Clifden
... is a thriving small town with a population of
1689. Founded by John D'arcy in 1785.
Clifden is known as the capital of Connemara
and is a perfect nodal point for all you wish to
see of Connemara. The two spires you can see
clearly from anywhere in the town are the
towns two churches- the Church of Ireland and
St Josephs Catholic Church which is situated at
the foot of the the Westport road just before
the t-junction.
Clifden castle is situated off the Sky Road and has an interesting history. The castle can be reached by driving 1.5 miles out of
town on sky road till you come to a triangular grass verge on the left - park here and walk the remaining mile through the castle
pillars and gates.
The Sky Road is the most popular drive in Clifdentaking you to a vantage point with panoramic viewsof Clifden bay and its many
islands. We stronglyrecommend that if you plan on making this trip that you do it around sunset as the views at this time are
spectacular. Kylemore Abbey is an abbey runby Benedictine Nuns and is now a girls school.The history can be found on a tour of
the groundsand beautiful newly resurected gardens to viewA most beautiful place to visit.
From Clifden you can take the road to Ballyconneely and Roundstone and spend several hours at our sandy white beaches.