Hello,
I have three nights to split between Doolin and Dingle. It seems like most of the itineraries indicate two nights in Dingle and only one night in Doolin. It seems that there are more natural sights to see around Doolin so I'm wondering if that makes the most sense. In other words, to maximize sightseeing - should I do only one night in Dingle and then do two nights in Doolin?
Thanks!
Amber
A lot depends on how many days you have and where you are coming from. Also remember the apps say about a 3 hour 20 minute drive between the two.....it's more like 4 1/2 and that doesn't include stops. So your going to lose a big chunk of a day just in transit.
If it were me I'd pick one and stay the whole time there. We always find the less rat race to get to another thing the deeper, more satisfying and more magical our time is. People often say you can do Dingle in a day and technically you can but we've spent a week there and didn't remotely exhaust things to do. But that's our take.....and it works really well for us.
If you are committed to a 2 night, one night split........Doolin offers more things.....but they are VERY touristy. The Cliffs of Moher are beautiful but very overrun with tourists, tour buses and tacky shops...better are the fairly close Cliffs of Kilkee. The Arans are nice for a day trip but is a full day time burner and Doolin offers great trad music, pubs, (McGanns) and restaurants. All very nice but very touristy. Dingle has good pubs, restaurants, harbor cruises or the incredible cruise to the Blaskets (insanely beautiful) as well as Inch Beach, historical sights and the amazing Slea Head drive. Both are great. Just my own take if it was my choice with the time permitted my choices would be 1) All 3 nights in Dingle....possibly Castlemaine area with the added close by things near Killarney to see. 2) 2 nights Dingle 1 Doolin. 3) Doolin 2 nights - Dingle 1. Don't miss Dingle. You won't go too wrong unless you end up spending too much time in the car especially losing half a day plus between the two. Dingle is more wild and beautiful, Doolin area lots to do but very commercialized.
Hope you have fun.
If you are looking to do Doolin, yes the Cliffs of Moher Visitor centre is very touristy and very popular with day tour buses from Dublin, Kerry, Galway. But just going a little off the beaten track and you are open to a total different experience and have the Cliffs virtually to yourself.
1) Hike the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Hiking Trail, it starts at Fisher Street in Doolin, 7km to the visitor centre and 12km to the other end Hags head, and hands down the best way to experience the Cliffs. Take in an evening sunset if you can as it sets on the Atlantic horizon.
2) Doolin Cave (largest stalactite in the Northern Hemisphere, 3rd longest in the world)
3) Nightly trad session in the local pubs, recommend Sunday to Wednesday nights which have some of the best music sessions or check out the Doolin Music House. The pubs are popular with live music every night all year round, so you are always guaranteed a good night out.
4) Explore The Burren, in my humble opinion the most under rated and most beautiful area in Ireland. From stunning lunar landscape of limestone, unique flora (May in Bloom), Paleolithic monuments, ring forts, castles, 160km of hiking trails etc. and with its unique terroir it gives an amazing minerality flavour to local meats, cheeses and other local produce. Its also a natural playground from rock climbing and bouldering enthusiast.
5) Day trip to the Aran Islands (March to November 1st) and take in a Cliffs of Moher Cruises.
6) Do something a little different and bespoke like SeaCliff climbing, Horse riding on the beach, learn to Surf, Sea kayaking etc.
7) All accommodation in Doolin is family run and to a high standard with a variety of choice from camping, B&B, Boutique Inn to Hotel. There is some great shopping locally supporting local designers and craftsmen.
8) Doolin is also the ideal central base to explore North Clare, surround by its villages and towns, and Galway (1.5hrs) or Ennis and Bunratty (1hr) for a day trip, Loop head (1 hr)
Hope this helps
Anthony @ Doolin Inn
Thanks to you both for your comments! We will be coming from Cork and are stopping at both places en route to Galway. I do have one follow-up question. We did want to go over to the Aran Islands but we will be visiting in January - do any tours go over during January?
