CLIFDEN

EXPLORE THE ISLANDS, RUGGED HEADLANDS, COASTAL CAVES AND SANDY BEACHES OF CONNEMARA

As backdrops to life go, it doesn’t get more impressive than a mountain range. And that’s exactly what Clifden, the ‘capital’ of the Connemara region in Co Galway, has. Enjoying the best of both worlds, the coastal town is nestled between the Twelve Bens mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean. ‘Next stop America!’ says John Brittain, Lifeboat

Operations Manager at Clifden RNLI. Rugged headlands, islands, coastal caves and sandy beaches make the area popular for coastal walking and watersports – from sailing, surfing and snorkelling, to kayaking, coasteering and fishing.

‘It’s very picturesque,’ says John. ‘Some of the beaches are so remote you won’t see a single person for days. Omey Island – a tidal island with sandy beaches all around – makes a lovely 4-mile walking circuit.’

Walk or drive across the strand to Omey from Claddaghduff but check the tide times before you go. ‘Otherwise you’ll be there for a good deal longer than you expected!’ says John. ‘For the more adventurous, the Twelve Bens are fantastic for hillwalking. You’ll need a map and a compass.’

Out On The Water

Spend a day on Inishbofin Island –6 miles off the coast – where you’ll find sandy beaches perfect for swimming and snorkelling. ‘The ferry goes every morning at 11.30am from the village of Cleggan,’ says John. ‘If you’re lucky you might see a dolphin on the way. You can rent bikes on the pier too.’

For a fishing trip, John runs a seaangling business, Blue Water Fishing, for beginners to experts. ‘We catch a variety of fish from mackerel to bluefin tuna,’ he says.

Other nearby pristine beaches with crystal clear waters include Dog’s Bay and Aillebrack, and the best beach for surfing is Dunlaughin, near Ballyconneely. Families can enjoy a day out at Coral Strand Beach, made up entirely of coral pieces. There’s a car park there, making it easily accessible.

‘A local company, Real Adventures, will take visitors out surfing, kayaking, coasteering and more,’ says Crew Member Thomas Davis. ‘If you’re interested in sailing, it’s easy for yachts to come here and take shelter. There’s a club in Clifden Bay with visitor moorings.’

Crew Member Andy Bell adds: 'Unless the weather is bad, there’s nothing as nice as sailing around the offshore islands. But there’s always somewhere safe and sheltered to sail, and some local lakes are big enough to practise on.’

DID YOU KNOW?

Derrigimlagh Bog, south of Clifden, is famous for being the site where the first pilots to fly non-stop across the Atlantic safely crash-landed in 1919. There’s a memorial there to the pilots, John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown.