This is THE place to stay if you love Harry Potter films, or small towns with a delightful friendly character/great live Irish music. I'm in love with Ireland and especially in love with Doolin. "The Great Escape" is especially perfect:
* You can see the Cliffs of Doolin/Harry Potter cliffs out your bedroom window
* It's up a quiet peaceful lane near an old ruin with picturesque gravestones. You can see this from the pretty back garden
* I made wonderful friends at McDermott's Pub. Recommend the Guinness Beef Stew and outstanding camaraderie. If you are traveling alone, you won't feel lonely in this cozy pub
*McDermott's has solid WiFi. I kept getting kicked out the wifi at my accomodations, but it was easy to log in and work at the pub
*The other great pubs are also just a quick walk away, but you will find your "own" special place pretty quickly
* Excellent breakfast spread, and good sandwich food in the fridge for day trips. Label your private food, as it's a communal space. Travel with a sharpie to mark it all! Dorm sized fridge,so don't go grocery crazy
*Good things to know: there's a small but comfortable communal living area for hanging out and reading, and a good table at which to eat your breakfast or write/work
*My room had a private bathroom. There were toiletries to use in case you didn't bring anything. Immaculate, as is the entire establishment
*The washer/dryer is not available, FYI. Make other plans to clean your clothes. And please wash your own dishes and put away!
*Joyce (Fiona's mum) went above and beyond for me. I needed to exchange cash and get groceries -- definitely come prepared, as Doolin doesn't have more than pubs, the Aran Islands ferry pier, and a few local craft shops -- and since Joyce was going to a larger town on my first day, she let me tag along. Basically she saved my bacon (ha, literally!)
*Note: there is a *slight* whiff of cigarette smoke from upstairs (where Joyce lives). Slight. With my door closed there is no smell at all. But if this is a concern for you then you should take that under consideration
*A donkey might wake you up by braying. Welcome to Ireland!
*Highly recommend Joyce and Fiona's home. I felt welcome and cared for as a single female traveler who has never been to Ireland before!