Doolin Cave: Hours, Address, Doolin Cave Reviews: 4.5/5
Doolin Cave
Doolin Cave
4.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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
Restaurants
17 within 3 miles
Oar Restaurant
151
0.5 mi$$$$ • Irish • European • Contemporary
Fitz's Pub
1,104
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Irish • Bar • European
The Ivy Cottage
810
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Irish • European • Soups
McGann's Pub & Restaurant
1,769
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Irish • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
McDermott's Pub
1,448
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Irish • Bar • European
Doonmacfelim House
17
0 ft$$ - $$$
Gus O’Connor’s Pub
3,700
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • European • Vegan Options
McGees Pub
16
0 ft$$ - $$$ • Irish • Pub
Glas Restaurant
49
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Irish • Seafood • Healthy
The Riverside Bistro
253
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Irish • Seafood • European
Attractions
13 within 6 miles
Clare Coastal Walk Project
261
0 ftHiking Trails
Cliffs of Moher
14,312
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts
Doolin Pier
95
0.9 miPiers & Boardwalks
Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark
249
Parks
Doolin Garden and Nursery
49
1 miGardens
Moher Hill Open Farm
235
Farms
Beauty Of The Burren Walks
37
1.5 miNature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
Plassey Wreck
162
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Castello di Doonagore
2
1.2 miCastles
Guerin's Path
18
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,198 reviews
Excellent
796
Very good
311
Average
68
Poor
15
Terrible
8
Norma O
Limerick, Ireland77 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
Our first experience of an underground cave was this week when we visited Doolin Cave in Co.Clare. We were so glad we did it and had the privilege of a cave experience. Jenny greeted us on arrival & could not have been more pleasant & helpful. We were a little early so enjoyed a lovely coffee & a cake in the cafe on site. We also had time to explore the beautiful garden & the animals. Simon was our guide & from the minute he introduced himself we were at ease. Everything was explained & safety & covid protocol were well adhered to. The tour was so informative & though we wouldn't be the fastest on our feet Simon was more than patient & so attentive. He is so knowledgeable & you find yourself hanging onto his words & imformation.Highly
recommend this experience, definitely something different & nice to do.
recommend this experience, definitely something different & nice to do.
Written September 10, 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 found the staff helpful and informative. Much appreciated.
Written October 5, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Paul O
County Monaghan, Ireland2,192 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Visited here on a Saturday afternoon in July. We booked tickets on line in advance. The tour lasts about 45 mins and is very informative. There are 125 steps each way and it can be a bit dark and damp in places. The highlight is obviously the 7.2 meter Stalactite which is an incredible site.
There is also a short garden walk outside the caves.
There is also a short garden walk outside the caves.
Written July 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you for visiting Doolin Cave and for your review. We are delighted you enjoyed your cave tour and our 1km farmland nature trail.
Written July 30, 2020
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 November 27, 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 January 7, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sonia K
Dublin, Ireland25 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
We booked a tour of Doolin Cave at 5pm on Saturday 2nd of Oct. We arrived on time and waited for our tour guide. There were other people booked in too but were a few minutes late as your supposed to arrive on time. We overhead the cashier moaning to the tour guide about these people. She said you don't have to give all of the information on tour to just get on with it. Then the elderly woman came in and apologised for being late and cashier said you do know there's 125 steps to go down etc she confirmed she knew this. She went out to hurry along her family. The cashier says to the guide well it won't be a fast tour so in other words saying because someone is elderly they will be slow. Appalling behaviour/attitude. I nearly left. Thankfully Aidan was a fantastic guide and we had a lovely tour. Also the older woman flew round. I would give more stars only for the cashier's behaviour was disgusting.
Written October 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
annb
Carlow, Ireland11 contributions
Aug 2021
Paid a visit to the Cave as it was a new one since I last visited the area some years ago. Not as expansive as others I have visited but it is relatively newly opened. You do need to dress for the cold and correct footwear is essential. The climb back up is not easy for an asthmatic but the guide ensured we took our time and stayed safe.
