The Sky Road in Clifden: Map, Route + Warnings

The Sky Road in Clifden is a scenic 16km route that takes in some outstanding scenery.

The loop takes you from Clifden onto the Kingston peninsula which provides panoramic views over Clifden Bay and its offshore islands.

There is a Lower and Upper Sky Road (take the Upper!) and both need to be driven with caution as the roads are narrow.

Below, you’ll find a map of the drive, what to watch out for and which of Connemara’s attractions lay just off the route. Cheers!

Some quick need-to-knows before visiting the Sky Road in Clifden

A visit to the Sky Road in Clifden is reasonably handy, but there are a few things that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

The most important point to note is the separation of the upper and lower Sky Road, so you can decide which one you’d rather take.

1. Location and length

The Sky Road runs for 16km on a looped route from Clifden. It takes you onto the Kingston peninsula, which is also part of the Wild Atlantic Way driving route, before heading back to Clifden via the N59.

2. An Upper and Lower road

The route separates into a lower and upper road. As expected, the upper road is the most popular as it gives you the most sweeping views over the area.

3. Drive clockwise

When you leave Clifden, you need to make sure that you approach the route from a clockwise direction, as this will treat you to the best views.

4. Parking and viewpoint

At the highest point on the upper route, which is about 5.5km from Clifden, you will see a parking area which has plenty of room where you can stop and soak up the view. The road takes you back to Clifden via the N59.

How to get to the Sky Road in Connemara

Although it’s one of the most popular things to do in Clifden, people still go wrong when heading to the Sky Road in Connemara.

Here’s what to do:

• Step 1: Leave the town and head for Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
• Step 2: Continue past Abbeyglen and past the turn-off for Clifden Castle
• Step 3: At this point on the Sky Road, continue straight – do not take the lower road
• Step 4: Continue on until you see the big parking area – this is the viewpoint

Things to see along the Sky Road Loop

One of the beauties of the Sky Road Loop is the various stops along the way.

Some, like Eyrephort Beach, are easily accessible while others, like the John D’Arcy Monument, are less so.

1. Clifden Town

The journey for the Sky Road begins in Clifden town.

This is a colourful little town that sits between the backdrop of the Twelve Bens Mountain Range and the rugged Connemara coastline.

Regarded as the capital of the Connemara region, Clifden is a great place to base yourself on a Galway Road Trip. Here’s some Clifden guides to make planning your trip easy:

• 7 great hotels in Clifden
• The best restaurants in Clifden
• 11 brilliant B&Bs in Clifden

2. John D’Arcy Monument

John D’Arcy was Clifden’s founder and he is memorialised at the top of the aptly named Memorial Hill.

Now, if you’re driving, the chances of stopping here are slim – there’s nowhere to park and the road is quite narrow.

If you’re cycling or on foot, you’ll find the entrance to the trail right here.

It’s from the top of the hill that you’ll be treated to views out over the town.

3. Clifden Castle

We’re off to one of the most overlooked castles in Galway, next!

As you continue on the Sky Road in Connemara, you will come across the Castle Gates on your left.

You can park your car here in the little parking area along the road (see map above) – never park at the private house.

A 25-minute linear trail leads to Clifden Castle’s ruins.

4. The Viewing Point

You’ll find a Wild Atlantic Way discovery point at the highest section of the Sky Road Loop.

There’s ample parking here and some mesmerising views on offer.

It’s especially impressive at sunset, when the golden light adds a dash of magic to the scenery.

5. Eyrephort Beach

If you continue straight, where the lower and upper Sky Roads reconnect, you will get to the end of the peninsula.

It’s here that you’ll find one of the most underrated of the many beaches in Galway.

Eyrephort Beach is a sight for sore eyes with its stunning white sand that collides with turquoise waters.

A Viking sword and shield were discovered just over a decade ago along with a grave.

The Sky Road Walk (WARNING!)

An awful lot of travel blogs recommend that you walk the Sky Road in Clifden from the town centre – pleeeeeease don’t!!

The road has no path to walk on, there’s countless blind spots and it really isn’t safe to do so, especially as it’s a 1.5 hours/5.5km walk from the town.

If you haven’t got a car and you want to visit the Sky Road in Connemara, grab a taxi from the town and have them bring you there.

Places to visit nearby

One of the beauties of the Sky Road is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best places to visit in Galway.

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Sky Road.

1. Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey is one of the most impressive buildings in Ireland.

You can visit this Benedictine monastery and walled gardens, which was founded in 1920. It’s just 19km north of Clifden on the shore of Lough Pollacappul.

2. Diamond Hill

You’ll find Diamond Hill in the breath-taking Connemara National Park where it offers some of the best views in County Galway.

The 7km hike is one of the more popular Galway walks and it takes you up to the summit at 442m and rewards you with panoramic views over the coastline and surrounding mountains of the Connemara region.

3. Mannin Bay Blueway

If you’re after some water-based activities, Mannin Bay Blueway is a great place to head just southwest of Clifden.

This is one of several beaches near Clifden – Dog’s Bay, Gurteen Bay and Renvyle Beach are worth checking out, too.

FAQs

I’ve had a lot of questions about the Sky Road in Clifden over the years. The majority of which ask about with road (Upper or Lower) to take.

In the section below, I’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that I haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.