If you have heard about Connemara while researching where to holiday in Ireland, chances are, the town named ‘Clifden’ has popped up in the conversation. It’s this region’s capital and the home to some of our favourite attractions, shops, culinary delights and accommodation providers in all Galway. So if you want to know why Clifden is one of Ireland’s top holiday destinations you have come to the right place!
Clifden is a gorgeous coastal town in west county Galway, located in the famous Connemara region. As it is the largest and most well known town in this area, Clifden is often referred to as ‘the Capital of Connemara.’ It is famous for its stunning landscapes, its rich history which includes the first transatlantic flight landing, a vibrant arts, festival and music scene, and a lively and welcoming community.
Fun fact: Its name as Gaeilge (in Irish) ‘An Clochán’ means ‘stepping stones,’ an apt name because visiting it is often an important step for all those who wish to explore Connemara and the Wild Atlantic Way.
How to get to Clifden;
The first step of all holidays is getting to your destination so let’s start with that! Thankfully, these days getting to the Capital of Connemara has never been easier thanks to the expanded bus routes and easy-to-follow signposts. Clifden town is linked to Galway city by the N59, and is only an approximate 1 hour and 20 minute drive from the city centre. If you’re leaving the car at home, Ireland’s intercity coach bus, Citylink, provides regular bus services between Galway city and Clifden also. To book your bus journey on a day and time that best suits you please tap here. And, if you are travelling here from across the sea, you can fly directly into Galway at Ireland West Airport and from here it is only an approximate 1 hour and 40 minute drive to Clifden town. The benefits of flying into Ireland West Airport are endless, if you would like to learn more about why we rank this airport above others you can check out our article about it here.
above: Kylemore Abbey, by Ado Lyons
Must-see attractions in the area;
Clifden is located right in the middle of West Galway’s most popular attractions, and once we tell you about them I think you’ll agree with us that this small part of the world deserves its spot in the limelight. To start us off with a bang (quite literally, I’m afraid), let’s talk about the fascinating (crash)landing spot of the very first transatlantic flight - the Alcock and Brown Landing Site Monument. This can be visited via a loop walk which will also take you to remains of another historic site - the Marconi Radio Station. This was the world’s first permanent transatlantic radio station and played a key role in the development of global communications networks.
Clifden town itself was founded at the beginning of the 19th century, by John D’Arcy whose family owned a large portion of the lands surrounding the area where the town is today. John and his family lived in Clifden Castle, the ruins of which can and should be visited via Galway’s most picturesque road - Sky Road. (More on this later) To commemorate their town’s founder after his passing in 1839. The people of Clifden erected the John D’Arcy monument which sits on a hilltop overlooking the western side of the town. The walk up to the monument today is very rewarding as the views from all sides are really spectacular. A fun fact about this monument is that it actually has some graffiti etched onto the side of it that dates from 1871!
Just north of Clifden town is the gorgeous Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Gardens. There is so much to do here that we insist you spend a day here in order to ensure you have enough time to see and do everything! Kylemore is incredibly family-friendly and across its 1,000 acre estate there is so much to experience; the magnificent and romantic abbey, neo-gothic church, mausoleum, woodland walks, onsite gift shop and of course, the beautiful Victorian walled garden.
above: Clifden Arts Festival 2024
Things to do during your Clifden visit:
There are so many things to experience around Clifden, that oftentimes we find it difficult to know where to begin. To help you avoid these same woes we plan to share some of our favourite things to get up to in this westernly point in Galway. First off, planning your visit around one of the town’s many festivals can make a huge difference in the amount of activities you can partake in. Clifden is home to Ireland’s longest running community arts festival, the Clifden Arts Festival, and each September it brings a fabulous programme to the area that celebrates the arts in all its forms. If you are passionate about trad music, you really should visit Clifden in April when it is throwing its annual Clifden Trad Festival. When, over the course of a weekend it presents the best of Irish music, song and dance to all in attendance. During July, music is once again at the forefront of Clifden’s events calendar as the whole town welcomes the Clifden Summer Music Fest to venues across the town. In August there is the annual Connemara Pony Show, which pays homage to this native breed’s remarkable history. And finally, if you are planning on a winter in West Galway, the Christmas festivities illuminates Clifden town with cheer, merriment and joy.
