Doolin Cave
Doolin Cave, is one of the best kept secrets of the Wild Atlantic Way. It is a family run attraction harbouring ‘the Great Stalactite’, one of the world’s most magnificent wonders, deep under the karst landscape of the Burren. If you have the spirit of an explorer within, then you will really enjoy the experience of visiting this great geological wonder.
On a fully guided tour you are brought back 350 million years to see and learn how our world looked back then and how the Burren/Wild Atlantic Way was formed, memories of high school geography lessons will come flooding back. You can take your adventure from underground to above ground on a charming farmland nature trail that takes a 1km looped walk around the outside of the cave.
Visit some rare and miniature breeds of animals on the trail and learn more about the nature of the Burren and the Wild Atlantic Way from the key discovery points dotted along the route. If you have kids on board there are opportunities to meet pygmy goats Vinnie and Minnie and to feed the chickens and collect eggs.
Indulge your taste buds with some wonderful dishes made with local produce in the café on site and enjoy browsing in the gift shop before you leave. There is handmade pottery available in the gift shop made by the daughter of the cave owners which is made using glacial clay found deep inside Doolin Cave.
Let the adventure begin!
Family Fun Tips
With 2 adults and up to 3 children €50 (Book online, save 20%)
There are 120 steps into and out of the cave, there is a handrail all the way and landings with seating every 10 steps so please take your time on the way up!
Strollers are not permitted on the cave. Babies and small children must be carried on the cave tour.
With a farmland nature trail and farm animals it is an ideal family excursion.
Doolin Cave Visitor Centre
The state of the art Visitor Centre has just opened at the cave, so visitors can now drive directly to the cave and park there. There is also an exhibition area which gives more information on the cave and the area.
The centre includes a spacious garden Cafe open daily from 11 am – 4 pm daily, serving home-made soups, light meals, cakes and desserts, as well as a wide selection of hot and cold drinks.
Visitor may work up an appetite touring the cave, (don’t forget the 120 steps!) and many visitors find that a meal or drink in the cafe is the perfect way to round off the trip and recover their strength.
The design process of the Visitor Centre has resulted in a contemporary building blending harmoniously into the landscape and offering the public a very welcoming and enjoyable experience as a preamble to the ‘Great Stalactite’
Exhibition Space
The Exhibition area in the Visitor Centre is informative and well illustrated. It tells the story of how the limestone landscape of the Burren area was formed 350,000,000 years ago, how caves are formed, the effect of the Ice Ages on the local area, down to the discovery of the cave in 1952, through to the excavation and opening up of the cave to the public.
Doolin Cave Farmland Nature Trail
Doolin Cave Farmland Nature Trail, is FREE to all cave visitors. It is a looped walk approx. 
1km long, a leisurely stroll along pathways through pleasant rural surroundings with farm animals and plants along the way.
The aim of the Nature Trail is to let visitors see the rich natural heritage of the Burren region and Ireland both in plant and animal life. The nature trail gives visitors a great insight to the Burren overground with deep insights to the formation of the landscape and indigenous Burren flowers on information panels along the trail. The nature trail at Doolin Cave also has magnificent views of the surrounding Doolin and Burren landscape stretching as far as the 12 pins in Connemara making for super photo opportunities.
Practical Visitor Information
- The cave tour takes approx.45 – 50 minutes.
- Tours every half hour in high season and hourly at other times.
- Perfect for families.
- There are 120 steps down to the cave, every 10 steps, there is a landing with seating.
- Please take your time going up and down.
- Strollers are not permitted in the cave.
- Babies and small children must be carried.
- With farm animals and a farmland nature trail it is the ideal day out for all.
- Doolin Cave guides are very knowledgeable and most of them are from the local area.
School and Group Tours
School tours and groups are welcome to Doolin Cave. The Cave tour is especially tailored to cover areas of the geography school syllabus and pop quiz sheets are available to take back to the classroom for the pupils to fill out later.
Please contact [email protected] or call 065-7075761 to enquire about group rates or to make a booking.
Doolin Cave Booking Tickets
The tariff for entry to Doolin Cave is payable on site or by phone.
Adult €15.00
Child €8.00
Family €50.00 – (2 adults & 3 children)
With limited availability, it is in your interest, to avoid disappointment, if you book in advance. You can either book by phone on +353 (0)65 707 5761 or Book online
Doolin Cave Online Booking
- Adult €12
- Child €6.40
- Family €40 (2 adults & 3 children)
Doolin Cave Opening Times
OPEN Daily 10 am-5 pm, tours on the hour every hour and every half hour during high season (June-August)
Please checlk their website (top of page) for opening times and tour times or email : [email protected] with any queries
Directions To Doolin Cave in Clare
Doolin Cave is located 15 minutes drive from the Cliffs of Moher and 5 minutes from Doolin on the R479 (Doolin to Fanore Road)
45 minutes from Shannon Airport.
3.5 hours from Dublin.
1 hour from Galway City.
3 hours from Cork
