Doolin Cave: Hours, Address, Doolin Cave Reviews: 4.5/5
Doolin Cave
Doolin Cave
4.5
10:00 - 18:00
Monday
10:00 - 18:00
Tuesday
10:00 - 18:00
Wednesday
10:00 - 18:00
Thursday
10:00 - 18:00
Friday
10:00 - 18:00
Saturday
10:00 - 18:00
Sunday
10:00 - 18:00
About
EXPLORE THE POWER OF ONE ONE drop of water that kept falling over hundreds of thousands of years to form ONE mighty, breath-taking wonder: the largest, most awe-inspiring stalactite in Europe. ONE dramatic underground experience like no other in Ireland – offering up a limestone wonderland 70 feet below ground. And ONE multi-faceted destination that combines the thrill of a descent into the depths of the earth with a wealth of above-ground attractions. – from the wild beauty of an indigenous walking trail, to fascinating glacial clay pottery to take home and treasure. This is Doolin Cave, a deep dive into a world in ONE. Once experienced – never forgotten.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Top ways to experience Doolin Cave and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
17 within 5 kms

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1,769
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1,449
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17
0 m€€ - €€€

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3,700
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16
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49
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253
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Attractions
13 within 10 kms

Clare Coastal Walk Project
261
0 mHiking Trails

Cliffs of Moher
14,314
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts

Doolin Pier
95
1.5 kmPiers & Boardwalks

Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark
249
Parks

Doolin Garden and Nursery
49
1.6 kmGardens

Moher Hill Open Farm
235
Farms

Beauty Of The Burren Walks
37
2.3 kmNature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails

