Clifden

Travel Guide

Clifden showing tranquil scenes, mountains and landscape views
Clifden featuring mountains, mist or fog and landscape views
Clifden featuring street scenes, a small town or village and a house
Photo by tntmac89
Photo by Jason

Outdoor pursuits, culture and history aplenty: Connemara's largest town provides a full day or two of entertainment.

When touring the dramatic Connemara landscape, make a point of calling in at Clifden. This quaint town is located on the Owenglen River as it meets Clifden Bay. The urban population is just over 2,500, yet visitors won't be short of things to do. History, sports, shopping, and cozy pubs and eateries make this a fun-packed, but relaxed destination.Start your visit with a trip to Clifden Castle. It was built in the early 1800s by John d'Arcy, and was the beginning of the Clifden township. Only the shell of this dramatic structure remains today, but it’s still a fascinating site to visit.For an overview of the town's, and the wider area's, historical highlights, visit Connemara Heritage and History Centre, about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from Clifden. Here, you can listen to an audiovisual presentation about Connemara and its past and see the homestead of 19th-century tenant farmer Dan O’Hara. The center also has a restaurant and craft shop. Clifden was also the final destination for the first successful non-stop transatlantic flight in 1919. Visit the spot, just outside the township, where John Alcock and Arthur Brown landed after just over 16 hours in the air.Many come to Clifden for sporting activities. Quiet roads lend themselves to scenic cycling trips while the countryside is inviting to hikers and climbers. Horse and pony riding schools are abundant and golf fairways look out over the coastline. In summer, take advantage of the close proximity of the Atlantic Ocean and go swimming or scuba diving. Clifden's pubs provide all the good stout and traditional live music you'd expect in Ireland. An extra-special atmosphere pervades the town for certain events, such as the Connemara Pony Show, Clifden Regatta and Clifden Community Arts Week. Clifden is a 47-mile (77-kilometer) drive from Galway along the N59. There are also regular buses along this route.

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel

4 out of 5
Sky Road, Clifden, Galway
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €220 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
€220
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Clifden. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Clifden Castle and Station House Museum are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (536 reviews)
"Staff were very friendly. History talk on area with champagne reception was excellent. Dinner was great. Music in restaurant and bar was brilliant."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
The Ardagh Hotel & Restaurant

The Ardagh Hotel & Restaurant

4 out of 5
Ballyconneely Road, Clifden, Galway
The price is €168 per night from 23 Jul to 24 Jul
€168
23 Jul - 24 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Clifden. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Alcock and Brown Memorial and Clifden Castle ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (91 reviews)
"Can i give it 6 stars? Great location, friendly warm welcome and exceptional food."

Reviewed on 21 Jun 2025

The Ardagh Hotel & Restaurant
Clifden Station House

Clifden Station House

3 out of 5
Connemara, Clifden, Galway
The price is €192 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
€192
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Clifden. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (258 reviews)
A great hotel. Would recommend and would return.
"We got a really warm welcome on arrival which was lovely. They accommodated us having dinner even though we arrived only just before 9pm. Food was really tasty and service was great - plenty of well trained staff. The hotel all looks newly decorated and is finished to a very high standard - felt ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Clifden Station House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Clifden's premier holiday home with heated pool + sauna - sleeps 24

Clifden's premier holiday home with heated pool + sauna - sleeps 24

Clifden
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Clifden. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a sauna. Popular attractions Clifden Castle and Station House ...
Lovely property in an excellent location
"Our family of 16, ages 76-4, enjoyed a wonderful week at Sunnybank house. We loved having enough room (and bathrooms!) for all I’ve rented a lot of vacation houses over the years and never been in one as well equipped! Everything you could possibly need for cooking was there It’s also walking distance ..."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2024

Clifden's premier holiday home with heated pool + sauna - sleeps 24
Sky Road Lodge- Beautiful Views

Sky Road Lodge- Beautiful Views

Clifden
Stay at this vacation home in Clifden. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Clifden Castle and Station House Museum are located ...
Sky Road Lodge- Beautiful Views
Beautiful lake side cottage in the heart of Connemara

Beautiful lake side cottage in the heart of Connemara

Clifden
Book a stay at this family-friendly cottage in Clifden. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Sky Road and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (79 reviews)
Lovely stay and beautiful setting
"We had an excellent time on Connemara, and this house was a comfortable, beautiful home base. Beds, showers, kitchen amenities, view, and everything were lovely."

Reviewed on 1 Jun 2025

Beautiful lake side cottage in the heart of Connemara
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Clifden

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
4
5 - Excellent 80%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 20%
3 - Okay
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3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

wonderful location, people and scenery.