A pretty seaside town in Ireland is called a “must-visit” destination. Clifden is a coastal town in the region of Connemara, located on the Owenglin River where it flows into Clifden Bay. 

The vibrant market and tourist town is known as the “Capital of Connemara,” famous for its colourful streets, traditional pubs, and local seafood. There are lots of little independent shops to explore, from jewellers passed down through generations, vintage clothing retailers, a bookseller, and galleries. Clifden’s founder, John D’Arcy, has a monument erected on a hilltop overlooking the western side of the town. The walk up to the monument is rewarding, with spectacular views from all sides and graffiti that dates back to 1871. The town is known as a gateway to Connemara National Park, 2,000 hectares of scenic mountains, expanses of bogs, heaths, grasslands and woodlands. In the national park are the Twelve Bens, a mountain range of mostly sharp-peaked quartzite summits and ridges. The highest point is Benbaun at 729 metres (2,392 ft).

The range is a popular location for hill-walking activities with the 16–kilometre 8–9 hour Glencoaghan Horseshoe, considered one of the best ridge-walks in Ireland.

It is also on the stunning Wild Atlantic Way, an epic 1,600-mile coastal driving route, stretching from the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork. It offers stunning scenery, dramatic cliffs, and quaint villages.

Clifden is on the Sky Road, an 11 km drive along Clifden Bay and Streamstown Bay rising more than 150m above sea level at Slyne Head, with views of the Atlantic, Clifden Castle, coast-guard station, the islands of Inishturk and Turbot and the town.

In the area is Kylemore Abbey an 1,000-acre estate with a magnificent and romantic abbey, neo-gothic church, mausoleum, woodland walks, onsite gift shop and of course, the beautiful Victorian walled garden.

A 30-minute crossing from a lovely nearby village is the island of Inishbofin. The idyllic spot has phenomenal landscapes and sea views as well as a delicious local food and drink scene.

By car, the N59 leads between Clifden and Galway. There are also regular bus services between the two. The town has a range of accommodation including hotels, B&Bs, and campsites.