Clifden is often referred to as the Capital of Connemara, a fitting title as this rural Galway town lies right at the heart of Connemara’s finest attractions. These destinations are too good to miss out on so we decided we simply had to give you an easy to follow guide of the top attractions near Clifden that you seriously need to visit for yourself.
From white sand beaches and gothic castles to romantic estates and family-friendly national parks, there are loads of unique and unmissable attractions located in and around Clifden town. In order to help you make the most of your time in Connemara we have narrowed down the list of attractions to our favourites. Read all about them right here.
above: photo by Liam Murphy
The landing site of the flight that changed aviation history
What is it? - Alcock and Brown Landing Site Monument
Why go? - The site can be found along a looped walk, that is rewarding in own right thanks to the gorgeous views and the area itself is home to an abundance of historical landmarks
Cost: free
Who would have imagined that one of the most important aviation sites in the world can be found marked by an egg-shaped monument in a bog near Clifden town? Well, it is and you should absolutely check it out when you are in Clifden. Easily accessible on foot thanks to the 5km Derrigimlagh bog loop walk which will take you right to the landing site while telling you the complete story of the event via seven stop points along the way. The (crash) landing site of the first non-stop transatlantic flight by aviators John Alcock and Arthur Brown was a monumental moment in aviation history. On the morning of Alcock and Brown’s landing in Clifden, they were greeted by a local farmer, Tom “Cork” Kenny who asked them: “Are you flying or sailing?” They replied “flying”, and with that Kenny helped them out of their aircraft and brought them home for some breakfast - Talk about a céad míle fáile!
Don’t miss - If that wasn’t enough of a historic milestone to attract you to the area, on the Derrigimlagh bog loop walk you’ll also come across the Marconi Radio Station. This was the world’s first permanent transatlantic radio station, once employing hundreds of people to transmit news across the water. The station played a vital role in the development of global communication networks, and was the site where the first transatlantic wireless message was sent, by Gulielmo Marconi in 1907.
Address: Marconi St, Derrigimlagh, Connemara, Clifden
How to get here
A picturesque route with castle ruins
What is it? - Clifden Castle, on Sky Road
Why go? - This castle has huge ties with the locals and even if the history aspect isn’t of interest to you, the castle is located along one of the most picturesque roads in all Galway so it’s definitely worth traversing
Cost: free
Built by and home of Clifden’s founder John D’Arcy in 1812, Clifden Castle once sat on the D’Arcy family’s humongous 17,000 acre estate. It was designed in the gothic revival style, with pointed arches, battlements and turrets, and while the castle now stands as a shell of its former self, what you can see gives a fairly impressive depiction of how extravagant the castle once was. Clifden Castle has ties with many families that have lived for generations in the Clifden area. In order to learn more about the history of the local area we recommend stopping by local bars and restaurants around town to hear the family’s stories that have been passed down through the generations about the D’Arcy family and the castle.
Don’t miss - If you’ve found yourself in Clifden and don’t take a whirl down Sky Road, you are NOT visiting Clifden correctly! The entire route is dotted with picturesque landscapes and breathtaking views of Clifden Bay and is truly worth exploring regardless of whether you are cycling, walking or driving.
Address: Clifden Castle, Clifden Demesne, Connemara
How to get here
above: photo by Ado Lyons
One of Ireland’s most popular and romantic attractions
What is it? - Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden
Why go? - This is a fantastic day trip option for all ages, and there is simply loads to see and do across the entire Kylemore Abbey estate
Cost: Adult - €17, Student + Senior- €13.50, Family- €40, Junior Student - €8, Child u12 - free // tickets and more information here
Year round, Kylemore Abbey welcomes visitors onto its 1,000 acre estate to experience the magnificence and romance of the Abbey, neo-gothic church, mausoleum and of course the beautiful Victorian walled garden. That’s not all there is to do however because the entire estate is covered with woodland and lakeshore walks that will take you on a journey through Kylemore. Kylemore Abbey has quite the history too - from its origins as an elaborate love token by a wealthy surgeon and MP, Mitchell Henry to his wife Margaret, to being the home of Benedictine Nuns who, after fleeing war torn Belgium, created a space of reflection, education and welcome which is enjoyed still by all visitors to the estate - let’s just say Kylemore has its fair share of intriguing tales. This is a lovely option for a day trip for anyone holidaying in Clifden but in our opinion it should be visited by everyone both living in and visiting Galway. We could spend hours discussing all the things there is to do in Kylemore but rather than doing that we recommend checking out their website here and planning your trip to best suit your individual interests.
Don’t miss - While I’m not one of those people who think the best thing about a museum or gallery is its gift shop (no judgement here), the shop at Kylemore Abbey is the gift that keeps on giving. Here you can shop gourmet chocolates (get the honeycomb, it’s my favourite by far), and soaps which have been made on site by the Benedictine Nuns, and also browse their full retail range which includes calendars, honey, jams and pottery. Year round they also put together Kylemore Hampers which are an ideal present for loved ones on special occasions.
