Very well run and great staff, will definitely return there.

Beautiful little spot with a great cooking facility. Only a short walk from great pubs and shops. If you like to hike this is the spot for you. Surrounded by the beautiful Irish country side, wild life and of course the ocean.

Hillwalk Tours offer self-guided, multi-day hikes along the Burren Way, which passes through Doolin.

 http://www.hillwalktours.com/hiking-ireland/burren-way-overview

Rock climbing is becoming a popular sport in the Burren - routes are traditional and offer stunning views of the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher. The closest and some of the most popular Burren routes are located at Alihee's, only three miles up the coast towards Fanore. There is also good bouldering on Doolin's rocky shore a short walk form Doolin village

Doolin and the surrounding area are riddled with caves and potholes for self-equipped cavers with some experience. Doolin pothole being the closest only a few minutes walk away. There is also a newly opened exhibition cave that is more suitable for tourists - Doolin cave boasts the Northern Hemisphere's largest free-hanging stalactite doolincave.ie/. A little further afield are the Ailwee Caves that offer tours through an extensive system of caves and also boast a Birds-of-Prey centre www.aillweecave.ie/.

The Atlantic coast offers clear water and interesting wrecks to explore. Head down to Doolin pier and launch yourself into the Atlantic. There are shark, skate, and tope to be found on deep sea diving trips which can be arranged in nearby Ballyvaughan. One can also learn to dive in Lahinch Seaworld leisure centre. 

Pony trekking is available in Doolin and nearby Ennistymon. Trails rides vary from an hour to the day, offering a unique perspective in exploring the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher. There is a horse riding centre 3 miles Doolin called mountainview horseriding centre that offers trips into the Burren, up mountains, and down to the beach. http://www.mountainviewtrekking.com/

In the 70's, Doolin became a Mecca of traditional Irish music, partially due to the talent and character of three brothers who lived here. While Micho Russell took his music to the World, his brothers waited in Doolin for the World to come to them. Come they did and still do. Traditional music can be heard in McDermott's, McGann's and O'Connor's pubs every night. The musicians that make Doolin their base are some of the best in the world, and it is not uncommon to see some famous faces here! We also have many traditional music sessions in the hostel and musicians stop by on a regular basis to play tunes and hang out by the Aille River - all are welcome to join in.

Doolin and its surrounding areas are now rated as some of the top places to surf in Europe. There are two right-hand reef breaks - Doolin Point and Crab Island, both within twenty minuts walk from the hostel, but be warned, these aren't for the uninitiated! Recently, a 40 foot wave was 'discovered' between Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher. Named Aileens after it's location Aill na Searach (meaning 'leap of the foals', after the legend of seven fairy horses who met their fate at the spot), it's a tow-in wave for experts only. There are a number of good beach breaks close by in Lahinch, Fanore and Spanish Point.

Having been in operation for 35 years, we welcome back many return visitors who say that coming back to the Aille River Hostel Lodge and Doolin is like returning home. On a cold evening the turf fire beckons, when the sky is blue and the grassy banks of the Aille river invite one for a snooze in the sun, and whatever the weather, the atmosphere is always warm and friendly. all our rooms are private and ensuite and we also have a quiet campsite for tents.

 We welcome people of all ages and all our rooms are private and ensuite: we have Double rooms, Twin rooms and Family rooms for 4-5 people.

A breakfast menu is now available for a small fee.

Please browse our site to become familiar with Doolin, its surrounding famous sites and all the Aille River Hostel Lodge has to offer. If you are coming to Doolin, we hope that this is only an introduction and that we’ll be seeing you soon!

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