14 Best Things to do in Clifden (Includes Itinerary)

While there are plenty of things to do in Clifden, many drive the Sky Road, enjoy time in the town’s pubs and then head off on their merry way.

While there’s nothing wrong with this approach, those that follow it miss out on the many wonders that Connemara’s capital have to offer.

Below, you’ll discover what to do in Clifden at any time of year, from hikes and walks to cycles, castles, beaches and plenty more!

The best things to do in Clifden

In the guide below, you’ll find a tonne of different things to do in Clifden in Galway plus a handful of places to visit nearby!

This town is one of the best places to stay in Connemara, with endless attractions a short spin away and some great accommodation, pub and food options, too!

1. Follow a good Clifden itinerary

I’ve been giving the Clifden itinerary outlined on the map above to people for 4/5 years now.

It’s laid out to give you one handy day and one day with a bit more going on:

• Day 1: Assumes you’ve had to drive from afar, so you visit a few places in and around the town and then enjoy an evening of food, drink and live music
• Day 2: Starts with a hike and then follows a scenic drive that takes in some of the best things to do near Clifden

2. Fuel up from one of the town’s many cafes

If you’re looking to fuel up for the day ahead, Clifden has no shortage of great spots for a morning feed. Start with Walsh’s Bakery, a local staple since the 1950s that serves everything from full Irish breakfasts to buttery scones and crumbly apple tarts.

A short stroll away, The Blooming Gorse Café offers a more modern take, with colourful salads, fresh bakes, and proper coffee in a relaxed setting just off the main street.

For something simple and satisfying, Upstairs Downstairs Café hits the mark with toasties, wraps, and homemade cakes.

3. And walk it off with a stroll up to the D’Arcy Monument

The D’Arcy Monument is one of the most iconic attractions in Clifden, but few websites mention the risks of walking to it. There’s no footpath and several blindspots, so extreme care is needed if you’re heading there on foot.

It’s a 12-minute walk from town to the trail entrance (here on Maps), followed by a short but steep 5-minute climb. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over Clifden, the Owenglin River, and the surrounding hills.

A fitting tribute to the man who founded the town in the early 1800s!

4. Followed by a visit to Clifden Castle

Clifden Castle is a ruined Gothic Revival manor that was built in 1818 by John D’Arcy, the town’s founder. It’s accessed via a stone gateway on the Sky Road, with limited parking for 3–4 cars nearby (here on Maps).

From there, it’s a 15–20 minute walk (1km) along a gravel path through private farmland. The track can be uneven and very muddy, especially after rain, so proper footwear is advised. You’ll pass mock standing stones before reaching the castle ruins, which overlook Clifden Bay.

Please note that, while a visit here is one of the more popular things to do in Clifden, the site is entered at your own risk and lies on private land, so visitors should be respectful and leave no trace.

5. And then the Sky Road

The Sky Road is a 16km loop just outside Clifden that packs in some of the best scenery Connemara has to offer. The road splits into a Lower and Upper route – take the Upper for wonderful, sweeping views.

The full loop takes about 30 minutes, but you’ll want to stop at the viewpoint 5.5km in (loads of parking here).

Warning: the road is narrow with a lot of blind spots, so take it handy. Don’t walk from the town – there’s no footpath and it’s not safe. This one’s best tackled with a car.

6. Enjoy a post-adventure feed in one of the town’s many restaurants

When hunger hits, Clifden delivers. For a proper feed, Off the Square is a great shout – right on Main Street, it’s known for fresh, local seafood and a solid wine list.

Just around the corner, Mitchell’s Restaurant serves up top-notch dishes in a cosy setting, with white wine mussels and smoked salmon among the standouts (see my guide to Clifden’s best restaurants).

7. Before heading on for live music in Lowry’s

There are some mighty pubs in Clifden where you can kick-back after a long day on the road. Here are my favourites:

• Lowry’s: Family-run since 1949, with live trad music every night in season and one of the best whiskey selections in the west
• McGrath’s: A cosy, old-school pub with a roaring fire, quirky décor, great Guinness, and great tunes
• Tom King’s: A personal favourite. Great Guinness and no fuss. If you’re after a ‘local’ vibe, look no further

8. Spend a morning rambling around Kylemore Abbey

Now that we’ve tackled what to do in Clifden, it’s time to look at what to see and do nearby.

Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine monastery founded in 1920, sits on the northern shore of Lough Pollacappul, just 19km from Clifden. Originally built as Kylemore Castle, it’s often called one of the most romantic buildings in Ireland.

Visitors can explore the abbey, neo-Gothic church, restored Victorian Walled Gardens, pottery studio, and tearoom on a self-guided tour. Just keep in mind that, as this is one of the most popular places to visit in Galway, it gets busy.

9. Hike Diamond Hill

If you fancy stretching the legs, Diamond Hill is just the spot. Sitting beside Letterfrack, about 20 minutes from Clifden, this standalone peak offers one of the best hikes in Connemara.

The 7km loop trail takes you to 442m, with a well-maintained path that’s steep in parts but manageable for those with moderate fitness. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with epic views over the jagged Connemara coastline, Kylemore Abbey, and the Twelve Bens.

It’s part of Connemara National Park, and the trail starts right behind the visitor centre – a handy place to grab a coffee before the climb.

10. Head for a paddle at Dog’s Bay Beach

Just 3km from Roundstone and about a 35-minute spin from Clifden, Dog’s Bay is one of the most striking beaches in Ireland.

Shaped like a horseshoe and stretching for over a mile, its brilliant white sand is made entirely from crushed seashells, giving it a tropical look (despite the Atlantic chill…).

The beach is relatively sheltered, making it a popular spot for paddling when conditions allow. On calmer days, the turquoise water and surrounding scenery are hard to beat. Nearby Gurteen Bay is worth a visit, too!

11. Stretch your legs on the Derrigimlagh Looped Walk

If you’re looking for active things to do near Clifden but don’t fancy travelling too far, take the 10-minute drive to Derrigimlagh Bog and tackle this 5km loop walk.

In 1919, John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown completed the world’s first non-stop transatlantic flight, crash-landing in Derrigimlagh Bog near Clifden after 16 hours in the air.

The aircraft nosed over in the soft ground, but both men walked away unharmed. Today, a walking trail leads through the bog to a white memorial marking the landing spot.

12. Or saddle up and explore by bike

One of the best things to do in Clifden is to explore on foot. Or by bike! And, luckily, there are heaps of great cycle trails nearby along with several bike rental spots in town.

Some cycle trails to consider include:

• Roundstone & Bog Road Loop: Moderate 40km route through boglands and coastal roads
• Derrigimlagh & Errislannan Loop: Easy-to-moderate 18–25km loop past the Marconi Station and Alcock & Brown landing site
• Cleggan, Claddaghduff & Sky Road Loop: 45km challenging loop featuring coastal villages, Omey Island, and the full Sky Road

13. Visit Omey Island

Omey Island is a tidal island a 20-minute drive from Clifden that can only be reached on foot or by car when the tide is fully out. It’s a 15-minute walk across the strand, leading to a peaceful 8km loop with views, ruins, and sandy tracks.

The key thing to know: the tide comes in fast and without warning. If you mistime your visit, you’ll be stranded until the tide retreats again.

Always check tide times in advance and aim to return with plenty of time to spare. When done right, this is one of the most unique things to do near Clifden.

14. Tackle the Connemara Loop

If you’ve ticked off the various places to visit in Clifden, it’s worth tackling the Connemara Loop.

This is a 93km circuit through some of Ireland’s most rugged and scenic terrain. Starting and ending at Maam Cross (or anywhere along the route), it takes in everything from glacier-carved fjords and postcard beaches to misty valleys and mountain-framed lakes.

You’ll pass iconic stops like Kylemore Abbey, Killary Fjord, and the Inagh Valley, but the real magic lies in the wild stretches between them. Plan for 4–6 hours to allow time for stops.

A map of what to do in Clifden

The map above outlines what to do in Clifden along with the places to visit a short spin away.

Click it to open in Google Maps and then zoom, scroll, or hit “Save” to keep it handy for your trip.

Other great places to visit in Galway

There’s an almost endless number of places to visit and things to do in Galway. If you hop into my Galway guide, you’ll find some of the best the county has to offer.