle, and of course, the iconic Doonagore Castle. For something a little different, Killilagh Church is a fascinating former ecclesiastical space well worth seeing. In the 1950s, Doolin was classified as part of the West Clare Gaeltacht, an area where Irish is the predominant language. The village lacks a traditional “centre”, but rather is made up of scattered streets and spaces. Fisher Street is the most popular and picturesque street that has become the emblem of the village, but other places such as the Harbour and Fitz’s Cross are also interesting to visit.

The stunning sights of Doolin were made to be enjoyed, and the best way to do that is by simply walking around. If you want to see the Cliffs of Moher, the 18km Cliffs of Moher coastal walk takes you from Doolin to Liscannor and is a perfect long hike for walkers who want to embark on a journey along the stunning coastline and experience the mythical cliffs. The segment between the cliffs and Doolin takes about two hours to complete, so this is a great option for a shorter hike visitors can embark on. Walking around Doolin itself is also a wonderful way to see more of the village. Head to Fisher Street and walk around it to take in the village’s vibrant colourful buildings and stop in a few local shops and pubs. Visiting Doolin Cave is another great walk, located about 2km from the village, it is well worth visiting and seeing the largest stalactite in Europe. Walk over to Doonagore Castle to experience a more historic side of the village and take in the stunning coastal views the site offers.

As the capital of traditional Irish Folk Music, there’s nowhere better than Doolin to let yourself be fully immersed in the sweet sounds of fiddle and various drinking and lament songs. The Irish traditional music genre experienced a revival in the 1960s after an extended lul in the 1940s and 50s, this is widely due to the growth in popularity of such bands as The Dubliners, The Irish Rovers, and Ryan’s Fancy, just to name a few. An undeniable part of the soul of Ireland, traditional folk music often concerns itself with deeply Irish issues and questions, such as immigration and longing for home, traditional dances, and of course, having a drink. 

Head to the picturesque Fisher Street where you’ll find multiple delightful traditional pubs that welcome live music acts on a nightly basis. McDermott’s Pub, McGann’s and Fitz’s Pub are all fantastic spots in the area. It’s easy to walk into any of these pubs and find exactly what you’d expect from a traditional Irish joint: people drinking, people singing, and people having fun and making the most of their night out, conversing with strangers and making everyone feel welcome, truly sharing that world famous Irish hospitality. You can find out more about music events in Doolin here. 

• The weather can be rather unpredictable in the area. Be sure to pack appropriate clothing and footwear for your visit.
• Please be respectful of the environment and the stunning nature you will bear witness to. Stay away from wildlife, do not litter and please respect any advice given by local officials during your stay.
• For any outdoor activities, please be safe and wear appropriate clothing, and even protective gear, such as a helmet when cycling. In case of emergency, dial 112 or 999.

How to get to Doolin?

By car: 

• Located in County Clare, Doolin is easy to reach by car, and it is the best way to get around the area during your visit. There are two regional roads that run through the village, the R479 to the east and the R459 which connects via the Cliffs of Moher. 

By bus: 

• A bus service runs daily from Galway to The Cliffs of Moher, stopping at Doolin and then on to Ennis. Bus Éireann’s route number 350 offers visitors a scenic ride towards the village and is a great way to get there if you don’t have a car. Find out more about services and schedules on their website.  

Where to stay in Doolin