Clifden

Clifden lies between the Atlantic Ocean and the Twelve Bens mountains in County Galway, Ireland. You'll find music sessions at Lowry's Bar, local artwork at Whitehorn Gallery, and handmade Aran sweaters in the shops along Main Street. The town's location puts you minutes away from the cliffs of Sky Road and the wilderness of Connemara National Park.

Walking the Sky Road

The 11-kilometer Sky Road loop starts in Clifden's town center and climbs 150 meters above sea level. As you walk or drive along this coastal route, you'll see Clifden Castle ruins, Streamstown Bay, and the islands of Inishturk and Turbot. The upper road gives you views across the Atlantic Ocean, while the lower road brings you closer to the shoreline and small farms.

Music and Pubs

Musicians gather at Lowry's Bar most evenings, where you can choose from one of the largest whiskey collections in the region. Local players often bring their instruments to other pubs around town, creating spontaneous music sessions with fiddles, flutes, and bodhrán drums.

Art Galleries and Local Crafts

Main Street houses several independent art galleries, including the Whitehorn Gallery and Lavelle Art Gallery. Clifden Bookshop specializes in Irish literature and local history books. In nearby workshops, you can watch artisans create jewelry from Connemara marble and shape local clay into pottery.

Exploring Derrygimlagh Bog

Six kilometers south of Clifden lies Derrygimlagh Bog, where you can walk through the site of the first transatlantic radio station. The bog contains the remains of the Marconi wireless station and the landing site of Alcock and Brown's 1919 transatlantic flight. A marked trail leads you through this natural wilderness with information panels explaining its significance.

Annual Events

The Connemara Pony Show takes place every August, bringing together pony breeders from across Ireland. In September, Community Arts Week fills the town with poetry readings, music recitals, and art exhibitions. The festival has run continuously since 1979, making it one of Ireland's longest-running community arts events.

Nearby Beaches

The area around Clifden includes several beaches. Dog's Bay and Gurteen Beach, located 22 kilometers south of town, have white sand and clear water. Mannin Bay contains a marked snorkeling route where you can explore underwater life in the Atlantic.

Town History

John D'Arcy founded Clifden in 1812, building Clifden Castle as his residence. The castle ruins now stand on the Sky Road, accessible via a farm track. Two church spires mark the town center: St. Joseph's Catholic Church from 1879 and Christ Church from 1853.