Plassey Wreck
162
Points of Interest & Landmarks

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2
2 kmCastles

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Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
1,198 reviews
Excellent
796
Very good
311
Average
68
Poor
15
Terrible
8
eaglelake20
Crown Point, NY72 contributions
Jun 2022
This was an unexpected highlight of our stay in Doolin. We went to the cave more out of curiosity than anything else but ended up feeling like it was one of the highlights of our stay in County Clare. The introductory panels in the visitor's center provided us with good background information that set us up well for the tour. Our tour guide was excellent from start to finish. We donned hard hats and proceeded to walk down over 100 steps into the earth, then along a well-lit passageway to the chamber where the stalactite hung. I've seen plenty of stalactites over time, but this one really was special. The tour lasted maybe an hour, all of it interesting. We then climbed back up the stairs to the visitor's center. Note: I can get claustrophobic and while the passageway leading from the bottom of the stairs to the chamber was narrow and maybe 5 1/2 ft. tall in spots, I didn't have any problems. Probably because it was well-lit and our guide kept us preoccupied the entire time!
Written 25 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Rosemary K
7 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Really wonderful experience and well worth the 125 steps down and up. Went with 3 young kids and it was safe and well laid out for them. Reveal of the stalactite is magical and kids loved all the info from the tour guide. Note, tour would not be suitable for anyone with mobility issues as is damp underfoot and has a lot of stairs. But there's a lovely cafe with tasty food and yummy coffee. We got some lovely pieces of pottery as well made from the glacial clay in the cave. Highly recommend
Written 14 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SB900 Local of Pembrokeshire.
Pembrokeshire108 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Brilliant. Staff 100%
Knowledge 100%
Interesting…absolutely
Ease of booking 100%
Thoroughly enjoyed this visit. Such a fantastic highlight..thanks all. All the best for the future.
My advice…..DO IT.
Knowledge 100%
Interesting…absolutely
Ease of booking 100%
Thoroughly enjoyed this visit. Such a fantastic highlight..thanks all. All the best for the future.
My advice…..DO IT.
Written 12 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Colleen C
Cancun, Mexico161 contributions
May 2022
Just wow! Be prepared though, it is 8 stories below ground, and the stairs and ground can be slippery. We had no reservation but they added us on to the next tour.
Written 30 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jeroen Schipper
7 contributions
Apr 2022
Locted near Doolin (must visit!) this is a very nice excursion. Wearing your hard hat helmet to go deep under groud, the guide teling the interesting history of the cave the land and the stalactites
Written 8 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Andre H
Cape Town, South Africa353 contributions
Apr 2022
Did Doolin caves after Cliffs of Moher cruise on 20 April. About 8km from Doolin Pier/Town , well signposted along the way. I did not make a booking because it was not peak season & we were easily accommodated on 1.30pm tour , a few minutes after we arrived. Our guide , a gentleman , was very meticulous & reminded us about safety , especially the wet steps on numerous occasions. We were told the story of how the caves were discovered as we progressed through the tunnels & chambers. The paths are fairly well lit up & not to narrow for those concerned about being underground. There are around 120 steps down to about 60m . The stalactite is quite impressive & one has plenty of opportunities to take photos & browse.
The tour lasts around 45mins after we took a stroll around the premises & viewed the original entry point. There is a coffee shop on site . Cost was 17.50 euros per person
The tour lasts around 45mins after we took a stroll around the premises & viewed the original entry point. There is a coffee shop on site . Cost was 17.50 euros per person
Written 29 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Destination301943
2 contributions
Feb 2022 • Friends
Really good guide today with Richie and Kathleen on the desk was great also had lots of information for us.
Written 17 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you for your 5* review and your feedback. We're delighted you enjoyed the experience and are very grateful for the lovely feedback. Much appreciated.
Written 30 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Carrie
10 contributions
Nov 2021 • Solo
Amazing experience and a must see attraction in Doolin. Tour guide was excellent and so knowledgeable. It is definitely a must see! There is also a small number of animals there that are great to meet!
Written 13 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you for your 5* review and your feedback. We're delighted you enjoyed the experience and are very grateful for the lovely feedback. Much appreciated.
Written 7 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Anna F
3 contributions
Nov 2021
The stalactite is so much more impressive than we were expecting, the pictures really can't do it justice! The tour guide really brought the place to life and had such obvious passion for the place. Would definitely recommend.
Written 29 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you for your 5* review and your feedback. We're delighted you enjoyed the experience and are very grateful for the lovely feedback - we agree, photos really don't do the stalactite justice. It's something that needs to be seen by the human eye to really appreciate it. Thanks again.
Written 7 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Robynlou8
County Kildare, Ireland36 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
We had a fantastic tour, led by Richie! His enthusiasm for the cave and little bits of info were what really made it. The best part, (aside from the inhabitants, I'll let Richie introduce you to them) was when you walk into the main cavern with minimal light like the first people who discovered it, and then the lights come on for the big reveal! Absolutely amazing and dramatic entrance to a fascinating piece of geological mastery. I'm slightly claustrophobic, but loved it so much would definitely do it again if in the area.
Written 27 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you for your 5* review and your feedback. We're delighted you enjoyed the experience and are very grateful for the lovely feedback - we'll be sure to pass on your kind words to Richie. Much appreciated.
Written 7 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
estjim
Humble, TX13 contributions
Correction:...there are NOT as many signs to this attraction as you would expect.
Ritchie is a phenomenal and very knowledgeable Tour Guide. He has tremendous "Passion" about the Cave and Tremendous "Customer Focus", very responsive to our needs. Fantastic Trip!!!
estjim
Humble, TX13 contributions
Correction is provided and accurate. Ritchie is a Great! Tour Guide and very Customer Focused. It was very informative and a Great Experience.
Do you need to book ticket in advance or can you just show up?
Amanda M
Muskegon, MI295 contributions
You do not need to book ahead. You can purchase a ticket upon arrival.
I'm assuming the cave is not wheelchair accessible, correct? Some caves have partial wheelchair access with lifts and leveled paths but I don't think this one does right?
Thank you everyone for your answers! One of the websites I was looking at said the cave was partially accessible but then was saying there were lots of stairs and no lifts so I was getting conflicting info. That's too bad, I would have liked to see it. Does anyone have any other recommendations for some good wheelchair accessible places to visit in Ireland? I am planning a trip with my sisters in May or June! If their aren't a lot of stairs, I could probably do some places with a couple stairs.
How difficult/physical is the terrain? Type of clothing & footwear required?
Kris
Toowoomba, Australia114 contributions
Hi Spencer
The descent in and out of the cave is via a steel staircase which is encaged on all sides. So you’ll be going down approx 180 steps and going back up on the way out. If you need to, there’s ample room to step to the side to catch your breath.
Wear sturdy, fully enclosed shoes. The cave is airconditioned to preserve the integrity of the stalactite, so you won’t feel hot or cold. I wore jeans and a long sleeved thick t-shirt. The walking is not strenuous but you do have to be careful as the ground can be uneven in some of the tunnels.
How difficult/physical is the terrain? Type of clothing & footwear required?
ChrystineConcord_NH
Concord, NH69 contributions
It is a steep climb down and up. I recommend sturdy shoes. It might be chilly since you descend deeply, I recommend a jacket or sweater.
How we can get to the cave?
We will start from Doolon Glamping.
Is there a bus or anything else?
Luc H
Differdange, Luxembourg499 contributions
Sorry, but we have our own car for this reason I can not give any details.
Can i bring my dog visiting in sept on holiday from wales
Rachjackson
Ireland37 contributions
Hi. I don't know, you'll have to message caves. Sorry, I can't answer correctly. Only to tell you theres a lot of steps to go down into the cave.
Frequently Asked Questions about Doolin Cave
- Doolin Cave is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 - 18:00
- We recommend booking Doolin Cave tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 Doolin Cave tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Doolin Cave:
- (0.00 km) Ocean View B&B
- (0.00 km) Doolin Village Lodges
- (0.00 km) Doolin Sunset B&B
- (0.00 km) Doolin Cottages
- (0.00 km) Ballyvara House
- Restaurants near Doolin Cave:
- (0.00 km) McGees Pub
- (0.00 km) Doonmacfelim House
- (0.78 km) Oar Restaurant
- (0.80 km) The Ivy Cottage
- (0.61 km) Fitz's Pub