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Remember: there are no ATMS in Doolin. No banks either. Only one of the pubs accepts credits cards, too, so unless you want to eat there the entire time you're staying, you had better bring some money!
Ballyvara House
Hotel Class: 
4 Stars - 36 Opinions
Ballyvara, Doolin, Ireland
of people enjoy staying here
36 Opinions
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More about Doolin
Photos
The Jack B below the Cliffs
The Jack B passing An Bhreannán Mór
more Cliffs of Moher
The sun comes out
Forum Posts
Aran Islands ferries
I'm off to County Clare in august and spending several days in Doolin, I know there are two or three ferry companies serving the Aran Islands but I am unsure as to how far in advance I'd need to book a ferry for a day trip to any of the islands. Is it possible to just turn up on the day or is advance booking required?
Re: Aran Islands ferries
I'm just back from the Aran Islands myself and had a blast. They really are beautiful islands. I would highly recommend prebooking the tickets on line. August can be a very busy time on the islands and prebooked tickets would ensure your travel. Plus the tickets purchased on line can be 50% cheaper than down at the pier.
Aran Doolin Ferries, O’Brien Line Ferries and Doolin 2 Aran Ferries all provide services to the islands. For timetables check the following websites or contact them directly through the phone numbers below.
Aran Doolin Ferries – www.doolinferries.com ( +353 (0)65 7074 455 )
O’Brien Line – www.obrienline.com (+353 (0)65 707 5555 )
Doolin 2 Aran Ferries - www.aran-island-ferry.com ( +353 (0)65 7075949 )
All companies offer web booking and it is considerably cheaper to do this rather than buying direct from the company kiosks in Doolin. Prices can very considerably and it is good to shop around on line for the best deal. The different companies also offer different packages some including trips by boat to the Cliffs of Moher. We used O’Brien Lined who offer a Multi-Trip ticket which allows unlimited travel between the three islands and back to Doolin. The ticket remains valid until you return to Doolin and so is a great option for people who want to hop between the islands over several days (or even weeks!) The ticket is great value at €28.
The down side to the ferry travel is the erratic time keeping of the vessels and ports of call. Sometimes they may not stop at Inis Meain if the boat is too full for a pick up so make sure you have the company number to ring if you want to be sure that your boat is coming to pick you up or if you will have to wait for another. Not a problem if you have lots of time but can scupper your plans if you tight on time.
All the best and hope you enjoy the islands.
Brian
BTW I'm currently working on pages on the Aran Islands and they should be posted in the next week or two if you want to check them out later.
Re: Aran Islands ferries
Many thanks, I'll be booking my trips online as suggested, thanks again!
Re: Aran Islands ferries
All boats from Clare to Aran Islands leave from Doolin.
This page on the Doolin Tourism website shows all options :
http://www.doolin-tourism.com/boattrips.html
Travel Tips for Doolin
Take the goat path
You can visit the highest point of the Cliffs of Moher by walking up the road a few miles to it, however I recommend walking along the side of them. If you talk to the locals, they will tell you where you can find the goat's path along the edge of the cliffs - a relatively dangerous but intensely beautiful and breathtaking journey. When I went, I met no other travellers, allowing myself time for reflection and awe. Electric fences and mud puddles aside, I have had few more rewarding experiences during my travels thus far.
Cliffs of Moher
The highest cliffs in Europe, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's most popular tourist spots and a must see for people visiting the Doolin area.
The best time to see the cliffs is outside of the busy Summer months when hoardes of tourists flock to see them but even in Summer if you walk a bit up or down the Cliffs from the main car park you will be rewarded with stunning views and avoid the worst of the crowds
There is a small visitor centre (free) selling souvenirs with a coffee shop & toilets although if it's food you're looking for I'd save my money and head for a pub in Doolin or one of the other towns in the area.
The charge for using the carpark is €2.50 per car.
Kilfenora & the Doorty Cross
The Doorty Cross of Kilfenora is a celtic high-cross with a unique design, showing a bishop and 2 other persons. The cross is 13 feet high and dates back to the 12th century. It is quite unique that a bishop - most probably Holy Fachtnan - is shown on top of the cross. It is also quite unique, that the celtic ring exists, but it is part of the cross and not seperate like in most other celtic High-crosses.
On my 3rd picture you may see another celtic cross of Kilfenora
My 4th and 5th pics are showing the remains of the old cathedral of Kilfenora.
You may find more pics and infos about it on my Kilfenora-page !
Walk the Rocks
The Burren is a huge area of boulder sized stone that covers the ground and is fantastic to look at and walk on.
Here is my husband on the Burren, close to the green patches where we were married.
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Questions and Answers
Q: Birthday in Doolin "Spending a few days, of the 10 I have in the area, in Doolin this coming Spring, and I'm wondering which pub would be most fun to..."
A: "I'm partial to O'Connors myself, but I think you'd be hard pressed NOT having a good time in any of them. Just keep in mind there will be plenty of other tourists there..."
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