Clifden

Travel Guide
Clifden featuring flowers and signage
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.

Clifden Station House
Clifden Station House
3 out of 5
Connemara, Clifden, Galway
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €144 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
€144
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Clifden. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (182 reviews)
"Nice place in a key location."

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2023

Clifden Station House
Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
4 out of 5
Sky Road, Clifden, Galway
The price is €194 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
€194
per night
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Clifden. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (509 reviews)
"What a fabulous experience! Beautiful castle with a wonderful sunrise view. Service was fantastic and Brian went out of his way to make us feel welcomed and comfortable. Highly recommend and will definitely visit again."

Reviewed on 14 Feb 2023

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
Buttermilk Lodge Guesthouse
Buttermilk Lodge Guesthouse
3 out of 5
Westport Road, Clifden, Galway, H71 VF25
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly guesthouse in Clifden. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the comfy rooms in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (144 reviews)
"This is my favorite inn of all the B and AB’s I’ve stayed in the world over four decades of travel. I keep coming back because of the attention to guest needs, the fabulous breakfasts and the proximity to the Clifton Arts Festival venues."

Reviewed on 25 Sep 2022

Buttermilk Lodge Guesthouse
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.
Racecourse Lodge Apartment
Racecourse Lodge Apartment
3.5 out of 5
Hospital Rd, Clifden, County Galway
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly apartment in Clifden. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Sky Road and Connemara Heritage ...
Racecourse Lodge Apartment
Once Upon a Tide
Once Upon a Tide
3.5 out of 5
Sky Road, Co. Galway, Clifden, County Galway, H71 A589
Stay at this 3.5-star holiday home in Clifden. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Clifden Castle and Station House Museum are located ...
Once Upon a Tide
E2 Station House , Platform 2, Clifden
E2 Station House , Platform 2, Clifden
3.5 out of 5
Clifden, Co. Galway, Clifden, County Galway, H71 AW90
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Clifden. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and an LCD TV. Popular attractions Station House Museum and Clifden Castle are located ...
E2 Station House , Platform 2, Clifden
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.

Things to do