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Call us: +353 (0) 85 119 5489 | northclarekayaking@gmail.com

Useful Links & Tips

We love traveling and experiencing different countries and cultures. Because of that, we love to help fellow travellers with some helpful tips for getting the most out of the Irish experience!

We also try to be environmentally conscience, particularly because we live and work in a very unique part of Ireland – The Burren. It’s landscape needs to be maintained and protected and we try our best to do our part. For that reason, we have included a long list of certified Eco Tourism providers, including accommodations, restaurants, farmer’s markets, and other activities in the area.

So have a look through our helpful tips and links and send us an email with any questions or if you need any recommendations! We would be happy to help!

Tips!

 

1) While there are some great places to eat and drink in Doolin, we understand that most people’s budgets don’t allow for constant eating out so while we have listed some great spots to check out, please note: there is no grocery store in Doolin. The closest large shop is in Ennistymon village- 13km –  (Supervalu), while smaller shops (Mace & Spar) can be found in Lisdoonvarna – 9 km-. So our advice: get your groceries/beer/wine before getting to Doolin, it will same you time (that you could be spending in a kayak with us), and money!

2) Bring cash! Trust us on this one! There is now an ATM in Doolin (in O’Connor’s Pub) as well as in Ennistymon (where there is one outside Bank of Ireland – but is not very reliable!), Lahinch or at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, and many establishments only accept cash (including us), so bring a bit extra with you. Again it will save you time, so that you don’t spend a day of your holidays just tracking down an ATM. There are plenty of ATMs in Galway, Ennis, Limerick and Shannon Aiport.

3) We know that everyone has different traveling styles. Some like to pre-book every single moment so to get the most out of their time, while others tend to only pre-book what is absolutely necessary (flights, first night/last night accommodation). So this is just a tip (since we fall in the latter category of travelers), Ireland is like no where else. Irish people are incredibly laid-back, warm and hospitable. Don’t be surprised if you get dragged into a traditional music session after casually mentioning to a local that you played the recorder in grade 6 or that your drive takes longer than expected because you got stuck behind a herd of slow moving sheep and the farmer asks you to get out and help. In Ireland it’s best to just go with the flow! Enjoy it, relax, and let yourself experience Ireland – where nothing much runs on time, shops close on Sundays, and parking spaces are optional!

Recommended Places to Stay in Doolin & Surrounding Area

Hostel:

  • Allie River Hostel – Was voted the Best Overall Hostel Atmosphere in Europe by Hostel World
  • Doolin Hostel – Situated in the centre of town and close to the start of the Cliffs of Moher hiking trail(Members of Burren Ecotourism)
  • Rainbow Hostel – Located close to two great pubs known for nightly traditional music, McGann’s and McDermott’s

Bed & Breakfast:

  • Killilagh House B&B – In the heart of Doolin village, close to pubs and restaurants,  Liz Shannon – Proprietor
  • Churchfield B&B – In Doolin village, close to amenities and bus stop, Maeve Fitzgerald –  Proprietor
  • Twinpeaks B&B – Directly behind the world famous Gus O’Connor’s Pub, in the heart of Doolin, run by Sinead O’Connor
  • Harbour View B&B – Overlooking Doolin village and the Atlantic, lovely B&B run by Cathy Normoyle
  • Emohrou B&B – Just 3 kms from the Cliffs of Moher, with stunning sea views, run by Margaret Carey
  • Ballinsheen House B&B – Located in a short distance from Doolin in the spa town of Lisdoonvarna, this 4-star B&B has a warm welcome for all, run by Mary & Michael Gardiner (Members of Burren Ecotourism)

Self Catering:

  • Doolin Activity Lodge – Lovely and comfortable, in the centre of Doolin, run by Dierdre & Niall O’Dwyer
  • Holiday Cottages – ‘More than just cottages’, a huge variety of self catering options in the area.
  • Wildberry Cottage – A luxurious self catering cottage with stunning ocean views
  • Fuschia Cottage – “What dreams are made of”, with panoramic ocean views
  • Irish Cottage in the West of Ireland (Corofin village) – Located in the village of Corofin, the gateway to the Burren

 

Where to Eat/Drink/Hear Live Music in Doolin

Restaurants:

Pubs (Music Nightly and Food served):

Must See Attractions:

  • Cliffs of Moher – visit the 700 foot towering Cliffs and experience true beauty (Members of Burren Ecotourism)
  • The Burren – explore the hidden treasures that await you in this stunning Geopark
  • Aran Islands – tour the three islands off Doolin, and step back in time
  • Doolin Cave – visit the Northern Hemisphere’s largest free standing stalactite, in Doolin (Members of Burren Ecotourism)
  • Ailwee Cave – Ireland’s premier show cave and birds of prey show, in Ballyvaughan

Things to Do in the Area:

Self-Guided Hiking:

  • Hiking Trails – Mapped trails through the beautiful landscape of County Clare

Horse Trekking:

 

Eco-labelled Accommodation Providers

Hostels

  • Kilfenora Hostel – Silver Award from Ecotourism Ireland, member of the Burren Ecotourism Network, located in the beautiful village of Kilfenora, home of the High Cross and great set-dancing nights in Vaughan’s Pub
  • Boghill Centre – Gold Award from Ecotourism Ireland, Member of the Burren Ecotourism Network, offering B&B in a holistic eco setting

Bed & Breakfast/Guesthouses

  • Meadowfield Guesthouse – This comfortable B&B is located in the lovely seaside village of Ballyvaughan
  • Rockyview Farmhouse – This friendly Eco B&B is located along the spectacular coastline of the Burren in the village of Fanore
  • Wild Honey Inn – A wonderful B&B and home to the award winning Wild Honey Inn restaurant, this B&B is located in the spa town of Lisdoonvarna

Hotels

  • Hotel Doolin – This 4-Star hotel also are received the Silver Award in the Green Hospitality Program
  • Sheedy’s Hotel – Lovely 4-Star hotel, located in Lisdoonvarna, Member of the Burren Ecotourism Network and winner of the Trip Advisor’s Traveller’s Choice award 2013
  • Gregans Castle Hotel – 4-Star luxury hotel, Member of the Burren Ecotourism Network, winners of numerous awards for Hotel of the Year and Culinary Excellence

 

 

Eco-labelled Food Producers/Restaurants

Food Producers

Restaurants

 

Eco-Labelled Activities

  • Boghill Centre – variety of workshops on offer, from trad music to ceramics and yoga set in a stunning Eco venue
  • Burren Experience Guided Walks – guided walks in the Burren with a focus on botany, geology, historical and spiritual landmarks
  • Burren Guided Walks and Hikes – guided walks and hikes with local women Mary Howard, long or short rambles with a focus on botany, geology, and historical landmarks
  • Doolin Cave – home to the largest stalactite in the Northern Hemisphere, this underground cave is like another world
  • Heart of the Burren Walks – guided walks by author Tony Kirby, with a focus on geology, botany, historical and spiritual landmarks
  • Michael Cusack Centre – founder of the GAA, the Michael Cusack Centre gives an look at the man’s life and the association
  • The Burren Centre – the centre offers a history of the unique Burren Landscape and the towns and villages that exist in the area

Local Links

Lahinch Yoga Studio

A Life at the Shoreline – “A wildlife and birding blog containing a description of coastal and county life and the natural wildlife and flora of the West of Ireland”

International Links

Buitensport Twente – Sports/Recreation Camp in the Netherlands

Wind, Wave and Sea Information

WindGuru 

MagicSeaweed