Clifden is generally regarded as the ‘Capital of Connemara’. Perched above an inlet of Ardbear Bay, with an almost Alpine setting and nestling on the edge of the Atlantic, with a magnificent background of mountains.
It is an ideal holiday centre and base for touring the wonderful countryside of west Connemara. The town itself was founded as late as 1812 by John D’Arcy of Killtulla, in east County Galway. Two beautiful churches dominate the town. The Protestant church built in 1820, is a fine structure, which contains a silver copy of the famous Cross of Cong, placed there in memory of the late Sir William Murphy.
The beautiful Catholic church, built in 1830, stands on the site of the ancient clochán, or beehive-shaped monastic stone hut, from which the town takes its name.
Clifden is situated within easy reach of many of the other interesting places in west Connemara — from Maam Cross to the Atlantic and northwards to Killary Harbour and the Partry Mountains on the south Mayo border. This sparsely populated region of superb scenic grandeur is dominated by the rocky mountain-range known as the Twelve Bens (Na Beanna Beola), and has inspired many famous painters and writers over the years.
Connemara provides probably the finest angling in western Europe for salmon, sea trout and brown trout, but lake-fishing and most outdoor pursuits, from mountaineering to bathing, are well catered for throughout the entire area.
Clifden is also the centre most associated with the breeding of Connemara ponies, and the annual Connemara Pony Show, held in the town each August, which includes an exhibition of Irish arts and crafts, has a long-established international reputation.
Clifden is a town on the coast of County Galway. It is located on the Owenglin River where it flows into Clifden Bay.
Select attractions and activities in Clifden below:
Michelle Barry would like to welcome you to the Abbeyglen Wellness and Relaxation Centre. For… Read More
+353 95 21306
Bike Electric Connemara at All Things Connemara, based in Clifden on Market Street in the… Read More
+353 95 22630
From Giant Tunas to shoals of Mackerel the deep clean waters off the coast of… Read More
+353 95 21073
We invite you to fish with us in Clifden on probably the best fishing waters… Read More
+353 95 21069
Welcome to Clifden Camping and Caravan Park, Clifden, Connemara, Co Galway where we pride ourselves… Read More
+353 95 22150
Clifden Castle was built by John d’Arcy in a Gothic Revival style in the 18th… Read More
Clifden ecoCampsite is located on the shores of the beautiful Wild Atlantic Way. Less than… Read More
+353 95 44036
Contemporary Handcrafted Fused Glass. Member of Contemporary Glass Society and the Crafts Council of Ireland.… Read More
+353 95 30782
Whether you’re a “never-done-this-kind-of-thing-before” novice or an accomplished artist, an oldster or a youngster, there’s… Read More
+353 95 41256
This award winning heritage centre is situated on the N59 approximately 5 miles from Clifden-the… Read More
+353 95 21808
Make your first or next holiday experience in Connemara a memorable one. At the heart… Read More
+353 95 22 669
Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in a hot bath of Atlantic Seawater infused with… Read More
+353 85 263 4784
Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced angler, we aim to provide an… Read More
+353 85 254 7271
The Heritage Walks of Connemara explore the historical and archaeological aspects of this lovely area… Read More
+353 86 8320940
Love Connemara Holiday Cottages offer the largest selection of quality self catering accommodation in the… Read More
+353 95 30620
Love Connemara Tours provides guided tours of the Connemara region on our flexible hop-on hop-off… Read More
+353 95 22785
For the largest range of bikes to rent in Clifden and the surrounding area come… Read More
+353 95 21160
Real Adventures are specialists in Outdoor Adventure Activities in Connemara. We offer a range of… Read More
+353 85 1462526
Renew Beauty & Spa is located adjacent to the Station House Hotel, with direct access… Read More
+353 95 21881
Walk Connemara offers guided walks, trekking, hill-walking, hikes and walking tours in Connemara and adjacent… Read More
+353 87 629 1659