Discover Doolin on foot or bike
Ask any seasoned visitor to our lovely part of the world and they’ll tell you right away: the best way to really take it all in, to really get up close and personal with the sheer beauty and wonder of Doolin and beyond is on foot or by bike. The good news is, you’ll be stuck for choice, with a myriad of trails, walks and ways taking you off the beaten track, and all are sign-posted. We do believe though, that to truly get the most from your hike or bike adventure, we recommend you go with a guide – so here are a few you might like to consider.
Doolin Cliff Walk
Local historian and farmer, Pat Sweeney, is your perfect guide for the Doolin Cliff Walk – a trail route that runs along the coast and above the Doolin cliffs. With green fields, cows, sheep and local farms on one side, and the wild Atlantic Ocean on the other, this is a unique way to experience the stunning views and breath-taking rural beauty of Clare. Pat Sweeney is an expert on local history and folklore and is passionate about the preservation of a rural lifestyle that has been enjoyed by five generations of his farming family. This walk starts just a couple of steps from our door in Fisher Street, Doolin, and takes around 3 hours.
Heart Of Burren Walks
Tony Kirby offers a wide variety of guided walks in the majestic, rocky Burren and his tours have featured in No Frontiers (RTE TV travel series) and Mooney Goes Wild (RTE Radio wildlife series). The menu includes a summer-scheduled progamme in the Burren National Park, archaeology walks, spirituality walks and weekend walking breaks. There is everything from an easy, hour-long stroll to an invigorating day-long hill walk. All walks feature entertaining and informative commentaries on the geology, flora, archaeology, fauna, farming and folklore of the Burren.
E : info@heartofburrenwalks.com
Burren Experience Gguided Walks
Offers you enlightening and exhilarating walks with knowledgeable local guide, Marie. Marie lives in the heart of the Burren, has a degree in Heritage and a deep passion for what she calls Wilderness Therapy. On the mountains of Sliabh Rua and Mullaghmore you will gain insight on this magical place, with its intriguing limestone pavement, diverse array of wild flowers and abundant wildlife. The legacies of past generations, the old farm homestead, ancient famine road and various monuments all feature in Marie’s walk – exploring the history of the land and its people as you go.
E: burrencottage@clareireland.ie
W: www.mullaghmore-burren.com ~ Open all year
Lahinch Adventures
Is dedicated to providing quality outdoor hill walking through the stunning and unique Burren, with a highly qualified and knowledgeable local guide. All levels of fitness and interests are catered for and there’s a wide range of tours to choose from. If you prefer, a guide can create a walk to suit your specific needs. A minimum of 2 people are required for these walks.
W: www.lahinchadventures.com ~ Open all year
Adventure Burren
offers half- and full-day walks, trail walks and climbs – with the specialized guidance of Christy who is a fully-qualified mountain leader and rock-climbing instructor. Christy has many years of experience leading and training in different mountain areas – from Wicklow and The Mourns to the Scottish highlands and the Alps. Now a resident of the Burren, Christy will lead you through this beautiful part of the world – sharing everything from majestic views to archeological highlights. For your peace of mind, Christy is also trained in mountain first aid.
E: christy@adventureburren.com
W: www.adventureburren.com ~ Open all year
Wild Food and Foraging Walks
Oonagh O’Dwyer invites you along on one of her Wild Food and Foraging Walks – sharing her knowledge of food that is seasonal, local, nutritious and free. You’ll discover many edible types of seaweed, wild herbs, roots, flowers, fruits and nuts. You’ll learn to identify the different plants as well as how to forage sustainably. All walks include a picnic in the wild, using some of nature’s larder – while you can also learn about the many wonderful uses of wild food, by joining Oonagh’s cookery classes, or Wild Food Supper Club.
W: www.wildkitchen.ie ~Open March – October
Clareville House Kitchen garden
Deborah Evers of Clareville House Kitchen Garden offers guided foraging walks on the Burren limestone and shoreline. She’ll show you how observation is the key and how to use ancient landscape navigation techniques to find your way, recording with your eyes, camera or sketchbook. The focus in the spring is on the Burren wild flowers, while edible food foraging is the emphasis come autumn.
