15 BEST Things To Do In Clifden, Ireland

There are so many wonderful things to do in Clifden. Clifden is the beating heart of the region and the best place for tourists to make a hub to explore Connemara National Park. It’s a Victorian-era town set along the famed Wild Atlantic Way and easily one of the best places to see in Ireland. Its location means it’s a coastal town set along the mouth of the River Owenglin with access to the sea via a long narrow bay.

It’s well known for its music scene, with several pubs offering live music almost every night of the week. We had just come off an 18-hour flight and drove three hours from Dublin but still managed to poke our heads into Lowry’s tavern for a “welcome to Ireland pint.”

As with almost every night in Clifden, we were greeted by live music and a spirited crowd. Clifden is a lively small Irish town well worth a few days of exploration. Here are all the best things to do in Clifden.

---

The Best Things To Do In Clifden

---

Clifden Castle

If there’s one thing Ireland has, it’s beautiful ruined castles. Clifden Castle is one such edifice and one of the best things to do in Clifden. The structure was once an imposing manor house belonging to John D’Arcy, the descendant of a noble family in the area who rose to prominence as the town’s magistrate. The beautiful castle was built in a Roman Gothic style, including turrets.

Over time, the castle passed to a different family, but when their patriarch died, it became all but abandoned, its furnishings sold off to pay for debts. Today, the interior consists of quiet, empty halls and spacious rooms. While it is on private property, it is open for visits—but there are no opening hours nor guided tours, so don’t expect any direction.

• Location: 5 minutes east of Clifden on Sky Road
• Insider Tip: While adventuring within the castle might seem exciting, be wary of weak and crumbling walls, and take extreme caution if you decide to venture inside.

---

Sky Road

This one is a sight to behold and easily one of the best things to do in Clifden. While you could walk some of it, it’s probably better suited to something with wheels like a car or a bike because, at a total of 16km, it’s pretty long!

Sky Road stretches along the Connemara coastline, offering some of the region’s best views—hence why it’s considered one of the most picturesque places in Ireland (and considering the rest of the country, that’s saying a lot).

You’ll be treated to views of the surrounding Connemara countryside, the islands across from the mainland, and nearby County Mayo and County Clare. You can even see past the islands and out to the endless expanse that is the Atlantic Ocean.

• Insider Tip: Be sure to visit the single viewpoint to admire the scenery and take photos.

---

Connemara Heritage & History Center

This is kind of a two-part attraction. One part consists of the Connemara Heritage and History Center, which delves into the intriguing past of the Connemara region. The site is on a hill farm with cows, sheep, and the famous breed of horses, Connemara ponies.

The heritage center was built in this location due to the second part of the attraction – a preserved 19th-century pre-famine cottage that once belonged to a man named Dan O’Hara, who was evicted and forced to emigrate.

Don’t miss out on the demonstrations of historical activities, like soda bread making, sheep herding, and the crannóg and clochaun reconstructions (prehistoric lake and oratory, respectively).

• Location: Lettershea, Clifden
• Insider Tip: Guided tours are available, but you have to arrange in advance.

---

The Station House Museum

Eoin Gardiner, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons / Best Things to do in Clifden

While the railway is no more, the structure of its Clifden stop station remains. After its train days were over, it was a tweed mill before becoming the museum it is today. While the infrastructure is largely preserved as the original train station, the inside has been turned into exhibits on John D’Arcy (Clifden’s founder), the Connemara pony, and Marconi, among the first to bring telecommunications to Clifden in the early 1900s.

Nearby, there are other things to see: the Station House Hotel, the Old Engine House (detailing Marconi’s role in Clifden’s development), and the ‘Goods Store,’ which is now a theater and performance venue.

• Location: Station House Courtyard, Galway Rd
• Insider Tip: Hungry? Less than a five-minute walk away is Mannions, a well-known local spot with seafood and bar snacks.

---

Monument of John D’Arcy

While the monument itself isn’t the most fascinating, it’s still pretty cool to see this modern-looking short obelisk paying homage to John D’Arcy, the founder of Clifden. It’s located just a few minutes east of the city (on the way to Clifden Castle), not far from the coastline. The monument has some carved graffiti dating back to its installation, which is always neat to see.

The main attraction here is actually not the stone monument but the incredible view over Clifden. Gazing inland, you’ll be able to see clearly over the town. And looking towards the horizon, you can see across the water, making this an optimal sunrise and sunset spot.

