Doolin is, of course, known as the home of traditional Irish music, and all of the local pubs offer traditional sessions most nights during the summer season. County Clare has a wealth of wonderfully talented Irish musicians, many of which play here on a regular basis. There are also several festivals in Doolin each year, bringing tourists and locals together “for the craic”. The area has much more than music to offer, however.
From your base in the Piper’s Rest it is possible to take the cliff walk up to the world famous Cliffs of Moher and experience stunning views along the way, There is a regular hop on, hop off shuttle service, stopping just around the corner from the Piper’s Rest. This service stops at several points between Doolin and the visitors centre at the cliffs, within easy reach of the cliff walk, so if you find the walk too strenuous, you can hop on the shuttle for the rest of the way. Perhaps you prefer to view these amazing cliffs from the ocean below. There is a regular service from the pier to bring you to this equally awe inspiring viewpoint. There is bicycle hire in the village and a fantastic selection of craft and gift shops for you to discover. If you like to photograph crashing waves, then you will be spending a lot of time down by the pier at Doolin harbour.
The Clare coastline is full of wonderful locations to visit and if you would like to venture a little further down the coast, within an hour’s drive you will arrive at the loop head drive and the fabulous cliffs at Kilkee. Not quite as high as the Cliffs of Moher, these cliffs also boast amazing views with the added bonus of less traffic, which makes a trip here an extremely enjoyable experience. Park up your car and wander along the coast a little. The views are fantastic.
Doolin is in the heart of the Burren and there are many wonderful walking and hiking trails in the area. There are also local walking guides if you prefer to be accompanied by an expert who can not only explain the unusual make-up of the landscape, but also point out the flora and fauna that can be found in this UNESCO Global Geopark, some of which are unique to the area. Please ask for details we will be happy to put you in touch. The rocky terrain of the Burren also makes it an ideal location for rock climbing and potholing, both of which are available in the area.
Golf is available in nearby Lahinch, while Doolin itself has a pitch and putt course with fantastic coastal views. Lahinch is an 18 hole links course which is listed in the top 50 courses around the world. It should prove and interesting challenge to the most experienced golfer. (the course is very popular so we recommend you book your tee time well in advance).
Catch a ferry from Doolin harbour to the Aran Islands where you can still hear the Irish language being spoken on a daily basis or take a cruise to the foot of the breath-taking Cliffs of Moher. From Doolin there are daily sailings (weather permitting) throughout the summer months to Inis Oírr and Inis Meáin with connections to Inis Mór If you are lucky you may see dolphins, seals and basking sharks on the way. If you would like to know more about the local dolphin population, take a trip with Dolphinwatch from Carrigaholt at the Shannon estuary ( about 1hr15 Mins away by car). Sea angling is popular along the Clare coast and there is plenty of opportunity for the enthusiast to find a spot among the rocks to enjoy a day out with the rod.
The Wild Atlantic Way really lives up to its name in these parts and surfing is very popular in nearby Fanore and Lahinch which boast wonderful beaches from which to watch the sun setting over the Atlantic. There is a surf school in Fanore a short drive up the coast if you feel that you would like to give it a go – no experience necessary and they supply the equipment. In Doolin itself North Clare Sea kayaking provide guided tours of the coastline and lakes.
The Ailwee Caves are within a short drive with their Birds of Prey Centre, while the Doolin Cave offers a viewing of the Great Stalactite. The Burren Perfumery is worth a visit if you wish to bring a little romance into your life – or the Burren Chocolate Factory is there for you if the perfume doesn’t work.
Horse riding is also available in the immediate area and there are many other activities to keep you occupied during your stay. We are more than happy to advise or help with bookings, so please do not hesitate to ask us if you need assistance.
From your base in the Piper’s Rest it is possible to take the cliff walk up to the world famous Cliffs of Moher and experience stunning views along the way, There is a regular hop on, hop off shuttle service, stopping just around the corner from the Piper’s Rest. This service stops at several points between Doolin and the visitors centre at the cliffs, within easy reach of the cliff walk, so if you find the walk too strenuous, you can hop on the shuttle for the rest of the way. Perhaps you prefer to view these amazing cliffs from the ocean below. There is a regular service from the pier to bring you to this equally awe inspiring viewpoint. There is bicycle hire in the village and a fantastic selection of craft and gift shops for you to discover. If you like to photograph crashing waves, then you will be spending a lot of time down by the pier at Doolin harbour.
The Clare coastline is full of wonderful locations to visit and if you would like to venture a little further down the coast, within an hour’s drive you will arrive at the loop head drive and the fabulous cliffs at Kilkee. Not quite as high as the Cliffs of Moher, these cliffs also boast amazing views with the added bonus of less traffic, which makes a trip here an extremely enjoyable experience. Park up your car and wander along the coast a little. The views are fantastic.
Doolin is in the heart of the Burren and there are many wonderful walking and hiking trails in the area. There are also local walking guides if you prefer to be accompanied by an expert who can not only explain the unusual make-up of the landscape, but also point out the flora and fauna that can be found in this UNESCO Global Geopark, some of which are unique to the area. Please ask for details we will be happy to put you in touch. The rocky terrain of the Burren also makes it an ideal location for rock climbing and potholing, both of which are available in the area.
Golf is available in nearby Lahinch, while Doolin itself has a pitch and putt course with fantastic coastal views. Lahinch is an 18 hole links course which is listed in the top 50 courses around the world. It should prove and interesting challenge to the most experienced golfer. (the course is very popular so we recommend you book your tee time well in advance).
Catch a ferry from Doolin harbour to the Aran Islands where you can still hear the Irish language being spoken on a daily basis or take a cruise to the foot of the breath-taking Cliffs of Moher. From Doolin there are daily sailings (weather permitting) throughout the summer months to Inis Oírr and Inis Meáin with connections to Inis Mór If you are lucky you may see dolphins, seals and basking sharks on the way. If you would like to know more about the local dolphin population, take a trip with Dolphinwatch from Carrigaholt at the Shannon estuary ( about 1hr15 Mins away by car). Sea angling is popular along the Clare coast and there is plenty of opportunity for the enthusiast to find a spot among the rocks to enjoy a day out with the rod.
The Wild Atlantic Way really lives up to its name in these parts and surfing is very popular in nearby Fanore and Lahinch which boast wonderful beaches from which to watch the sun setting over the Atlantic. There is a surf school in Fanore a short drive up the coast if you feel that you would like to give it a go – no experience necessary and they supply the equipment. In Doolin itself North Clare Sea kayaking provide guided tours of the coastline and lakes.
The Ailwee Caves are within a short drive with their Birds of Prey Centre, while the Doolin Cave offers a viewing of the Great Stalactite. The Burren Perfumery is worth a visit if you wish to bring a little romance into your life – or the Burren Chocolate Factory is there for you if the perfume doesn’t work.
Horse riding is also available in the immediate area and there are many other activities to keep you occupied during your stay. We are more than happy to advise or help with bookings, so please do not hesitate to ask us if you need assistance.
Photo Gallery
Here are a few photographs of the surrounding area, so that you can get an idea of what awaits you in Doolin and County Clare. All images on this website and on the walls of the Piper’s Rest were taken by Jacquie. They are subject to copyright, but are available to purchase, so please feel free to contact her directly jacquie@pipersrest.ie for further information.