Attractions in Doolin

Doolin is a beautiful place in western Ireland. It truly has the Old World feel. Also, the scenery is breathtaking, and the people are friendly. When you choose to travel to this sleepy town, you can opt to stay in one of the local hostels, hotels, guest houses or B&Bs. Conversely, you may even decide that it is such a lovely place that you just want to camp out. Either way, once you know where you will be staying, look around and decide what you want to do as there are plenty of attractions in Doolin.

What to Do

When you are in Doolin, there are various day trips that you can take to experience the beauty that is County Clare. You can choose from the following list to cover all the attractions in Doolin:

Aran Island Boat Trips
Mountain Bike Tours
Sea Kayaking
Golf
Diving
Caving
Walking
Horseback Riding
Doolin Cave
Cliffs of Moher Cruise
Eastern Burren Tour
Day trip to Galway
Cliffs of Moher and North Clare Towns
Burren Coast and Dolmon

And, of course, all of these activities are available on a daily basis in Doolin.

Events

The following events are at certain periods throughout the year. If you are lucky enough to be in the area around the time for these events, you are a lucky fellow indeed.

Russell Weekend

This music-themed event held in memory of a man by the name of Micho Russell, a world-renowned traditional musician, is held each year on the weekend of the very last Friday in the month of February.

This particular event has been hosted in Doolin since 1995 and is the first landmark to make an appearance on the calendar of events for the year in the area. This festival traditionally hosts musicians and entertainment from around the country.

St. Patrick’s Day

Oh, to be in Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day! In Doolin, there is always a parade on St. Patrick’s Day. It traditionally begins at the Doolin Pier right at 2 pm and then goes down Fisherstreet, all the way through Doolin and then up Roadford until it finally ends at the Russel Community Centre. Overall, it’s one of those sights in Dublin that you want to see!

Doolin Folk Festival

Image Credit: Hotel Doolin

This festival is held mid-June in a marquee that is set up right on the front lawn of Hotel Doolin. Doolin is famous for its traditional Irish music. The central theme of the festival is that of music. In fact, they attract some of the most well-known names in Irish music with this event. Aside from the music, there are also food stalls, a farmer’s market and it also has a traditional crafts fair.

Doolin Writers’ Weekend

Image Credit: Hotel Doolin

The Irish Writers’ Centre in Dublin in association with Hotel Doolin together hold an event called the Doolin Writers’ Weekend. Held in March, the weekend features local traditional music and readings and lectures by some of the leading Irish writers and also some workshops.

There is also something called the Doolin Short Story Competition. Entrants pay £10 to submit their short story (any subject with a maximum of 3,000 words). The first place winner receives a prize of £1000. The second prize is £600 while the third prize is £400.

Doolin Craft Beer Festival

In August, there is the Craft Beer Festival that features beer made by craft brewers all over the Emerald Isle. Also, it features some of the best musicians from County Clare and fantastic food. Held in the beautiful Gardens located behind the Hotel Doolin, this event is worth checking out.

As you can see, there are many things to do and several attractions in Doolin to keep you occupied throughout the year. Whenever you come, bring your love of music with you, as most of the events include a lot of it!