Clifden is located in northwest County Galway, Ireland. The town has managed to maintain its authenticity despite the crowds of tourists that fill it during the summer season.

Clifden Attractions
In the town itself, be sure to visit the Clifden Museum, which features exhibits on the origins of Connemara ponies and the town’s history. Also worth visiting are Ebbiglen Castle and Clifden Castle, both built by John D’Arcy, the founder of Clifden.

Other popular attractions located in the immediate vicinity of Clifden include the islands of Inishbofin, the village of Cleggan, Connemara National Park, Inishturk and Omey, Kylemore Abbey, and Ballynahinch Castle.

The village of Cleggan is located in the bay of the same name, 10 km from Clifden. The pier, built by Scottish architect Alexander Nimmo in 1822, is its main attraction.

Inishbofin Island was once home to a monastery founded by Saint Colman in the 17th century. The ruins of the monastery, the remains of Cromwell’s barracks, a medieval church, and a fort remain on the island. The fort was built in 1657 and used as a prison for Catholic priests and monks from all over Ireland accused of treason.

Inishturk Island also boasts interesting sights: a church, a 9th-century fort, and a signal tower.

Omey Island can be reached on foot at low tide. On the north side are the ruins of the medieval church “Temple Feheen,” preserving the memory of the monastic settlement founded by Saint Feheen in the 1st century AD.

Connemara National Park
Near Letterfrack, Connemara National Park covers approximately 2,000 hectares and includes part of the Beanna Beola range, moorland, marshes, meadows, and woodlands. The park’s most common plant is the reddish-hued Molinia caerulea, while high in the mountains, you’ll find saxifrage, pink rhodiola, heart-shaped tucky-grass, and two-styled wood sorrel. The park’s signature animal and largest animal are the Connemara ponies.