The Doolin Accommodation Guide: 19 Unique Places To Stay In Doolin

If you’re planning a trip to Doolin accommodation is likely high on your to-sort-out-sharpish list. 

This charming village out on the windswept Clare coast is a cracking little spot to base yourself when you’re exploring the area (see out things to do in Doolin guide for a bit of inspiration!).

However, finding places to stay in Doolin can be tricky, as it’s arguably one of the most popular destinations amongst tourists and locals on the Wild Atlantic Way.

In the guide below, you’ll find everything from hotels in Doolin and casual B&Bs to quirky guesthouses and much, much more.

Our favourite Doolin accommodation

I’m going to kick things off with our favourite accommodation in Doolin. These are places that one of the Irish Road Trip Team have stayed in, and that have raved about.

Below, you’ll find some very comfy places to stay in Doolin, from the Luxury Lodges in Doolin Village to the brilliant West Haven House.

Note: if you book a hotel through one of the links below we’ll make a tiny commission that helps us keep this site going. You won’t pay extra, but we really do appreciate it.

1. West Haven House

West Haven House offers stunning accommodation in Doolin with free WiFi and private parking for all guests. Providing family rooms, West Haven House offers quarters fitted with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.

Simple, classic yet elegant rooms are a pleasure to unwind in after a long day exploring Doolin or the Burren.

Guests at the accommodation can avail themselves of a continental or buffet breakfast, whilst the public areas of the hotel are always clean, well-presented and ideal for relaxing in between meals and during downtime from sightseeing across Doolin.

It’s also a short walk from McDermott’s and McGanns – two of the best pubs in Doolin (especially if you’re a fan of live music).

Check prices + see more photos here

2. The Pipers Rest

A truly superior guesthouse, The Pipers Rest is a homely spot on the main road of Doolin, just a short walk from two of the town’s finest traditional Irish music pubs.

All rooms here enjoy elegant, classic design and offer guests the use of tea and coffee making facilities in addition to quick speed complimentary WiFi.

The staff at Pipers Rest are sure to make your stay a pleasant one whilst the breakfast on offer is sure to set you up for a day of exploring.

If you’re in search of comfy, clean and homely places to stay in Doolin, you can’t go wrong with a night here.

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3. The Hawthorn

Packed full of warm colours and Irish allure, The Hawthorn is a quaint cottage on the doorstep of the striking Burren National Park.

With 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and gorgeous living and kitchen areas, this renovated cottage is spacious and congenial, perfect for cold winter nights among friends and family.

It’s a 10-minute spin into Doolin, so you get the best of both world – quiet countryside but just close enough to the action to not get lumped with a hefty taxi tab.

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4. Rose Cottage

The stunning Rose Cottage is arguably some of the quirkiest accommodation in Doolin. Constructed 15 years ago (although it looks much older, in a good way!) and located at the end of a quiet road on the fringes of the Burren, Rose Cottage is divine seclusion.

If you’re looking for a peaceful escape but still staying within 15 minutes of Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher, then this quaint thatched roof cottage is perfect.

With a surprising amount of space inside and a hearty fire to gather around in the winter months, this is some seriously cosy Doolin accommodation.

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5. Hotel Doolin

Doolin is a stunning village and some might say the musical heart and soul of Clare. This boutique hotel, located in the centre of the village, offers comfortable, stylish en-suite rooms, packed full of fantastic features.

Their gorgeous breakfast is the best way to start the day; and with vegan and gluten-free options, there’s something for everyone.

Downstairs, you’ll find Fitz’s Pub, famed for its nightly traditional music sessions and sumptuous food. There’s also a spacious beer garden outside, ideal for those sunny evenings!

Check prices + see more photos here

The most unique places to stay in Doolin

The second section of our Doolin accommodation guide tackles the most unique places to stay in Doolin, for those of you in search of a night away with a difference.

Below, you’ll find the stunning Storytellers Cottage and the now-famous Elfin Cottage to the gorgeous Stonecutter’s Cottage and much more.

1. The Storytellers Cottage

The Storytellers Cottage could go toe-to-toe with the best hotels in Doolin (and some of the best hotels in Clare, for that matter!).

With its pretty thatched roof and a clever raised viewing platform protected by glass, The Storytellers Cottage does a fine job of mixing the old with the new.

As far as picturesque places to stay in Doolin go, you’d be hard-pressed to find many that match the lure and ocean views that you’ve got here.

Leather sofas and an ornate four-poster bed add to the elegance of this historic cottage by the sea. The type of place I’d like to retire to.

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2. Luxury Lodges in Doolin Village with Hot Tubs

With garden views, these opulent lodges offer accommodation with a garden and patio not far from the Doolin Cave and the starting point for the Doolin Cliff walk.

Offering free private parking, these homes offer a luxurious place to stay complete with everything guests might want from a stay in Doolin.

Offering 5 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, guests can enjoy use of a washing machine whilst there are 5 bathrooms with a shower.

Unwinding on the terrace is a distinct pleasure whilst the bicycle rental service can be a great way to explore the area.

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3. The Blue Stonecutters Cottage

One of the cosiest spots in our Doolin accommodation guide, the gorgeous Blue Stonecutters Cottage is a rustic little bungalow just south of Doolin.