• Location: 7 Beach Rd, Cloghaunard
• Insider Tip: To get to the top is a short hike. Along the way, there are a few Connemara ponies to see as well.

---

The Alcock and Brown Landing Site

Just a 15–minute drive south of the heart of town is a nondescript area with a very modern-looking monument.

Designed to look like the tip of a plane, it is, in fact, a homage to the exact spot where 20th-century pilots John Alcock and Arthur Brown crash-landed their WWI plane after successfully (albeit dangerously) completing history’s first-ever transatlantic flight all the way from Newfoundland, Canada.

The flight itself was fraught with nail-biting conditions, like poor visibility, a failed radio, and dangerous weather, among other mechanical failures. However, against all odds, they reached Ireland’s western coast and landed (safely) on what appeared to be a strip of grass—which was really a bog!

• Location: Marconi St, Derrigimlagh
• Insider Tip: The surrounding area is wonderful for a short hike (usually done in under two hours).

---

Mannin Bay Blueway

A bit of a departure from the usual historical sights, this is something you’ll want to add to your list of things to do in Clifden. Mannin Bay Blueway is a stunning beach area with white sand, azure water, and verdant green dunes (you might almost forget you’re in Ireland).

Find the Coral Strand Road, which will lead you to the beach via a small car park. Once here, this is a launch area for tons of water sports. You can rent kayaks, go snorkeling, or just relax in the shallows of the water. In the summer, this is a bustling place for both travelers and locals, so arrive early to get first pick of the spots.

Thanks to the ecology, Mannin Bay is a haven for beachcombers—especially those searching for seashells. Have your camera ready because this is unlike any scenery you’ll see elsewhere in the region.

• Location: R341, Shannanagower
• Insider Tip: There are no public toilets in the area, so do your business beforehand.

---

Attend Market Day

This is an excellent option if you want an experience that immerses you in the town’s culture and makes you feel like a local. So, if you’re in Clifden on a Friday, don’t miss out on Market Day.

Taking place in the aptly-named Market Square, it’s a network of local producers selling home-grown fruits and vegetables, flowers, conserves, and baked pastries.

It’s year-round, but naturally, the best time to be outside is in the warmer months. Picture a Friday morning with a steaming coffee and a fresh pastry as you sit, and people watch.

• Location: Market Square, Clifden
• Insider Tip: Get here at the start, as most sellers are cleaned out by noon. 

---

Stop for a pint at Lowry’s Music and Whiskey Bar

Having a pint in Ireland is probably on anyone’s bucket list, but imagine having a pint in the bar voted 2019’s Best Traditional Bar in Ireland. The reviews speak for themselves: guests have commended everything from the ambiance to the toasted sandwiches.

But the real treat isn’t just the bar food; it’s the vast selection of Irish whiskey and artisan gins available to sample. Plus, there’s traditional live music every night, seven days a week. Stopping at Lowry’s is one of the best things in Clifden, so don’t miss your chance to come here!

• Location: Market St, Clifden
• Insider Tip: Because of the live entertainment from traditional Irish musicians, the place fills up fast, so arrive early to get a seat.

---

Take a kayaking tour

It’s easy to get a stunning view of the horizon from the cliff’s edge, but if you’re interested in seeing a different point of view, then a guided kayaking tour (whether just a few hours or several days) could be right up your alley. You’ll be able to see the rocky cliffs from out on the glittering water and witness the sea birds circling overhead, tiny in the distance.

Just a small sample of some of the incredible sights you can see on one of these tours – the Killary Fjord, the Delphi Blueway, and the Cleggan sea caves. 

• See the tour operator site here.
• Insider Tip: While kayaking is relatively easy to pick up, even as a beginner, the shortest of these outings can average four hours, so you might want to have some kayaking experience (and arm stamina). 

---

Trek through Connemara National Park

If hiking in Ireland is your thing, then Connemara National Park will surely be a day well spent for you. It’s one of the country’s six national parks (not too shabby considering its modest size) and covers around 2000 hectares of bogland, verdant rolling hills, forest, and grasslands.

While it’s perfect for anyone wanting to see some of Ireland’s wild, rugged beauty, it’s also a history lesson. There are many signs of early human habitation, such as the 4,000-year-old megalithic tombs. 

If you’re quiet, you can even do a little fauna-watching. The area is home to many species of birds throughout the year. If you’re visiting in the winter, you might get lucky and spot a wild fox or a mountain goat.

