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Clifden

Clifden is Connemara’s small, sociable town. Shops and pubs line its streets, and the Sky Road loops above the coast, opening onto sea and islands.

Recommendations

Landmark4.4/5

Clifden Castle

A Gothic manor house stands in ruins above the Connemara coast, with its stone construction exposed through the broken walls. The sea-facing windows frame the coast.

Landmark4.7/5

Clifden Town Hall

This Clifden community hall hosts gigs, courses and dance classes.

Landmark4.9/5

Dog's Bay

Eat$$$4.7/5

Guys Bar Clifden

Clifden gastropub serving pub classics, pizzas and fresh seafood. Tables in the back bar sit close to the kitchen, where dishes come out in view.

Eat$$3.8/5

Supermac's & Papa John's Clifden

Eat$$$4.7/5

Lowry's Music & Whiskey Bar

Clifden pub with candlelit booths and live folk music. The smoking area is out back.

Cafe$$4.5/5

Upstairs Downstairs Cafe

Stays

Stay$$$$4.6/5

Ardagh Hotel & Restaurant

On the edge of beautiful, scenic Connemara and with magnificent sea views over Ardbear Bay, this charming hotel offers individually decorated en suite rooms and a superb award-winning restaurant. Free WiFi is accessible throughout. The Ardagh Hotel & Restaurant is located on the constantly changing Ardbear Bay, 2.5 km from the lively town of Clifden, known as the Capital of Connemara. Each of the well-appointed en suite rooms has its own unique charm and some overlook the bay. The hotel also has a snooker room, a well-stocked bar and 3 charming and comfortable lounges with open turf fires. There is also a sun lounge with stunning views.

Stay$$$$4.6/5

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel

Set in beautiful gardens in the heart of Connemara, the romantic Abbeyglen Castle Hotel has tennis courts, a spa bath and stunning views of Clifden and the Twelve Bens mountains. Abbeyglen Castle Hotel was built in 1832 and offers a new beauty and relaxation centre, and many indoor and outdoor facilities. Spacious rooms have a TV, DVD player and free Wi-Fi internet. The AA Rosette restaurant serves international cuisine and there are relaxing lounge areas to enjoy. The peaceful Abbeyglen has the Twelve Bens mountains as its backdrop, and is an ideal base for touring Connemara.

Stay$$$4.5/5

Foyles Hotel

Situated in the picturesque town of Clifden, the hotel is fast becoming the premier location for activity holidays with its unique and diverse landscape, ideal for walking, cycling, and hiking. Connemara's longest established hotel, Foyles has been owned and managed by the Foyle family for nearly a century. The impressive building, which has played host to many famous personalities over the years, has recently been redesigned to the highest modern standards, yet retains much of its old charm and atmosphere. After a long day of exploring Clifden you can relax in the comfort of the hotel; rest in the patio garden or enjoy a drink and some live music in the hotel bar, Mullarkeys.

Stay$$$$4.45/5

Clifden Station House

On the site of the former Clifden Railway Station, Clifden Station House offers well-appointed bedrooms and self-catering apartments. There is a pool and Connemara National Park is a 15-minute drive. Free WiFi available in all areas of the hotel. Apartments are self-catering and have separate bathrooms, living areas and fully equipped kitchens with cookers and washer/dryers. Indulge in one of the many beauty treatments at the Renew Spa, unwind in the Swedish steam room or relax in the hot tub. There is also a gym and stunning coastal walks are just 3 miles away. The bar is located in the old Station Masters House and serves food all day and entertainment in the evenings and at weekends. The restaurant offers traditional food using the finest of local ingredients. Structures from the old railway station have been transformed into a shopping precinct, museum and 200-seater theatre. Free parking is available for guests.

