Ireland Unrushed – Slow Tourism in Ireland
Imagine stepping off the beaten track and finding yourself in a place where time seems to slow down. That’s precisely what Tourism Ireland’s new “Ireland Unrushed” campaign invites you to do. Launching on Monday, 2 June, this month-long initiative is all about sustainable travel, embracing local culture and savouring every moment of your stay. Here in Doolin, we believe that the perfect Irish getaway isn’t about ticking boxes—it’s about lingering a while, discovering hidden wonders and reconnecting with the simple pleasures of life.
Slow Down, Stay Longer, Savour Every Moment
Here in County Clare, the landscape itself encourages you to pause. The Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark beckons you to lace up your hiking boots and roam at your own pace. Wander through the otherworldly limestone pavements of the Burren, where wildflowers peek through cracks in the rock and ancient Poulnabrone Dolmen stands as a silent sentinel over a thousand years of history. Take the time to absorb the panoramic views along the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk—you’ll find that the dramatic cliffs, crashing Atlantic waves and dancing seabirds simply beg you to stop and breathe it all in.
Discover the Secrets of Doolin Cave
For an underground adventure, join a guided tour of Doolin Cave. As you descend into the cool depths, the guide’s stories of the cave’s discovery and conservation will unfold around you. The pièce de résistance is the Great Stalactite—the longest free-hanging stalactite in the Northern Hemisphere. By limiting each tour to just twenty people, every visitor can appreciate the hush and wonder of this subterranean world. As you stand beneath that 7.3-metre natural marvel, you’ll feel far removed from the rush of everyday life.
Cycle around the Aran Islands
One of the quintessential “Ireland Unrushed” experiences is catching the morning Doolin Ferry from Doolin Pier to the Aran Islands. As you sail across Galway Bay, take in the view of distant sea cliffs and the ferry’s gentle lapping against the hull. Once you arrive on Inis Óirr (Inisheer) or one of the other two islands, hire a bicycle and set off to explore at your own pace. There are no busy roads here—just quiet lanes, drystone walls and the occasional herd of grazing sheep. Whether you visit ancient ring forts, step inside a whitewashed cottage or simply sit and watch the Atlantic rollers, you’ll find that time seems to stretch out, inviting you to linger a little longer.
Embrace Traditional Music in a Local Pub
When the sun dips behind the hills and the village’s lights flicker on, it’s time to head to one of Doolin’s famed pubs for a traditional music session. O’Connor’s, Fitz’s Pub, McGann’s and McDermott’s all host nightly gatherings of locals and visitors coming together over pints of Guinness or a bite to eat. Here, there’s no stage, no ticket—just musicians gathered in a circle, stone walls reverberating with fiddles, bodhráns and tin whistles. It’s easy to lose track of time as tunes weave tales of love, loss and laughter. Order yourself a drink, pull up a seat and let the music carry you into the night.
Savour Local Flavours
Ireland Unrushed is also about tasting your way through Clare’s culinary delights. Start with a visit to the Burren Smokehouse, where locally caught salmon is cold-smoked using traditional methods. Savour each bite as hints of wood smoke mingle with the sea-salted meat. Later, treat yourself to dinner at Homestead Cottage Doolin—a Michelin-starred restaurant that celebrates farm-to-table dining with dishes that pay homage to the very landscape you’ve been exploring.
Your Home Away from Home
At Doolin Inn, we’ve curated a selection of experiences that align perfectly with the spirit of Ireland Unrushed. Guests receive discounted rates on guided tours, ferry crossings and local attractions, allowing you to embrace every moment without worrying about the details. Our cosy inn offers warm hospitality and a hearty Irish breakfast to set you up for whichever adventure the day brings. Whether you’re here for two nights or two weeks, our aim is simple: to help you unwind, reconnect with nature and discover the soul of Ireland at a leisurely pace.
Why Rush? Join Us This June
As the “Ireland Unrushed” campaign unfolds throughout June, there’s no better time to plan a slow and sustainable escape to Doolin. Book your stay with us, and let the gentle rhythms of the Burren cradle you. Hike, cycle, cave-explore and pub-hop at your own pace. Savour every view, every taste and every tune. By slowing down, you’ll find that not only does the world feel bigger, but your own sense of wonder grows that much deeper.
So why rush? Come to Doolin Inn this June, let go of the clock, and discover a pace of travel that’s unhurried, unforgettable and uniquely Irish.