Somewhere that everyone visiting Clifden needs to experience is travelling along Sky Road. The route is one of the most beautiful in all Galway and offers breathtaking views across Clifden Bay and the Atlantic. If you are interested in cycling Sky Road, Clifden Bike Hire is your own stop shop for all your bike renting needs. For those active folk among us, one place you should be looking out for is Connemara National Park, it's hard to top. Home to Galway’s highest mountain and the striking Twelve Bens Mountain range, the park is a fantastic place to properly immerse yourself in the Connemara landscape. Thankfully it's not all uphill struggle here because the park is home to a huge range of woodland trails which range from the family-friendly to difficult. Go at your own pace. To see more of Connemara’s beautiful landscape, head to the coast. More specifically to the spot that has been dubbed ‘the Irish Seychelles’ thanks to its white sands and clear blue waters. The Mannin Bay Blueway is the favourite swimming place among locals and if you are visiting on a sunny summer’s day it’s easy to see why. If you would like another recommendation then Dog’s Bay and Gurteen Beach frequently make an appearance in Ireland’s best beaches so you won’t go wrong here either.
above: Inishbofin Ferries
Two great contrasting activities you can book in advance of your journey to Clifden are with Real Adventures Connemara, and the Connemara Seaweed Baths. The adventurous team at Real Adventures Connemara can help you organise a day’s itinerary full of challenging and enjoyable activities. These can be tailored to suit your level and sense of adventure, and options include but aren’t limited to rock climbing, surfing, sunset kayaking, hiking, and paddle boarding. Real Adventures Connemara are an ideal choice for those travelling to Clifden as part of a group or on a hen/stag party. On the other side of that, if relaxation is a priority of your visit, Connemara Seaweed Baths can help you unwind and get rejuvenated. They use fresh hand cut seaweed each day, ensuring you can soak up all the benefits of bathing in seaweed. Seaweed baths provide a natural cure for skin ailments as well as relaxing tired and aching muscles. After yours, you can head over to the thermal suite which offers a selection of hands off therapies such as jacuzzi, sauna, plunge pool and steam room.
A holiday wouldn’t be a holiday without a bit of island hopping so that’s where we are headed next. The island of Inishbofin is only a 30 minute crossing away from Cleggan, a lovely little village that is only a short drive from Clifden town centre. It can be visited on a day trip or alternatively you can spend the night with one of the island’s accommodation providers. On Inishbofin, there are loads of things to see and do, from its phenomenal landscapes and sea views to the delicious local food and drink scene, we are certain that you’ll love absolutely everything you come across on the idyllic Inishbofin island.
Go on a Culinary Tour around Clifden;
Fresh catch of the day, a hearty Irish stew, beer battered fish and chips, these are just some of the many meals we’ve fallen in love with while traversing about Clifden town. From gastrobars and restaurants to cafés and coffee shops, there are plenty of fabulous options of where to get a bite to eat when visiting the Capital of Connemara. Serving a fantastic food menu with a side of charm, Guy’s Bar boasts an extensive lunch menu and evening menu with superb daily specials and a great kids menu to boot. Their daily fresh seafood options has earned them their reputation as one of Galway’s best seafood restaurants, so if you are after a proper taste of the west coast they will never let you down. We recently had a phenomenal time dining with them so if you would like to hear all about that please check that out here.
If you are on holiday with your significant other, The Ivy in Clifden is our top pick for date night. It is thanks to the joint efforts of Head Chef Sharn Walton and Sommelier Ivan Preboc, that food and drink at The Ivy pair together with extraordinary results and will bring your taste buds on a trip around the globe. It’s an experience that deserves to be shared. One of the highlights for us is their wine list, which will no doubt introduce you to delicious new vinos. For an authentic traditional Irish drink and dining experience, EJ Kings is perfect for just that. They have over 100 years of experience in welcoming new and old guests to Clifden and showing them the best cuisine that Connemara region has to offer and now with a modern twist. Some of their most popular dishes include their hearty Irish stew, Connemara mussels, and the beer battered fish and chips (best enjoyed with a pint of Guinness).
The little brother business to Snappy Snappy crab food truck, Oifig An Fish is a new addition to the culinary scene in Clifden and it absolutely needs to be on your radar. As you may have guessed, seafood is their speciality and their fish and chips are already a favourite amongst the locals. To make your dining experience with them even better, they also have a few craft beers available on tap providing a smooth finish to your salty seafood supper.
above: Signal Bar
Signal Bar is located on the grounds of Clifden Station House Hotel, and is open to both hotel guests and non-residents alike. Easily accessible from the town centre with plenty of parking available, this restaurant is a great option as it offers brilliant brunch, lunch and dinner menus as well as dedicated menus for pizzas and kids too. Catering to all ages, you are certain to find something you’ll love on the menus here. Open for the summer season, Sweet Nothings is a cosy vegan/vegetarian café that is a 14 minute drive from Clifden town and is the kind of place that I hope to happen upon while visiting somewhere new. The team here are really lovely and greet everyone as though they are old friends. The café’s location makes it the ideal place for a midday meal for those hiking nearby or anyone travelling the Wild Atlantic Way. The menus here consist of vegetarian and vegan friendly dishes, alongside a full coffee menu as well as freshly made cakes and bakes.