E : burrenkitchengarden@gmail.com
W: www.burrenkitchengarden.com
All guides we recommend are members and ‘friends’ of the Burren Ecotourism Network and adhere to the Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark Sustainable Code of Practice.
Cliffs of Moher Walking Trail
WalkStart/Finish Points: Liscannor/Sports Field Moher/ Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre/ Doolin
Dist/Time:
- Liscannor – Doolin / Doolin – Liscannor 20km, 4-5hrs
- Sports Field Moher – Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre 6km, 2hrs
- Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre – Doolin 8km, 2 hrs-2 hrs 30
- Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre – Hags Head return (Moher Walk)10km, 2hrs 30-3hrs
Terrain: Exposed Cliff top path, narrow and steep ascents, flagstone steps, farm tracks, local and regional roa
Difficulty: Difficult. High levels of fitness required. Caution: exposed cliff top path.
Minimum Gear: Hiking boots, warm and waterproof clothing, fluid, SPF, snack, mobile phone
Ballyvaughan Wood Loop
Trailhead: Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare
Services: Ballyvaughan village
Dist/Time: 8km / 2hrs – 2 1/2 hrs
Terrain: Surfaced roadway, green roads, tracks, cross country
Difficulty: Easy. Medium level of fitness required
Minimum Gear: Trekking shoes, waterproofs, fluid, snacks, mobile phone
Black Head Loop
Trailhead: Fanore Beach Car Park, Fanore, Co. Clare
Services: Fanore (1km) and Ballyvaughan (14km)
Dist/Time: 26km / 5hr-6hrs
Terrain: Green roads, tracks and mountain paths
Difficulty: Hard. Higher than average level of fitness required
Minimum Gear: Sturdy walking boots, waterproofs, rucksack, fluid, snacks, mobile phone
Burren National Park Walks
The Burren National Park has 7 way-marked walking trails. 5 start at Gortlecka Crossroads (also called Mullaghmore Crossroads) and 2 start at Slieve Carran (Keelhilla Nature Reserve) – and they vary from from 30 minutes to 3 hrs. The terrain can be uneven, are quite steep in places and are not wheelchair accessible
Caher Valley Loop
Trailhead: Fanore Beach Carpark, Co. Clare
Services: Fanore, Co. Clare
Dist/Time: 14.5km/3-4hrs
Difficulty: Moderate
To Suit: Medium level of fitness
Minimum Gear: Sturdy walking boots, waterproofs, rucksack, fluid, snacks, mobile phone
Carron Loop Walk
Trailhead: Cassidy’s Pub, Carron Village, Co. Clare
Services: Carron, Corofin (12km), Ballyvaughan (15km), Co. Clare
Dist/Time: 9km/3-4hrs
Terrain: Mix of minor roads, animal tracks and green lanes
Difficulty: Difficult, to suit higher than average levels of fitness
Minimum Gear: Sturdy walking boots, waterproofs, rucksack, fluid, snacks, mobile phone
Carron Turlough Loop Walk
Trailhead: Opposite Cassidys Pub, Carron
Services: Services available seasonally at Carron, year round at Corrofin
Distance: 5Km
Time: 1-1.5hrs
Terrain: Short section of regional road, mostly minor country roads
Difficulty: Easy, medium levels of fitness required. Walk is buggy-friendly
Fanore to Ballyvaughan Trek
Distance: 21Km
Time: 5 – 6hrs
Terrain: Green roads, minor roadways, woodland tracks
Difficulty: Difficult to Hard, suitable for high levels of fitness
Services: Full services are available at Fanore and Ballyvaughan
Trailhead: Car Park Fanore Beach
The Burren Way
Distance: 123km
Time: 5 days. Each section represents approximately one full day of walking (Lahinch-Doolin/ Doolin-Ballyvaughan/ Ballyvaughan-Carran / Carran-Corrofin/ Carran -Tubber)
Terrain: A mix of green road, pathway, minor roadway, and grassy/rocky track, with an initial steep climb out of the Caher Valley and steep descent to Feenagh Valley
Grade: Moderate to difficult, average fitness required (casual walkers)
Minimum Gear: Sturdy walking boots, waterproofs, rucksack, fluid, snacks, mobile phone
Trailheads: Lahinch, Doolin, Lisdoonvarna, Ballyvaughan, Carran, Corrofin and Tubber
Cycling is one of the best ways to explore the Burren. Take a guided tour, hire a bike or treat yourself to an electric bike and just cruise around. Doolin Inn’s doorstep is the starting point for the Doolin Cycle hub, and there are maps and signage to direct you while you explore.