• Location: Letterfrack, County Galway
• Insider Tip: Check out the visitor center if you need any resources or help getting started.

---

Visit Turbot Island

One of the best things to do in Clifden is visit Turbot Island. While Turbot Island used to house a small community, it has not had inhabitants since the 70s. Their houses remain on the northern side of the island. It was, incidentally, the first sighting of land by pilots Alcock and Brown as they finally reached Europe in their airplane. 

While there isn’t much to do on the island regarding activities, it’s a beautiful example of Ireland’s raw and rugged beauty. A few summer homes are occupied during these warmer months, but other than that, you are likely to be quite alone while exploring this stunning little plot of land.

• Location: Directly west of the Wild Atlantic Viewpoint along Sky Road.
• Insider Tip: Land your boat on the island’s northern side, as it’s easier to access that way.

---

Visit Kylemore Abbey

You’ve likely seen photos of this incredible abbey before. Kylemore Abbey is one of the best things to do near Clifden. Located around a 25-minute drive from Clifden, this is a perfect day trip or even just a half-day outing. In 1920, Kylemore Abbey was originally built as a Benedictine monastery by nuns fleeing Belgium during WWI.

Today, it’s a year-round historical attraction serving travelers from all over the world. Its grounds comprise over a thousand acres of incredible architecture, nature walks, and a huge Victorian walled garden. It even has its own neo-Gothic church.

Ireland’s Abbey has many myths and legends, but the Battle of the Giants is extremely well-known. It tells the story of two giants – Cú Chulainn and Fionn McCool – fighting by launching stones at each other, one of which is still there today. You can even make a wish on it.

• Location: Connemara
• Cost: €16.00 (includes access to full castle grounds)
• Insider tip: There’s a cute small tearoom that sells refreshments, a great way to refuel before heading back to Clifden. 

---

Take a day trip to Pearse Cottage

Around a 40-minute drive from Clifden is another historical cottage worth seeing if you visit Connemara. Patrick Pearse was a writer and linguist, particularly passionate about the Irish Gaelic language and its preservation.

Though he later became a revolutionary, during his humble beginnings, he purchased land. He built himself a cottage with a thatched roof (unusual for someone of his stature even then, as this was associated with poorer housing).

After his execution, it was burned down by rivals and reconstructed in the 1940s. Today, it is a reminder of the architecture of the time and a visual reminder of Ireland’s mystique and folklore. Sitting on the edge of a loch, it also makes for great photos.

• Location: Ros Muc, County Galway
• Insider Tip: Check out the newly-minted visitor’s center, which was established in 2016.

---

Whitethorn Gallery

Owned and curated by artist Anne Merrins, the Clifden Whitethorn Gallery is a testament to the talent of Irish painters and sculptors. The gallery is full of pieces made by local artists, showcasing many paintings that display the magical essence of the Irish landscapes. 

While these pieces can be pricey, you can always find something (be it a print or a painting) to take home as a reminder of your time in Ireland. Plus, you are supporting local artists, which goes a long way to maintain the region’s cultural identity.

• Location: Main St, Clifden
• Insider Tip: The gallery is a part of the Station House Courtyard, right near the Station House Museum.

---

Quick Ireland Travel Tips

• ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in Gaelic: “Dia dhuit” and “Go raibh maith agat”
• Currency: Euro – (EUR) – €
• Visa: The Republic of Ireland & Northern Ireland are separate countries on the island of Ireland. The Republic of Ireland, known as ‘Ireland,’ grants 90-day visas. Northern Ireland, a part of the United Kingdom, also grants 90 days.
• Weather: Expect lots of weather! Ireland is known for having rapid shifts and lots of rain – the only reason a country like Ireland remains so green and fertile. See our full packing list here.
• When is the best time to visit Ireland? Ireland is a fantastic country to visit year-round. However, you’ll find crowds during the summer. My favorite time to visit Ireland is in September when the weather is cool and the low crowds. You can read all about the weather in Ireland here.

25 Ireland Travel Tips to Know Before You Go

---

Renting a Car in Ireland

Self-drive vacations in Ireland are a trendy way to see the country’s glories, especially since many of its tourist sights and best natural landscapes are challenging to reach using rail or bus networks.

Having your own vehicle also gives you the freedom to explore the sights and sounds that most interest you, when you want to, compared to the set itineraries of a tour group!

Renting a car in Ireland is not a complicated process. Read our tips for renting a car in Ireland here.

---

Plan and Pack for Ireland

---

---