Address: Kylemore Abbey, Pollacappul, Connemara
How to get here
The home of the famous Twelve Bens and the highest mountain in Galway
What is it? - Connemara National Park
Why go? - There are so many things to do and see here, that it is an immediate must-do while in the Clifden area
Cost: free
Chances are you’ve heard of Connemara National Park and its sublime Twelve Bens Mountain range but now is your chance to actually go and visit it. The Park itself is made up of woodland walks, and hill trails of varying difficulty and is a fantastic place to spend a sunny day while holidaying in Clifden. Connemara National Park is home to Galway’s highest mountain - Diamond Hill - and while hiking it might not be for everyone, the views of it from below are pretty spectacular too. With both family-friendly trails and hikes for the more adventurous folk, Connemara National Park has loads to offer people of all ages. You’ll see plenty of different types of seasonal flora and fauna during your visit to the park so it’s well worth bringing along a camera with you.
Don’t miss - The Visitor Centre. The starting place of all great days out at Connemara National Park, we highly recommend calling in to check out the fascinating exhibitions they have about the surrounding area as well as to stock up on all the necessary information ahead of your walk or hike. The centre is open and staffed daily from 9am-5.30pm in order to assist you with all your queries.
Address: Letterfrack, Connemara
How to get here
above: photo by Gareth McCormack
The Irish Seychelles
What is it? - Mannin Bay Beach + Blueway
Why go? - It’s an incredibly beautiful bit of coastline, ideal for a beach day or taking a stroll along the seaside
Cost: free
Often referred to as one of Galway’s greatest hidden gems, Mannin Bay Blueway is a bit off the beaten path but easily accessible from Clifden town (which is only a ten-minute drive away). The Blueway is super easy on the eyes with its white sands and clear blue waters, on a sunny day it tends to look more like a beach you’d find along the Mediterranean coast rather than an Irish one! With parking available nearby, and a reputation for being an idyllic spot for watersports, we highly recommend checking it out if you’re staying a few days in Clifden. Something to note is that there is no official lifeguard for this beach so if you aren’t a strong swimmer and confident in the water be cautious and heed local advice.
Don’t miss - This beach is super popular for kayaking and snorkelling, so if that sounds like your kind of buzz be sure to do some research ahead of time and see what local companies offer equipment for hire.
Address: R341, Shannanagower, Connemara
How to get here
A memorial to Clifden’s founder
What is it? - D’Arcy Monument
Why go? - It marks a key part of Clifden’s history and the panoramic views are stunning to boot.
Cost: free
Erected in 1842 by the people of Clifden in memory of the founder of Clifden town, John D’Arcy who lived from 1785 to 1839. The D’Arcy Monument is a square-plan stepped monument that sits on a hilltop that overlooks the western side of the town. Nowadays it serves as a focal point for both locals and visitors to look down over Clifden town and the bay beyond as well as the Connemara landscape from the other side. A view like this one deserves to be seen.
Don’t miss - The monument actually has some graffiti etched into it that dates from 1871 which is pretty cool if you ask us.
Address: 7 Beach Rd, Cloghaunard, Clifden
How to get here
above: photo by Inishbofin Ferry
One of the most westernly islands off the Irish coast
What is it? - Inishbofin Island (Island of the White Cow)
Why go? - what holiday would be complete without a little island hopping? None!
Cost: Inishbofin Ferry prices: Adult €25, Student €15, Child 6-17 €10, Child 3-5 €5, Under 3 free, and free for anyone with a valid travel pass card. Tickets and ferry information here.
The unique 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 and enjoy seeing the night sky without the light pollution for a change. There are loads of things to see and do on the island, 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 Inishbofin Island.
Don’t miss - For a small island it is packed with great historical points of interest including a stone fort known as Cromwell’s Barracks. It is also one of the few places in Ireland where a blowhole can be seen.
Address: Inishbofin Island, Galway
How to get here
A unique horseshoe-shaped bay with crystal clear waters
What is it? - Dog’s Bay + Gurteen Beach
Why go? - These two beaches make a frequent appearance in rankings for Ireland’s best beaches, so if it’s a beach day you want this spot offers one of the best.
Cost: free
Together the horseshoe-shaped beaches of Dog’s Bay and Gurteen Bay form one large sand stripe with dunes in the middle and connect a granite island at the sea end with the Irish mainland. With white sandy beaches on either side you will have your pick of where you want to set down your towel.
Don’t miss - Thanks to the parallel positioning of these beaches you can get the most out of your sunbathing experience by following the sun’s position as you lie out.
Address: Errisbeg West, Roundstone
How to get here
Feature photo by Kylemore Abbey
Published on Updated on
