Doolin for those in their twenties and early thirties???

Fedina · Newbie

Doolin for those in their twenties and early thirties???

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Depending upon the time of year, Doolin generally has much less on offer than a larger town, such as Ennis.

Doolin is pretty rural whereas Ennis is a largish, Market Town. If you wanted something in between, you might consider Ennistimon, Lisdoonvarna, Milltown Malbay or Ballyvaghan. Which, would depend upon where you are coming from, where you are heading and what you are interested in, while there. confuse confuse

tony2phones · Guru

Do you need a choice of more than 3 pubs and a hotel bar?? I do so don't overnight in Doolin although I visit regularly..
Ennis is a good option and a touring base for the whole of Clare. Galway is a good option with lots of scope. Kinvara between the two along with the places listed above..

Last leg?? where are you leaving from and what's the rest of your Itinerary

P.S. Welcome to the Forum..

Fedina · Newbie

Thank you all. Happy to find you. We usually travel and stay for three or four nights in one spot. But this trip is a first for our kids so we're trying to fit a bit more in. I've been agonizing over this and may consider changing the reservations I've made. We arrive in Dublin for two days and nights, then to Cork for two more nights, then to Dingle for two and up to Clare for two. Then we'll be leaving from Shannon. The trip is a family Christmas gift for our three adult kids, and us. I'm happy with one or two pubs and bed, and places to go for walks/sights, but the kids might be looking for more. Some people have advised against staying in Doolin, others for it! Thanks again.

tony2phones · Guru

Kids got a question mark until I reread the Adult part, Christmas? Keeps the question mark,when are you coming over?

There are a few select places on the Island that get big votes for from visitors not so great from those who live here.. Falling into the latter category I might have a different perspective than your "Typical Tourist" . I do like Doolin as a place to visit and it does have benefits for those just wanting to see the Cliffs of Moher and the typecast "moonscape" Burren around Blackhead between Doolin and Ballyvaughan.

Michele Erdvig · Host

What time of year will you be there?

Fedina · Newbie

We'll be over in May, so not too far off. We were thinking of taking the boat to one of the Aran Islands if the weather is good. So, Doolin seemed a good spot. Plus, I'd like to see the Cliffs and love the ancient sites. I've not been to Doolin, but was in and about Ireland and Clare in 1980. So long ago that I can't remember much other than we rented a caravan to sleep in on the beach somewhere in Clare, heard some lovely music and went on up to Galway where our friend had family. I don't want to stay in a city like Galway, and considered Kinvarra area. But wonder about Ennis, or Lisdonverna. We've traveled alot to Italy (I have family there) and always like the out of the way places. My husband has been to Ireland a couple of times with his friends, same one who still has family there. He says Doolin is tiny. Sorry if I've misspelled the town names. Thanks again for any suggestions you might have. I do like seeing non touristy places, but as I said, our adult kids have never been.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Doolin is very small but it does have music on nightly in the pubs. It would make a good base for the Aran Islands, cliffs, Aillwee & Doolin Caves, Birds of Prey Center, Burren, Poulnabrone Dolmen and even a day trip down to Loop Head. Ennis is a larger town with more infrastructure such as restaurants, pubs, etc. I guess it depends on what your adult kids want. But if you mix it up on the rest of the trip with larger towns, I don't see why you shouldn't spend two nights in Doolin.

tony2phones · Guru

The Fledh Nua is on in Ennis in May http://www.fleadhnua.com/ Ennis would have Music every night anyway through May. May is also Burren in Bloom month http://www.burreninbloom.com/

Caravan and Beach might indicate Fanore or down by Spanish Point..

markan · Senior Member

For what it's worth on my last to trips/overnight stays in Doolin I saw plenty of people in their 20's and 30's having a good time so I'm sure they'll enjoy it.

Fedina · Newbie

Thank you for all your help and suggestions!

Geno · Guru

Should your weather be good in Doolin, you might be interested in doing the cliff walk hike from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher. Look at my recent trip report for details. It will probably be the most amazing thing you do on the trip if you are able to make the journey with local farmer Pat Sweeney.

I personally love using Doolin as a couple of days base in Clare. One of my favorite places to be.

Geno

PuzoP2 · Member

Geno, is Farmer Sweeney easy to find? I found your information fascinating. I believe you said he starts his walk at 10:00am, right? We'll be based just outside Galway, so I want to make sure and include this in our trip activities.
Thanks,
Patti

Geno · Guru

Patti:

It is really easy. If the weather is good -- and probably even if it is not -- you meet him at 10 a.m. in front of Gus O'Connor's Pub. He is there like clockwork M-F. For 5 euros he takes you on the walking tour and provides non-stop commentary along the way. Fascinating guy. Look at the website I linked to for more on him. He really has done many things for that small village. He is involved in many initiatives with the schools, community, and youth sports and is one of the most upbeat people you will ever meet.

Geno

-- Edited by Geno on Friday 18th of April 2014 09:34:39 AM

PuzoP2 · Member

Looking forward to the experience. Thank you.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Just as an FYI -- Geno's link to the Cliff Walk / Pat Sweeney : http://www.doolincliffwalk.com/walk.html

tony2phones · Guru

You need a head for heights in parts now the path has been moved to the edge side rather than on the field side of the fences.

Geno · Guru

Tony:

You are right -- it was that way when I was there last month -- but only in a couple of places. The trail was altered a bit because of the huge amount of rain the week before we were there. That being said, it was still mostly at the cliff edge and by summer hopefully back on full trail.

Geno

tony2phones · Guru

The old path was through the fields rather than along the edge.. For some reason when the "new" cliff path was revamped Clare council opted not to make payment to keep the path as was and compensate the loss of less than a couple of acres.. With the amount of money invested turning the Cliffs site from a natural environment into telly tubby land creating a big enough mound to hide the visitors centre underground,, You would have thought a few quid for a safer route would have been beneficial... lets face it .One accident on that path and the route will be closed and blocked again with the 000000's invested thrown to the wind.

Michele Erdvig · Host

That is very short-sighted. Is this considered part of the Wild Atlantic Way? Maybe they can get involved since the Cliffs of Moher won't.

Geno · Guru

Was told that the land between Doolin and the Cliffs is owned by 39 farmers -- and that 38 are on board with the pathway. When you get to the one who is not part of the project, you do have to go up and over his property, as there is a large rock wall blocking the area going onto his land!

Not apprised of all the political ramifications you mentioned -- but that walk was one of the most spectacular things I have ever done.

Geno

-- Edited by Geno on Monday 21st of April 2014 09:03:23 AM