Are you wondering when the best events take place in Doolin? There are lots of festivals and special events that take place here and the surrounding Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark throughout the year. Below we have listed some of the highlights. Scroll down for a month by month list.
This Irish Traditional Music festival held in Doolin, Co.Clare, falls on the last full weekend in February annually. It is a remembrance event celebrating the Russell family; Micho, Packie and Gussie Russell, the world-famous traditional musicians from the area.
The annual Doolin St.Patrick’s Day festivities will kick off with music sessions in the pubs around Doolin. Then join the locals at 2pm on St.Patrick’s Day to view the Parade as it makes its way from Doolin Pier traversing through the village. So arrive early for a bite to eat or a pint, and pick a great spot to watch the parade from. Music sessions and gigs will also take place throughout the long weekend – it’s always an epic weekend of laughter, reunions, craic & ceol.
The annual Doolin Folk Festival will occur on the 9th-11th of June, 2023. Three days, three stages of folk music, from top Irish and international acts, taking place in Ireland’s biggest small hotel, Hotel Doolin.
Burren in Bloom is a celebration of the wonderful biodiversity of the Burren as it emerges into its full seasonal glory of orchids and gentians, bumblebees and butterflies. There are events every weekend for the whole month.
Your month by month guide to the best festivals and events in Doolin.
Hedge School is a place of imagination. You are invited to imagine Doolin in January. Imagine a magical setting for unique collaborations and intimate encounters between artist and audience, master & student.
Hedge School 2024 will be an eclectic mix of some Ireland’s greatest innovators performing, sharing, and collaborating across a vista of artistic disciplines. More details at Doolin Arts
This Irish Traditional Music festival held in Doolin, Co.Clare, falls on the last full weekend in February annually. It is a remembrance event celebrating the Russell family; Micho, Packie and Gussie Russell, the world-famous traditional musicians from the area. More details at russellfestivalweekend.ie
The annual Doolin St.Patrick’s festivities will kick off with music sessions in the pubs around Doolin. Then join the locals at 2pm on St.Patrick’s Day to view the Parade as it makes its way from Doolin Pier traversing through the village. So arrive early for a bite to eat or a pint, and pick a great spot to watch the parade from. Music sessions and gigs will also take place throughout the long weekend – it’s always an epic weekend of laughter, reunions, craic & ceol.
This will be the 14th festival in a series that began in 2009 with the centenary of the Kilfenora Céilí Band. Kilfenora is a 15 minute drive from Doolin and the festival is noted for great concerts and céilís, plus cracking CD launches and pub sessions. It is intended to adopt a similar format to previous years with events and sessions on the Friday and Monday as well. More details at kilfenoraclare.com
Burren in Bloom is a celebration of the wonderful biodiversity of the Burren Geopark as it emerges into its full seasonal glory of orchids and gentians, bumblebees and butterflies. There are events every weekend for the whole month. More details at www.burreninbloom.com
This years slow food festival starts on the Saturday with a cruise to Inis Oírr for the annual Seafood Journey. Then enjoy listening to inspiring speakers on wellness and gut health on Sunday. Taste the local delicacies, and maybe even treating yourself to some crafty treasures. This year's festival will be mainly on Sunday with talks, cookery demos and the farmers and crafts market. More details on Facebook
The annual Doolin Folk Festival will occur on the 9th-11th of June, 2023. Three days, three stages of folk, from top Irish and international acts, taking place in Ireland’s biggest small hotel, Hotel Doolin. More details at www.doolinarts.ie
Just down the coast from Doolin, the Willie Clancy Summer School is a major traditional Irish music, song and dance event held annually in Miltown Malbay,with instrument and dance classes, lectures, workshops, recitals and céilithe all through the week.. More details at www.scoilsamhraidhwillieclancy.com
The festival celebrates the living tradition of the sailing of beautiful Galway Hookers, this fabulous regatta hosts the legendary turf boats as the harbour village of Kinvara throws itself into a frenzy of sessions with the cream of Irish traditional musicians and singers. KinvaraCruinniu/
Culture Night is a national moment, celebrating culture, creativity and the arts and seeks to actively promote the belief that this rich and varied culture is alive, treasured and nurtured in people’s lives. The will be an array of cultural events in Doolin, for dancing to singing and music of coarse. Check back for details.
Burren Winterage Weekend is a celebration of the Burren's farming tradition of Winterage. Enjoy a wide range of farming, heritage, cultural and family events around the October Bank Holiday weekend each year.. More details at www.burrenwinterage.com
As the days get shorter and winter closes in, the music in Doolin does not stop. After a day of exploring, picture your self in one of Doolin's cosy pubs enjoying a live music session. Read our guide to enjoying the best traditional music in Doolin by clicking here.
Nothing gets you in the festive spirit more than attending a Local Christmas Market or Festival – the scent of baked goods, hot food, mulled mine, local crafts and products on offer, experiencing that ‘Christmassy atmosphere’ and more! Local Christmas Festivals/Markets include: Burren Christmas Family Fayre in Lisdoonvarna, Moher Hill Farm – Santa’s Christmas Village, and Christmas at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park and Ennis Christmas Village.
Get out and meet the locals at Doolin pier for the annual Doolin Christmass swim at Doolin pier. The time changes each year depending on the tide and weather.
We, Darra and Niall, extend a very warm welcome to The Lodges @ Sea View House Doolin. Together we have been looking after guests and helping to create great experiences for over twenty years.
Our approach to luxurious guest accommodation, award-winning food and our local knowledge combined with our unbeatable locations in Doolin Village will ensure you have an amazing time during your vacation in Doolin and Ireland.
