Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Doolin

"This is a rare kind of garden – one to commemorate those who donated their organs. There is something mystic, something spiritual about it, but that is hard to describe. Birdsong fills the air."

"Moody and evocative, this marvellous ruined former Cistercian abbey is 1.5km inland from Bellharbour, in a quiet green hollow, surrounded by the stark grey Burren hillsides. It began its long decline in the 15th century but the surviving vaulting in the presbytery and transepts is impressively intact and some striking Romanesque carvings remain."

"While only two of the ancient buildings at this site are actually churches this was one of the earliest Irish pilgrimage sites ever."

"North of the Square, Ennis Friary was founded by Donnchadh Cairbreach O'Brien, a king of Thomond, between 1240 and 1249. A mix of structures dating between the 13th and 19th centuries, the friary has a graceful five-section window dating from the late 13th century, a McMahon tomb (1460) with alabaster panels depicting scenes from the Passion, and a particularly fine Ecce Homo panel portraying a stripped and bound Christ."

"Standing guard over Inishmore, Dun Aengus, 8km west of Kilronan, has three massive drystone walls that run right up to sheer drops to the ocean below. Believed to be up to 2000 years old, the fort is protected by remarkable chevaux de frise, fearsome and densely packed defensive limestone spikes. Displays at its small visitor centre provide context and a 900m walkway wanders uphill to the fort itself."

"Dún Aonghasa on Inis MorInis Mor The easiest way to get to Inis Mor is by taking a ferry from Ros a' Mhíl/Rossaveal, which is located about 50 minutes from Galway. You can either drive yourself to Rossaveal, or take advantage of the shuttle bus that leaves from central Galway about 1.5 hours before sailing in the morning."

"Almost hanging over a 100-metre cliff edge on Inishmore, one of the Aran Islands, Dún Aonghasa is thought to be at least 2000 years old. It consists of four concentric circles, their walls sometimes as much as 4 metres thick. Yet for all its obvious defensive might, the fort is thought to have been largely ceremonial."

"The longest stalactite in the northern hemisphere, measuring 7.3m, is the draw of the Doolin Cave, 3.5km north of Roadford. Tour times vary seasonally, but are usually on the hour. Glacial clay from deep within the cave is used by on-site potter Caireann Browne, who sells her works here. The property also has a 1km-long farmland trail featuring rare animal breeds, and a cafe."

"The heart of Galway is brimming with restaurants and pubs, but it is worth the trip out to the Salthill area to experience more of the city, as well as to stop for a pint at O’Connor’s. The pub considers itself famous for its singsongs and it is certainly famous among the visitors who fill the bar in the summer. The cheery yellow pub has adopted a “more is more” approach to decorations so it can be hard to know where to look when you first step inside."

"OK, so it's not in Galway City, but this Salthill pub's only a short taxi trip or bus ride from the centre and 100% worth the trip. You may recognise it from Ed Sheeran's Galway Girl video or seen pictures of its crazily-Instagrammable interior, and it's the kind of place where Hollywood actors end up doing this. More about O’Connor’s"

"Donnelly's Bar & Restaurant is an old local favourite that has been renovated to a beautifully modern finish. Located on the picturesque Barna Pier, it's the perfect location to appreciate the sea and its plentiful bounty!. Their menu packs a secret weapon that you won't find anywhere else; Neptune's Seafood Treasure is a crepe filled with fresh salmon, cod and prawns in a white wine sauce, gratinated and topped with Hollandaise and breadcrumbs, and it's delicious!"

"One of Ireland’s most renowned seafood restaurants, Donnelly's also caters to carnivores with its game and meat dishes. Wash it all down with a few drinks at the on-site bar."

"The best of all worlds at the Connemara Coast: a beautiful seaside location overlooking Galway Bay; a cheerfully family-friendly atmosphere; the rugged and splendid hinterland of western Ireland on the doorstep; and the cultural delights of Galway City just a few miles away. It’s a lovely combination."

"Watch chocolate being made in small batches using rare Trinitario cacao beans and raw sugar on a 45-minute tour of this heavenly smelling cottage-housed chocolate factory in a picturesque hillside location. If you don't catch a tour, peer through the factory's glass viewing windows from the chocolate-filled shop. Its on-site organic cafe (dishes €6.50 to €12.50) uses chocolate in creations like parsnip, cacao butter and white-pepper soup, and grilled halloumi and chocolate-and-plum-chutney toasties."

"A definite favourite of the yummy mummy set, Gourmet Tart has brunch down to a fine art. Excellent coffee, the choice of a pastry or English Muffins with eggs and bacon. Really good food and a walk on the prom before or after will reduce any weekend guilt you might suffering from."