Doolin Rent a Bike
Located next door, Doolin Rent a Bike has special rates for our guests with a variety of bikes to choose from. Just mention that you are staying with us.
T: +353 86 109 1850 or +353 87 65 69837
E-Whizz Electric Bikes
Hire an amazing Kalkhoff electric bike and spend your day enjoying the scenery, while the bike helps you up the hills. A typical guided tour will include some of the most beautiful spots in Ireland (and some of its best kept secrets). Groups are kept small – a maximum of 8 people – ensuring you get the most out of the experience. For bike hire, E-Whizz will deliver to Doolin Inn and discounts are available for multiple days and more than two bikes.
T: +353 65 7088846 or +353 87 6277000
W: www.e-whizz.com
Open May to October, 9am to 6pm
Burren Fine Wine and Food
An early morning guided cycling tour through the heart of the Burren followed by a delicious mouth-watering breakfast at Burren Fine Wine and Food. This experience was acknowledged as one of National Geographic’s Top 10 Activities along the Wild Atlantic Way in 2014 and included on Failte Ireland’s original 50 Secrets of the Wild Atlantic Way. It also featured on RTE’s Eco Eye programme.
Bicycle hire is also available with delivery to Doolin Inn.
Hostel, contact +353 86 34 12 875
Tour: Cathleen +353 87 7633 241
Doolin Cycle Hub
Loop 1: Distance: 18 km
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Route: From Doolin South towards the Cliffs of Moher
This is a short trip following the coast road to the Cliffs of Moher and back via Knocknalarabana – the hill overlooking Doolin. Cyclists will pass the round tower of Doonagore Castle and should prepare for a severe climb.
Loop 2: Distance: 26/39 km
Time: 3 – 4 hours
Route: Visits the south west corner of North Clare taking in some amazing coastal views
You’ll stop off at the famous St. Bridget’s Well, situated approximately 300-400 metres south of the Cliffs of Moher, or enjoy a walk or swim at Lahinch beach. This route can be shortened just before O’Briens Bridge, which lies just north of Lahinch.
Loop 3: Distance: 43 km
Time: 4 – 4.5 hours
Route: Goes inland towards Kilfenora and the Burren region
Follow a peaceful, scenic route towards Kilfenora then visit the famous Poulnabrone Dolmen in the heart of the Burren. Constructed around 3500BC, this is one of Ireland’s most distinctive landmarks.
Loop 4: Distance: 21/47 km
Time: 4.5 – 5 hours
Route: Goes north along the coast road with spectacular views of the Aran Islands
You’ll take the coast road, with spectacular views across to the Aran Islands. There are challenging climbs over Slieve Elva – or if you prefer, at Kilmoon Bridge, before the mountains, you can head inland to Lisdoonvarna.
The Burren Cycleway
Trailheads: The Burren Cycleway starts at Lahinch and ends in Lisdoonvarna.
Services: Lisdoonvarna, Lahinch, Ballyvaughan and Doolin
Distance: 69km
Time: Approximately 1.5 days
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Terrain: Hilly, low gears recommended. Breathtaking scenery with a mix of coastal and inland routes.
To Suit: Suitable for people of medium levels of fitness.
Traffic: Generally light but can get busy during peak holiday season.
Minimum Gear: Helmet, bike, mobile phone, fluid, snacks, waterproofs and a rucksack.
The Dolmen Cycleway
Trailheads: Starts and ends in Lisdoonvarna
Services: Lisdoonvarna, Kilfenora, Ballyvaughan
Time: Approximately 1 day
Terrain: Hilly, low gears recommended as you experience the Burren countryside at its best
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, suitable for people with medium levels of fitness
Traffic: Generally light except during mid tourist season
Minimum gear: Helmet, bike, mobile phone, fluid, snacks, waterproofs and rucksack