Day trip from Doolin
 

We will be using Doolin as a base for 3 days on our 10 day Ireland trip in June. Day 1 we will arrive in Doolin around 10:00. After a short nap we plan to visit the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. Day 2 will be a trip to the Aran Islands. What Island does anyone recommend and how long should we plan for our visit? I still haven't decided on a day trip for day 3. Any suggestions for a north of Doolin day trip? Day 4 we set off for Dingle.

I don't envy you spending three nights in Doolin but other will disagree. As soon as you arrive in Doolin go to the ferry office and get your tickets for the next day, they sell out fast and if the Wx is bad they don't sail at all. InishMore is lovely and you will enjoy it. The best view of the Cliff of Moher is on the ride back to Doolin on the ferry. Be sure to visit Dun Aengus. My wife and I rented bikes or you can get on the small buses. Day three you might take a ride up the coast to Bally vuaghn or Galway. As I wirte this I think that Doolin Ferries may have a website that you can make reservations on, you might check. Have fun

Two totally different ideas.

From Doolin you could see Aillwee Cave, Poulnabrone Dolmen, Caherconnell Stone Fort, Kilmacduagh Monastery. You can also get boat rides along the cliffs for a different viewpoint.

On the other hand, if you opted to spend only 2 nights in Doolin you could go south down the coast of Clare and visit Loop Head. The cliffs there are different (not so high) but as worthwhile as the Cliffs of Moher. They are not commercialized. Then you could spend the night nearby in Kilkee or Kilrush to be near the ferry next morning.

I second IrishEyes suggestions. The Burren sites (dolmen, caves, etc) are a better choice if the weather isn't cooperating. Loop Head can turn into a long daytrip from Doolin, but you'll have control over how many stops you make along the way - I'd recomend the Bridges of Ross.

The trip from Doolin to Kinvarra is very nice...especially if you take the coastal road.

There are several competing firms offering boat trips from Doolin to Aran and the Cliffs of Moher, including these:
www.doolinferry.com
www.doolinferries.com
www.cliffs-of-moher-cruises.com
www.ocallaghanangling.com