Doolin Cave

4.7 (2,448)

See all

See all

About

Home to the Great Stalactite — at 7.3 metres (23 feet), the largest free-hanging stalactite in Europe — Doolin Cave offers a genuine underground adventure in the heart of the Burren.

Things to Do

Guided Cave Tour

Descend 125 steps (70 feet) into a 350-million-year-old limestone world on a fully guided 50-minute tour. The cave has two chambers: the Main Chamber houses the colossal Great Stalactite (7.3m, 10 tonnes), while the second chamber features delicate straw stalactites, helicities and bell-jar formations. Hard hats provided; tour capacity is 20 people.

Eco-Trail Walk

A gentle 1km looped chip-stone pathway above ground, free for cave visitors. Spot rare-breed farm animals (pygmy goats, Soay and Jacob sheep), discover the original 1952 cave entrance, explore the Enchanted Hallow Fairy Village, and enjoy sweeping views of the glacial valley and Ballinalacken Castle.

Pottery & Gift Shop

Browse and buy unique Doolin Cave Pottery — hand-thrown by Caireann Browne using glacial clay dug 120ft deep within the cave. The gift shop also stocks local arts, crafts and souvenirs.

On-Site Café

Relax in the café, open daily 11am–4pm, serving brunch, barista coffee, teas, hand-baked cakes and sweet treats. A warm spot to unwind while others in your group tour the cave.

Great Stalactite Viewing

The star attraction: Europe's number-one largest stalactite. At 7.3 metres long and weighing around 10 tonnes, this awe-inspiring formation is dramatically lit, making for unforgettable photographs — flash photography is allowed.

Plan Your Visit

Hours: Jan–Feb: 11am–4pm. Mar: 10am–5pm. Apr–Sep: 10am–5pm. Oct 1–24: 10am–5pm; Oct 25–31: 10am–4pm. Nov: 10am–4pm. Dec: 10am–4pm (closed 16–26 Dec, reopens 27 Dec). Tours depart on the hour; during busy periods also on the half-hour. Last admission 30 minutes before close.
Admission: Adults €19.50, children (4–16) €9.50, seniors/students €17.50
Parking: Free on-site parking, including free parking for small buses.
Food: The on-site café serves brunch, barista coffee, teas, drinks and hand-baked cakes daily 11am–4pm.

Watch More

See it on the map

Load the interactive map to explore this place location.

Nearby places

4.7 (636)

Bothar nA hAillite

A wild, wind-battered pull-in on the R479 clifftop road near Ballyryan, where bare Burren limestone meets the Atlantic with no fences, no queues and no admission gate. Stop on the drive between Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher and you can stand right at the cliff edge.

Clare · ~3 km

4.7 (743)

Cliffs of Moher Walking Trail

A stunning clifftop trail rising from sea level at Doolin to jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic, the Aran Islands, and Ireland's most famous sea cliffs — all walkable for free.

Doolin, Clare · ~5 km

4.6 (4710)

Doolin Ferry

The fastest ferry crossing to the Aran Islands — just 15 minutes to Inis Oírr — combined with award-winning Cliffs of Moher cruises, all from a family-run operation at Doolin Pier with over 50 years on the water.

Doolin, Clare · ~5 km

4.6 (53)

Doonagore Castle

A fairy-tale 16th-century round tower house perched on a hill above Doolin, with sweeping Atlantic views — one of only three cylindrical tower houses in the Burren. Privately owned and closed inside, but unforgettable from the road, especially at sunset.

Doolin, Clare · ~5 km

4.8 (156)

Doolin Cliff Walks

A spectacular guided (or self-guided) coastal walk along the Cliffs of Moher from Doolin, led by fifth-generation local farmer Pat Sweeney — one of the most authentic ways to experience Ireland's most famous sea cliffs, far from the crowds.

Doolin, Clare · ~6 km

Featured in

GuideCaves and Underground Places to Visit in IrelandEight caves and underground sites in Ireland you can enter — from Europe's largest stalactite to a sea-cave waterfall, a coal mine, and a souterrain.