We believe that visiting the cute Upstairs Downstairs Café is a lovely way to kickstart a day of shopping around the town or alternatively before you take off on a day trip to the nearby Kylemore Abbey and town of Letterfrack. They are known for their great tasting speciality coffees, sandwiches, salads, cakes and baked goods. Upstairs Downstairs are definitely worth visiting while in Clifden so make sure that you do. The family run Walsh’s Bakery have been baking up a storm in Clifden for almost a century now and have absolutely perfected the recipe for their handcrafted breads and baked goods. With their bakery onsite, the treats in the coffee shop are made fresh each day to ensure maximum deliciousness. Alongside all of their fabulous pastries, cakes, and breads they also have more substantial offerings such as sandwiches, quiches and yoghurt bowls.
above: MC McGrath's Bar
Clifden’s vibrant music scene;
Music, art and performance have been at the heart of Clifden’s cultural vibrancy for centuries so it shouldn’t be of surprise to you to hear that the music venues around Clifden really know how to put on a show!
McMcGrath’s Bar is one of the oldest family run bars in Clifden and the craic here is truly unparalleled. Their live music sessions are legendary as the venue genuinely seems to attract the most talented and passionate musicians from near and far, spanning just about every genre; old Irish, American country, rock n roll and blue grass. They also only started serving food earlier this year but have already become one of the most popular spots in town for lunch/dinner and pints. You should absolutely swing by post 6pm to see who’s playing. As it has been lovingly dubbed ‘the home of Irish music in Clifden,’ there can be no doubt that music is at the very core of all that Lowry’s Bar does. We can speak from experience when we say it’s almost impossible not to get drawn in by the melodies that cascade from Lowry’s on any given night. Before you know it you’ll have a stool by the fireplace, a pint in hand and will be tapping your foot along to the music just like the folk you are sitting beside. Our advice: don’t fight it. Lowry’s is one of the best for a reason so if you spend an evening here listening to the tunes, that is an evening well spent.
Mullarkeys Bar at Foyles Hotel is open to the public and is locally known as one of Clifden’s premier music venues. Regularly featuring national and international music acts, every visit to Mullarkeys Bar brings an interesting blend of hotel guests and local characters. It is renowned for its Thursday nights open-mic sessions called Baskethouse, impromptu gigs and all-round good craic. They've also got live music every Thursday to Saturday night, so be sure to check them out when visiting Clifden over a weekend. Another great option is Griffin’s Bar on Main Street. This is a fine traditional Irish bar that is well known for their live entertainment. On Thursday to Sundays, guests can enjoy fabulous music sessions, featuring both local talent and open trad music sessions. We recommend calling in when you're in Clifden, get yourself a pint, pull up a stool and see what unfolds.
above: Connemara Blue, Ciarán MacChoncarriage
Shop Clifden’s coolest gift stores;
Whether you decide to go shopping for yourself or someone else, the shops in Clifden are all well-worth a browse! From treasured souvenirs, to finding that perfect gift, we know all the best places to spend a few euros around town. If shopping is on the mind, we insist that you visit the gorgeous glass art store, Connemara Blue. Run by the Crow family, all the intricate glass art pieces you’ll find in store have been handcrafted by the father and daughter team, Tash and Ben. Their artwork has a unique and contemporary design which takes inspiration from the Connemara landscapes around Clifden, and the results are always dazzling! This store is truly a one-of-a-kind and absolutely a must-visit in Galway.
Speaking of great creators, the O’Dalaigh family behind Clifden’s O’Dalaigh Jewellers are true master jewellers. Their craft have been passed down through the generations and the quality of their jewellery pieces are a credit to their skills and expertise. While shopping in the store you’ll come across jewellery that has been made out of the world-famous Connemara marble as well as jewellery with iconic Celtic designs reminiscent of the historic Gleninsheen Gorget, Lough Gur Shield and La Téne Torc. These pieces are perfect as both a souvenir to remember your time in Galway, and also as a gift to a loved one. While talking about great bits of art, we simply must mention one of the best art galleries on the Irish West Coast, The Whitethorn Gallery in Clifden. This gallery displays the artwork by some of the finest contemporary artists in Ireland, alongside a selection of artists from the UK and Europe. All of its art has been hand selected by award-winning artist and the gallery’s owner Anne Merrins, and its pieces are available for purchase too.
