Doolin Pier and the Shore
About
Doolin Pier is the working heart of the village's coast, the point where the ferries leave for the Aran Islands and the cliff cruise runs out along the Cliffs of Moher. Even without a boat it is worth the short trip down: the shore here is bare limestone pavement and storm-thrown blocks, with rock pools, a sea-bathing spot and long views out to the Aran Islands and back along the coast to the cliffs. It is a designated Burren geosite, where the Ice Age history of the landscape is written in the rock, and it is the best place in the village to watch the sun go down over the Atlantic. Free, open and exposed, so dress for the wind.
Photos
Highlights
- ✓The departure point for the Aran ferries and the cliff cruise
- ✓Bare limestone pavement, rock pools and a sea-bathing spot
- ✓Long views to the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher
- ✓A designated Burren geosite and the village's best sunset point
Tips
- →Dress for the wind; the pier is fully exposed to the Atlantic.
- →Time a visit for sunset on a clear evening.
- →Mind the slippery limestone and the tide if you are exploring the shore.
Best Season
More Attraction Activities
Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience
Ireland's most famous sea cliffs, 7 km south of Doolin, with O'Brien's Tower and a visitor centre. Pre-book a timed ticket online.
Doolin Cave and the Great Stalactite
A guided show-cave tour to one of Europe's largest free-hanging stalactites, 7.3 metres long, five minutes' drive from the village.
Doonagore Castle (Viewpoint)
The photogenic round tower house on the hill above the village. Privately owned and not open to the public; view it from the road or the cliff path.