Your Trip to Clifden
Clifden (Irish: An Clochán, meaning “stepping stones”), known for its spectacular coastal scenery, traditional Irish music and vibrant arts and culture, is a coastal town in County Galway, Ireland. In the heart of Connemara, it is located on the Owenglin River where it flows into Clifden Bay.
It boasts breath-taking views of the Twelve Bens Mountains and easy access to the world famous Sky Road. Whether you want to explore Connemara National Park or take in the stunning beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way, Clifden gives you an authentic Irish experience.
Connemara’s capital and largest town
Known as the Capital of Connemara, Clifden is the largest town in the region and one of the most spectacular destinations along the Galway to Clifden Route 923. Nestled between the majestic Twelve Bens Mountains and the rugged Atlantic coastline, Clifden offers visitors a unique blend of breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture, and authentic Irish hospitality.
Travelling on Citylink Route 923 from Galway to Clifden takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the west of Ireland, with convenient stops in Moycullen, Oughterard, Letterfrack, and Cleggan. Along the way, you'll experience the stunning lakes, mountains, beaches, and villages that make Connemara one of Ireland's most treasured regions.
As the gateway to Connemara, Clifden is the perfect base for exploring nearby attractions including Connemara National Park, Sky Road, Kylemore Abbey, and the beautiful islands off the Connemara coast. The town itself is renowned for its award-winning restaurants, fresh Atlantic seafood, traditional Irish music sessions, independent shops, and welcoming atmosphere.
Whether you're planning a scenic day trip, an outdoor adventure, or a longer stay in Connemara, Clifden has something for everyone. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey on Route 923, where every mile between Galway and Clifden offers unforgettable views and countless photo opportunities.
Food and drink lovers rejoice
When it comes to the best pubs and restaurants in Clifden, five spots always top our list. Mitchell’s Restaurant is a Clifden institution, renowned for its fresh Connemara seafood and warm hospitality.
For traditional Irish music and a great pint, Lowry’s Bar is hard to beat, while EJ Kings combines hearty food, live music and a lively atmosphere right in the heart of town. Seafood lovers should make time for Guys Seafood Bar, famous for locally landed fish and shellfish, and Mannion’s Bar & Restaurant is a long-time favourite for classic Irish dishes and a welcoming Connemara welcome.
Whether you're searching for the best places to eat in Clifden, authentic Irish pubs, or top seafood restaurants in Connemara, these five venues offer a true taste of Galway’s vibrant capital of Connemara.
Where to stay in Clifden
Whether you're looking for budget accommodation in Clifden, a comfortable mid-range hotel, or a luxury escape in the heart of Connemara, the town offers something for every traveller.
Budget-conscious visitors will find excellent value at the centrally located Alcock & Brown Hotel, right on Market Square and within walking distance of Clifden's best pubs, restaurants and shops.
For a mid-range stay, Foyles Hotel and Clifden Station House Hotel are perennial favourites, offering comfortable rooms, great dining options and easy access to the Wild Atlantic Way.
If you're seeking a premium experience, Abbeyglen Castle Hotel delivers old-world charm, stunning views over Clifden and one of the most memorable stays in Galway, while The Central House Hotel offers a stylish boutique option right in the town centre. Whether you're planning a romantic weekend, a walking holiday in Connemara, or a scenic Wild Atlantic Way road trip, these are our favourite places to stay in Clifden.
Walker's Heaven
From gentle seaside strolls to challenging mountain climbs, Clifden is surrounded by some of the best walking and hiking trails in Connemara. Families and casual walkers can enjoy scenic routes around Clifden Town, the Sky Road and Clifden Castle, while more experienced hikers will love tackling Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park or exploring the rugged Twelve Bens mountain range.
Whether you're looking for an easy coastal walk, a half-day hill hike or a full mountain adventure, there's a route to suit every ability level. See the Hikes & Walks dropdown below for more of our favourite routes.
More Things To Do In Clifden
More Pubs & Restaurants
Oifig an Fish, Lowry's, EJ Kings, Guys Seafood Bar, Mannion's, Marconi's, Steam Coffee House, Walsh's Bakery and Ravi's.
Hills & Walks
Diamond Hill, Clifden Castle Walk, Sky Road Walk, Derryclare Nature Trail, Errislannan Loop, Mannin Bay Coastal Walk, Omey Island Walk, Connemara National Park Lower Trails, The Twelve Bens, Mweelrea Mountain, Killary Fjord Famine Trail, Letterfrack to Renvyle Coastal Walk
Shops & Cafés
Clifden Bookshop, Connemara Blue, Connemara Celtic Crystal, O'Dálaigh Jewellers, Lowry's Sweater & Gift Shop, The Connemara Shop, Clifden Station House Museum Shop, All Things Connemara, Connemara Fine Foods, Connemara Outdoors (Letterfrack), Diamond Hill Outdoor Centre (Letterfrack)
Also on this route
Moycullen – Gateway to Connemara, Moycullen is a great place to stop for local cafés, artisan food producers and a taste of rural Galway before heading west. It's also close to Brigit's Garden and the shores of Lough Corrib.
Oughterard – Known as the "Gateway to Connemara", Oughterard is famous for salmon fishing on Lough Corrib, charming village streets and nearby walks through Aughnanure Castle and the Glengowla Mines heritage site.
Letterfrack – Home to Connemara National Park, Letterfrack is the starting point for the iconic Diamond Hill Walk, one of Ireland's finest hiking trails, with panoramic views of the Twelve Bens, coastline and islands.
Cleggan – This picturesque fishing village is a destination in its own right, with beautiful coastal scenery, access to Omey Island and excellent seafood. Cleggan is also the departure point for the Inishbofin Ferry, making it easy to enjoy a day trip to one of Ireland's most beautiful offshore islands.
Whether you're exploring the Wild Atlantic Way, hiking in Connemara National Park or planning a ferry trip to Inishbofin, these towns are well worth adding to your itinerary.
Getting you there
Board the 923 service at Galway Coach Station and enjoy one of Ireland's most scenic public transport journeys as you travel into the heart of Connemara. This service also stops at Newcastle, Moycullen, Oughterard, Maam Cross, Recess, Letterfrack, Clifden, Cleggan and more, making it easy to explore the region without a car. The route is worth travelling for the stunning scenery alone, passing lakes, mountains, bogland and dramatic Atlantic landscapes.
The 923 is also perfect for a visit to Inishbofin, a beautiful island off Galway's coast. The service stops in Cleggan, the departure point for the Inishbofin Ferry, with times suited to the ferry crossing, making it easy to connect between bus and boat for a memorable day trip or island escape.
Explore more of Ireland
Ireland is a country of unforgettable landscapes, vibrant cities and warm welcomes. Whether you're planning a city break, a coastal adventure or a journey through the heart of the countryside, Citylink makes it easy to discover the best the island has to offer. Travel west to Galway, the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way, where colourful streets, traditional music and stunning coastal scenery create a truly unique experience. Continue your adventure along Ireland's spectacular western seaboard, home to dramatic cliffs, golden beaches and charming towns. The Wild Atlantic Way stretches for 2,500km along Ireland's west coast, offering some of Europe's most breath-taking coastal views. With frequent, comfortable and reliable services connecting Ireland's major cities, airports and regional destinations, Citylink helps you travel with ease. Sit back, relax and enjoy the journey while we connect you to the places, people and experiences that make Ireland so special.
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