Stay$$$4.2/5

Alcock & Brown Hotel

The Alcock and Brown hotel in Clifden is a central and cosy hotel offering a dedicated welcoming service in a relaxed atmosphere. Centrally located in the heart of Clifden Town Square, the Alcock and Brown is perfectly situated for you to leisurely browse the local shops, boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants, while being perfectly located to explore the beautiful surroundings of Connemara on day trips. The Alcock & Brown Hotel has a relaxed and friendly environment, and is an ideal base for touring Connemara. Pursuits to be enjoyed are pony trekking, golfing on Connemara Championship links course, sea fishing, guided heritage walks and mountain climbing. Numerous sandy beaches are nearby.

Stay4.7/5

The Woodfield Hotel Clifden Galway

Stay4.6/5

Clifden EcoBeach Camping & Caravanning Park - EU Ecolabel - Private Beach - Entry By Pre-Booking Only.

Things To Do
Provided by

4.9/5

2 h 30 mins

Coasteering on Irelands Wild Atlantic Way

This activity is the embodiment of the Wild Atlantic Way and the best way to feel the power of the raw and wild west coast. No two coasteering session are the same, and that is the beauty of it!

$88.06

5/5

2 h 45 mins

Kylemore Abbey Connemara Walking Tour Experience

Discover the unparalleled beauty of Connemara on this expertly guided tour, showcasing the enchanting Kylemore Abbey, its exquisite Victorian walled gardens, and the breathtaking landscapes of one of Europe’s most beautiful national parks. This tour is designed for guests in Ireland on a self-drive tour or travelling in their own car. Set off on an unforgettable adventure into the heart of Connemara, one of Ireland’s most breathtaking regions. Upon arriving Kylemore Abbey you’ll meet your expert local guide and begin an extraordinary exploration of the Kylemore Abbey estate. Surrounded by towering mountains, tranquil lakes, and untouched natural beauty, this experience offers a deep dive into the rich history, culture, and stunning landscapes that make Connemara truly unique.

$74.34

4.9/5

2 h 30 mins

Connemara Coastal kayaking

Stunning deserted white sand beaches! This is a beautiful bay just south of Clifden with white sand deserted beaches, crystal clear water and a visit to the local seal colony. This unique coastal journey will take you to some of the most stunning beaches in Ireland.

$88.06

4.8/5

1 h 15 mins

Oyster Farm and Tasting Experience

This is a multi-sensory experience, come and enjoy the beautiful views while we take you through the process of farming oysters. Learn about the history of the farm (it's one of the oldest in Ireland). And of course try some of our delicious, fresh, briny oysters. All of our guides have hands on experience working on the farm and will be more then happy to answer any questions you through at them.

$51.46

3.7/5

3 h

Wild Red Deer viewing safari with expert guide. Connemara, Galway

In the early dawn, set out to track the Wild Red Deer with your guide in its natural habitat of scenic mountains, bogs, heaths, grasslands and woodlands in Connemara. You will attempt to catch sighting of this majestic wild animal in its natural habitat. A spectacular way to capture the Connemara landscape on camera too! The most exciting time of year for deer watching is early to mid-October when the red deer start their courting actions, during the short period of time known as the ‘rut’. Hormonally charged males put on an impressive show as they fight to build their harem of females. You might hear them barking or clashing antlers amongst the trees. This experience includes a walk in the Connemara National Park to view the deer there and can also include following your guide by car to drive through this wilderness area tracking the deer. Learn from your professional guide about the unique fauna and flora as well as the history and ecology of the area.

$400.27

3/5

3 h

Haunted Bog road tour. Galway. Private guided. 3 hours

Ireland has perhaps, more than its fair share of ghost stories and few are more persistent than the grim tale of Connemara's haunted Bog Road. Take this scary tour to see if the tales are real? The Bog Road was originally the main road to Galway before the founding of Clifden. A guesthouse on the road, was the scene of many gruesome murders, which has given rise to many tales, mostly tall… As one version of the story goes, there was a hostelry here called the Halfway House. Back in the 1790s, it was run by a brother and sister who made a business of welcoming solo travellers and then murdering them, (at the stroke of midnight…naturally) and disposing their bodies in the surrounding bog lakes and pocketing their belongings. It is believed to be ghosts of these hapless victims - whose bodies the ghoulish siblings fed to the windswept bog land - which give this lonely stretch of road its spectral reputation - the tale of the Red-Haired Girl at the Inn is a folklore classic….

$371.63

6 h

Connemara National Park, Beach & Blanket Bog ecology walk. Private Full-day

Come and bounce with us on quaking bogs, forage in the forest and taste delicious edible seaweeds - discover Connemara's hidden treasures during this one day ecological walk across blanket bogs, beaches and the Connemara National Park! Discover why the wildlife of this area is of such international importance and the fascinating history of Connemara’s land and seascapes, in a spirit of conservation with your knowledgeable ecology guide. Between the sea and the earth, you gain an insight to all the various species of plants in the area, such as the edible seaweeds on the sea rocks or the wonderful wild orchids, bog cotton and carnivorous plants of the bog, as well as the wild plants you forage in the forest of the Connemara National Park.

$665.59

1 h 30 mins

Galway Private Guided Walking Tour in Clifden Church Graveyard

Travel back in time to the early days of 1800s Clifden town, situated on the most westerly edge of Europe, during this 1.5-hour privately guided walking tour you will learn about of the tale of two graveyards, two opposing religions in Ireland at the time, the Catholics and the Protestants. With your knowledgeable guide, absorb the quiet atmosphere of the area as you discover headstones belonging to interesting Irish characters of the era. Hear about the fascinating history and heritage of the town and entertaining anecdotes surrounding the rebels, poets, authors, historic founding fathers of the town and local people laid to rest in the cemetery. Some tour highlights include: 1. Graves of the D'Arcy family, founders of Clifden, in Christ Church. 2. Different styles of Grave markers. 3.The large tombs and stones of the Catholic Merchant Class in St Marys 4. The Gable wall of the old 1820's church. 5. Possible Famine burials

$525.59

30 mins

Private Irish whiskey tasting in local country pub. Galway Guided

A private 30-minute whiskey tasting at Lowry's on Market Street in Clifden, the main pub town of Connemara. You'll sit down with a whiskey expert who pours three from the Pot Still Irish Whiskey Range, including Green Spot, and talks you through what you're drinking: how pot still whiskey is made, why it tastes the way it does, and where it sits in the wider story of Irish whiskey. It's private, so it's just your group and the host. Ask as many questions as you like. At the end you'll have a full shot of whichever was your favourite of the three. Short and unhurried, and a good thing to build an evening around rather than a full evening in itself. Lowry's has live trad most nights, so plenty of people stay on after the tasting for a pint and the music. Adults only, 18 and over.

$875.99

2 h

Celtic Druid Temple and Woodland Tour in Castlerea

Discover the essence of indigenous Irish spirituality at the Celtic Druid Temple, nestled in the serene landscape of North West Roscommon. This dedicated site spans 16.5 acres and serves as a tranquil haven for those seeking spiritual connection and environmental harmony. Engage with nature through guided tours that emphasize sustainable living and renewable energy practices, all while being part of a spirituality dedicated to Natural abundance. Experience a unique blend of spirituality and ecology in a place recognized for its commitment to advancing indigenous traditions in Ireland.

$40.03

3 h

Rock Climbing and Abseiling in the Mountains of Sligo

Come get a taste of adventure on this thrilling rock climbing and abseiling experience on the crags and rock faces in the scenic hills of the beautiful Ox Mountains west of Sligo. Located along the iconic and spectacular Wild Atlantic Way. Climbing on rock and abseiling down is addictive! It is an exhilarating and educational experience that has many benefits, both physical and psychological. Rock climbing is a great way to build strength, agility, balance and coordination. So if you haven't rock climbed before just grab your sense of adventure and start here! No experience is necessary, we encourage people of all ages and abilities to join us. Our guides are fully qualified, experienced and use the highest quality safety equipment. Safety ropes whilst climbing and abseiling are used at all times and we will supply you with a climbing harness, helmet and specialised climbing shoes.