We can’t talk about shopping without discussing fashion so let’s chat about two of our favourite clothes shops in Clifden; Ohh! By Gum and Love Vintage. Ohh! By Gum was one of Ireland's first ever sustainable lifestyle stores and they offer their customers a unique range of products that are kind and conscious towards the planet and its people. They stock womenswear, menswear, books, gifts and homeware, and they also have a selection of preloved clothes. Inside Love Vintage it’s an explosion of colourful, eccentric jewellery and clothing. Love Vintage is run by a mother and daughter team, who have filled the store with incredible vintage clothing, as well as gorgeous contemporary pieces. You could easily spend an entire day here just admiring all the beautiful vintage clothes.
Located in Connemara's capital, the Clifden Bookshop is a brilliant book shop catering to all avid readers. Because, no matter what genre you enjoy reading, chances are that they have the perfect book for you. Be sure to pop in and purchase yourself a new book on your next visit to Clifden town. If you are wondering where to find them don’t worry, you can’t miss them because as they say themselves they are the room with the books…
Stay for a few day with Clifden’s top accommodation providers;
If (when) you fall in love with Clifden, you can extend your stay with a getaway at one of these fabulous accommodation providers. With close proximity to many of West Galway’s finest attractions, Clifden is the perfect spot to make your home for a few days in order to ensure that you get to visit them all during your trip. Regardless if you are travelling solo, with your children, or a group of friends on a hen or stag, rest assured that Clifden’s accommodation providers can cater to your every need.
There is something truly magical about the moment you arrive at the hotel’s entrance and see the 4 star Abbeyglen Castle Hotel for the very first time. The entire hotel and its grounds exude luxury and it goes the extra mile to ensure that the guests experience an overnight stay that is fit for royalty.The hotel is run by brothers Ronan and Brian Hughes, who can always be found entertaining guests in the opulent dining room or piano bar and making sure that all their guests enjoy a phenomenal time staying with them. We recently enjoyed an overnight stay at the Abbeyglen so if you want to hear about all that we got up to please tap here.
The most popular hotel amongst families visiting Clifden thanks to its fantastic location and range of amenities, Clifden Station House Hotel provides the perfect base for exploring Clifden and its surrounding area. They have both hotel bedrooms as well as onsite deluxe self-catering apartments of which includes apartments that are pet-friendly, and accessible. These apartments are also perfect for families and groups that are planning for a longer holiday in Clifden, and are looking for somewhere to act as a home away from home during that stay. Another spot that goes above and beyond for its guests is Dún Rí Guesthouse. They pride themselves on offering “royal treatment without paying a king’s ransom” and are more than happy to help you make arrangements with all local guided tours and activities.
above: Sunnybank House
Clifden’s Sunnybank House is one of the coolest holiday rentals for groups in all of Galway. This private house can accommodate up to 24 people at once across its 11 bedrooms (all ensuite), and is available to rent in its entirety on a self-catering basis. It really is the perfect accommodation option for gathering of family and friends, groups and even for micro-weddings! For smaller groups, Buttermilk Lodge’s self-catering apartments (sleeping up to four people), provides the ideal getaway location for all city folks looking to escape to the countryside for a few days. It’s open year round so whether you are visiting in the height of summer or during the jolly festive season, you’ll receive a warm céad míle fáilte (welcome) at this lovely lodge.
Nestled half-way between Maam Cross and Clifden, whether you are after nights out on the town or days of hiking the local landscape, Ben Lettery Hostel caters to both brilliantly. This spot is all about great value, great vibes and the great outdoors and all three are pretty much guaranteed here. Their variety of rooms range from double rooms to 8 bed dorms, with the bonus option of booking out the hostel in its entirety (sleeping 42 people) for larger groups. However, if your stay is largely going to be centred around the town itself, the location of Foyle’s Hotel is very hard to beat. The hotel consists of 25 ensuite bedrooms (ranging from single to triple rooms), all fitted out to the highest standards of comfort. The hotel is home to the Marconi Restaurant and Mullarkey Bar, both of which offer great drinking and dining options for all weary travellers.
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