A Quick Guide to Clifden

Clifden is in a dramatic location, at the western edge of Connemara with the Twelve Pin mountains in the background, but as a planned town of relatively recent origins, it is quite a contrast to its untamed hinterland.

The town was founded in 1812 and was the brainchild of one man, John D'Arcy, then High Sherrif of Galway who lived in the now ruined Clifden Castle. His intention was to create a bastion of respectibility, "improving the land and civilising the people", an intent reflected in the carefully geometric layout of the town with its twin church spires and wide streets.

There isn't much to see in the town itself, basically its a place to refuel, grab a bite to eat and move on. There is a small plaque in the town square commemmorating locally born John Riley, commander of Saint Patrick battalion's in the Mexican-American War in the 19th century. The nearby Sky Road is one of the most dramatic and beautiful coastal routes in the country and south of the town the Alcock and Brown Memorial overlooks Derrygimla Bog, the site where the first successful transatlantic flight landed in 1919.

For a brief time in the early 20th century Clifden was at the cutting edge of technology, when the first long wave wireless telegraphy station connecting Europe with North America was built there, creating a then revolutionary point-to-point fixed wireless service, relaying messages to Glace Bay, Nova Scotia.

Nowadays Clifden relies heavily on tourism for its livelihood, acting as a centre for walkers and those passing though the area and on the itinerary of every tour bus that enters Connemara, which has led to a proliferation of not uniformly good souvenir shops and restaurants which exist solely to cater to this trade. It is perhaps ironic that in spite of John D'Arcy's best efforts Clifden is still entirely dependent on its wild surroundings.

Things to do and see

A selection of places and activities that are in Clifden or that can be visited while using Clifden as a base. For more activities that may be in reach see our Area Guides.

Thoor Ballylee
A norman tower house typical of many found in Ireland Thoor Ballylee in Co Galway was once home to the poet William Butler Yeats.

The Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas
Historic church in Galway city, Ireland with a fascinating history dating back to the 14th century.

Galway Cathedral
Ireland's newest cathedral, in Galway city, has wonderful stained glass windows and interesting architecture.

Inishmore

Delphi Adventure Centre
Delphi Adventure centre is located in one of the most remote and beautiful parts of Ireland and provides a range of water sports and mountain activities for both adults and children.

Killary Adventure Centre
Clay pigeon shooting, archery, climbing and orienteering are just some of the activities on offer at Killary Adventure centre.

Leisureland
Indoor activity centre with swimming pools which is a useful rainy day option for the West of Ireland.

Festival and Events

Galway Races Sport | Date: 28th July - 3rd August

Galway Arts Festival Arts Festival | Date: 14th - 27th July

Galway Film Fleadh Film | Date: 8th - 13th July

Clarenbridge Oyster Festival Festival | Date: 12th - 14th Sept

Clifden Arts Week Arts Festival | Date: 18th - 28th Sept

Galway International Oyster Festival Festival | Date: 25th-28th September

Baboró International Arts Festival for Children Arts Festival | Date: 13th - 19th Oct

Clarinbrige Arts Festival 2008 Arts Festival | Date: Oct 10th -12th

Ballinasloe October Fair Festival | Date: 4th -12th Oct

Spirit of Voice Festival 2008 Festival | Date: Nov 6th - 9th

Tour Itineraries

Some tour itineraries which explore in or include Co Galway:

One Day Tour of Connemara
Tour itinerary for a one-day self-drive tour of Connemara, including Clifden, the Sky Road, Kylemore Abbey and Maam Cross.

Shannon to Galway
A half-day tour, suitable as a tour en route for those arriving in Shannon Airport and heading for Galway, but equally doable in the reverse direction.

Walking Tour of Galway City
A short tour around the centre of Galway, City of the Tribes, which could easily be completed in a couple of hours.