Best of Clifden, Co Galway

Set amid the dramatic scenery of the Connemara on Ireland’s west coast, Clifden draws both art lovers and visitors eager to explore the outdoors. Galleries and craft shops showcase the work by local artists and artisans around town, while narrow shoreline roads take you quickly out of town past the sparkling lagoons and inlets for which Connemara is famous. Clifden is also a requisite stop for seafood lovers. Inland, Connemara National Park has some outstanding hiking amid bogs, mountains, lakes and forests. 

The Connemara coast is packed with highlights. About an hour's drive from Clifden, you can take a boat tour out on Killary Fjord and take in the view of mountains plunging into the sea. It’s also a fine place for a scenic drive or a hike in the countryside. You can take a walk along the riverside trails of Aasleagh Falls and look for salmon attempting to leap up the cascade. Connemara is a great spot for horseback riding, with the chance to ride along on the beach. On hot days, you can cool off with a swim in one of Connemara’s sheltered lagoons (a particularly safe place for young swimmers). For something completely different, you can go on a guided seaweed foraging tour along the shore. You’ll learn how to forage, cook and use a wide variety of seaweed for both its culinary and therapeutic properties. The highlight of the foraging walk is taking a seaweed bath.