Written August 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you for your review and your feedback. We're delighted you enjoyed the experience. Much appreciated.
Written September 1, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tarasterlingb
43 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
Definitely go! So interesting and a great tour, very impressive. Only thing is that amount of stairs to go down/up is slightly restricting for some people but all staff were informative and adhered to the highest safety. Tour guide was a young man and very good.
Written July 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you for the 5* review and your feedback. We're so happy that you enjoyed the experience. Much appreciated.
Written July 21, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Marie M
69 contributions
Sep 2020 • Friends
Doolin caves are a real treat. Perfect for a rainy day. The guide was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the caves, it made the experience really interesting and fun. The stalactite is a must see. Unbelievable to see it up close. The history of it is extraordinary and to be able to travel safely into caves that are over 250,000 years old is amazing. Well done doolin caves for bringing this to the public.
Written September 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you for visiting, we appreciate you taking time out to write such a great review. We are delighted you enjoyed the experience at Doolin Cave, and we're so happy to share our knowledge of this amazing gem in the heart of the Burren so that future generations can learn to preserve and protect it.
Written May 24, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
PaulaGalvin
Kildare, Ireland668 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
Whilst not as big nor as spectacular as Ailwee caves, Doolin cave is worth a visit. Walk from Doolin visit in the morning, visit the cave and then go back to one of the great pubs in Doolin for a pint and spot of lunch.
Interesting stalagmites and stalactites to view.
Interesting stalagmites and stalactites to view.
Written August 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you for your review and your feedback. Both Doolin Cave and Aillwee Cave are unique in their own ways, and we would encourage anyone visiting North Clare to experience both of these geological wonders. We're delighted you enjoyed the experience. Much appreciated.
Written September 1, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
HakunaMatataMCS
Wexford, Ireland29 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
Today we visited the Cliffs of Moher and on the way I saw a sign for Doolin Cave so I thought we may as well have a look.
OMG. Talk about a hidden treasure... It was spectacular. Why is this place not highlighted as one of our spectacular places to visit... Largest stalactite in Europe, 3rd biggest in the world.
I would also like to compliment the staff, I phoned to enquire and the lady on the phone was really helpful and accommodating. The guide was fabulous, very knowledgeable and entertaining and the best bit was that we were not rushed. I have been on tours like this before where I hardly had time to draw a breath. There was time to take photos, ask questions and it was very relaxed, as holiday activities should be.
Thank you all for a wonderful experience. I'm certainly going to encourage lots of people to visit.
OMG. Talk about a hidden treasure... It was spectacular. Why is this place not highlighted as one of our spectacular places to visit... Largest stalactite in Europe, 3rd biggest in the world.
I would also like to compliment the staff, I phoned to enquire and the lady on the phone was really helpful and accommodating. The guide was fabulous, very knowledgeable and entertaining and the best bit was that we were not rushed. I have been on tours like this before where I hardly had time to draw a breath. There was time to take photos, ask questions and it was very relaxed, as holiday activities should be.
Thank you all for a wonderful experience. I'm certainly going to encourage lots of people to visit.
Written June 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you for the 5* review and your feedback. We're so happy that you enjoyed the experience and thanks a lot for recommending us to your friends. Much appreciated.
Written July 7, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
sarah d
7 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Doolin cave was a great find we just came across it and had a wonderful tour. The tour guide was really interesting, it has a huge stalactite, one of the largest in europe. A lot of steps up and down.
Written August 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you for finding us, we call the great Stalactite at Doolin Cave our hidden gem. We are delighted you enjoyed the experience :)
Written August 7, 2020
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 AM - 6:00 PM
- 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 mi) Doolin Sunset B&B
- (0.00 mi) Ballyvara House
- (0.00 mi) Ocean View B&B
- (0.00 mi) Doolin Village Lodges
- (0.00 mi) Doolin Court
- Restaurants near Doolin Cave:
- (0.00 mi) Doonmacfelim House
- (0.00 mi) McGees Pub
- (0.49 mi) Oar Restaurant
- (0.50 mi) The Ivy Cottage
- (0.38 mi) Fitz's Pub