We have 2 nights scheduled in a B&B in Doolin (having come around from Dublin through Meath, Cashel, Dingle) and we have 1 more night before needing to be back at Dublin airport. (This is in September.) Does anyone recommend a 3rd night in the Doolin area? Or, only 1 night there and move on up to Galway for last 2 nights? Or...... open to suggestions. Thanks!
Posted by
TN, USA
2156 posts
Depending on what time you arrive in Doolin, one night could be enough, but two should definitely suffice. Seeing the Cliffs of Moher (possibly taking the boat out, if the seas are calm), going to The Burren, and enjoying local music at a pub are the key highlights of Doolin. Of course, if you hike or want to spend extra time at The Burren, then two nights (and maybe three) are best.
The Key Street area in Galway is pleasant for lunch (street musicians and lively), and I would guess into the evening, too . If you have time, a drive thru the Connemara region north of Galway is beautiful, too. Or, if you'd like to splurge a bit with a very special experience, a night at Ashford Castle (of the Guinness family) would be fun and memorable....or you could also stop in for lunch.
Ireland is lovely, and the people are so genuinely kind.
While in Doolin, ask if Tony McGann is around and tell him hello. EVERYONE knows Tony...he used to run McGann's Pub when he was younger and now owns Doolin Taxi.
Posted by
Vantage, WA
30 posts
Hi Margaret,
Doolin is very small, just know that. I was a little surprised at how small when we first got there. We had been in Dingle for 2 nights before then. We stayed for 2 nights and I would have enjoyed another night there. We made it to 2 of the 3 well known pubs, as there was a big wedding party at one of the pubs so we didn't ever make it to that one. We saw the cliffs and took a ferry to the island of Inisheer, a 30 minute trip. If we had stayed a third night, one of those nights would have been on Inisheer. It has two or three B&B/hotels, a spa that is very reasonably priced and is just sort of magical. It was one of the highlights of our whole trip. There are also 2 different caves in the area, Doolin caves and Ailwee caves. And of course you can spend part of a day seeing the Burren or driving along the coast north between Doolin and Galway. You will probably want to allow about 4 hours to get from Doolin to the Dublin airport. The road from Doolin to the motorway by Galway takes awhile as the roads are narrow and winding.
Posted by
Birmingham AL
346 posts
My opinion is that one night is plenty in Doolin. I'd stay an extra night in Dingle.
Posted by
Connecticut
337 posts
You could take an Aran Island ferry and spend the day on one of the islands. Quite lovely, if the weather is nice!