Clifden

Clifden is a town on the coast of County Galway, Ireland and being Connemara's largest town, it is often referred to as "the Capital of Connemara". It is located on the Owenglen River where it flows into Clifden Bay, set between the Atlantic Ocean, 12 Ben Mountains and preserved boglands. The town is linked to Galway city by the N59 and is a popular tourist destination for those touring Connemara.

An area at long last recognised as a new popular destination and not just a place to 'breeze through'. Enhanced by spectacular scenery, championship golfing, horse-riding, walking, cycling, hill walking, beaches, fishing, scubadiving, painting, national parks, abbeys, castle ruins and over 5,000 years of living history. Peruse the many shopping choices in Clifden from sweater shops, quality gift shops, boutiques to antique and souvenir shops. Lunch in tea-shops, pubs and in the evenings, indulge in Clifden's emerging reputation as the West's 'Gourmet Capital' by dining in its fine restaurants, hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs. And finish the day by enjoying a tipple in the towns many hostelries, from the genuine 'quaint-Irish' to the more trendy. Music is also to be found on your rounds.

A local favourite, the Beach Road is one of the most peaceful and serene walks in Clifden. Instead of taking a right at the fork toward the Sky Road, take a left, this will lead you down toward Clifden harbour. Follow the road until you reach the Boat Club or take a right a little before to head up onto the Sky Road or go back to Clifden. The superb scenery of the Bog Road is a true ecological adventure. Take the R341 towards Ballyconneely and turn off left at Ballinaboy, striking off along the Bog Road that crosses the famous Roundstone Bog conservation area, turning right into Roundstone, back towards Ballyconneely and returning to Clifden.

Clifden, nestled amidst breathtaking mountain scenery and beautiful rugged coastline is one of Ireland's most loved towns. Located in the West of the county, Clifden is the largest town in Connemara, which of course is an outstanding jewel in Ireland's scen crown.