Dating from the 19th century and instantly recognisable by its navy-blue front door, its wooden beams and period furnishings are dripping with charm.

Perched atop Doonagore hill (not far from Doonagore Castle), the cottage offers stunning views of the Atlantic and is located only a few minutes’ drive from the Cliffs of Moher.

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4. Elfin Cottage (the most unique accommodation Doolin has to offer)

How many baths have you had where you could lie there and gaze out across the majestic Clare countryside?

Of course, there’s much more to Elfin Cottage than its magnificent metallic bath but it would be remiss of me not to mention it.

This modern eco-friendly cottage just south of Doolin also has an impressive living area; the contemporary fireplace and floor to ceiling panoramic windows give savage views over the surrounding countryside.

This is one of several places to stay in Doolin that’s pretty hard to get availability in, after it shot to fame when some well-known faces spent the night.

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5. Salt Cliff Cottage

Next up is another cottage that could go toe-to-toe with the best hotels in Doolin. I’m talking, of course, about Salt Cliff Cottage.

Just a few moments from the famous Pollboy Lookout (the place for all those dreamy sunset photos…assuming there’s sun, of course), accommodation in Doolin doesn’t get much more scenic than Saltcliff Cottage.

The interior isn’t bad either, with exposed brick walls, wooden flooring and stylish old-fashioned furniture completing the homely feeling.

Step out on the big outdoor patio, pour yourself a drink, look out to the ocean and watch the sun go down. If escapism’s your game, this a perfect spot.

Check prices + see more photos here

Gorgeous guesthouses and brilliant hotels in Doolin

Although there are only a handful of hotels in Doolin, the ones that call the town home pack a punch.

Below, you’ll find a mix of guesthouses and hotels in Doolin, from the fabulous Fiddle + Bow Hotel to the Doolin Inn and much more.

1. Fiddle + Bow Hotel

Fiddle + Bow is a special place offering 12 bedrooms and a loft with its own separate entrance, and you’ll find it a short spin from some of the best restaurants in Doolin.

A super stylish place to stay, Fiddle + Bow is a special spot in Doolin, offering a chic experience that is one of a kind.

With minimal yet elegant rooms, tasteful decor throughout and plush beds, Fiddle + Bow is a fine base for exploring this corner of Clare.

With delightful bedrooms, cuisine, service and atmosphere Fiddle + Bow offers guests free wifi, parking and breakfast.

Check prices + see more photos here

2. Doolin Inn

Next up is arguably some of the best known accommodation in Doolin. Offering a warm, attentive and homely place to stay, Doolin Inn offers all of the beauty of a modern country house & restaurant.

It also boasts an unbeatable location, too – it’s right across from the colourful Fisher Street, so you can ramble right across to Gus O’Conners in the evening without any hassle.

Note from the editor: I stayed here a couple of years back when we visited the Aran Islands – the rooms were spotless, the price was very reasonable and beds were comfy.

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3. Aran View Country House

Constructed in the Georgian period in 1736, Aran View Country House is situated on a hill on the coast road just 10 minutes’ walk away from Doolin centre.

Overlooking the stunning Aran Islands, the hotel is also well situated for excursions out into the Burren landscape.

With a wine bar complete with turf fire and an extensive wine list. The vistas across to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway Bay make this home away from home a delight.

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4. Sheedy’s Boutique B&B

One of the coolest and best-situated B&Bs in Doolin, Sheedy’s Boutique B&B is set right in the heart of Doolin Village and within spitting distance of the famous Fitzpatricks’s bar.

Starting your day with a mighty breakfast cooked for you each morning by Frank Sheedy, you’ll be well taken care of.

The Cliffs of Moher walking trail is less than 15 minutes away on foot, so you’ll be in a great spot to see one of Ireland’s most famous sights.

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5. Fairwinds Guest Accommodation

Last but by no means least in our Doolin accommodation guide is Fairwinds, and you’ll find it situated in the centre of Doolin, just a short walk away from two of Doolin’s finest Irish music venues.

The guesthouse offers free WiFi and complimentary onsite parking, with all rooms at the guesthouse boasting en-suite bathrooms in addition to a TV and tea/coffee making facilities.

All guests are treated with the utmost respect and warmth, whilst there are several breakfast options provided in the immediate vicinity of Fairwind.

Check prices + see more photos here

What Doolin accommodation have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some brilliant places to stay in Doolin from the guide above.

If you have any Doolin accommodation that you’d like to recommend, from Airbnbs to hotels in Doolin, let me know in the comments below.

FAQs about the best accommodation Doolin has to offer

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from what hotels in Doolin are worth staying in to what’s the best, cheap accommodation Doolin has to offer.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What are the best places to stay in Doolin?

If you’re after hotels in Doolin, the Doolin Inn and Fiddle + Bow are both great spots. If you’re looking for quirky places to stay in Doolin, the Lodges and the Storytellers Cottage are incredible (see above).

What are the best hotels in Doolin?

The Fiddle + Bow Hotel and the Doolin Inn are arguably two of the best hotels in Doolin.

What accommodation in Doolin is the most unique?

While Elfin Cottage is arguably the most unique of the many places to stay in Doolin, the likes of Rose Cottage and the Stonecutter’s (see above) are very unique, too!