A Town Guide to Clifden Ireland

Clifden is the capital of the scenic region known asoutdoor activity the Errislannan Horse Riding Centre
Connemara 80 km west of Galway in Ireland. The(3 km south of Clifden) can hire out ponies for riding
town itself is the largest in Connemara with aalong Clifden beach or alternately for trips into the
population of over 800.hills surrounding the village. Beginners' lessons are also
This picturesque town at the head of Clifden Bayavailable.
straddles the Owenglin River and consists of quaintAfter completing all these outdoor activities you will
houses tightly packed into winding streets with thehave no doubt worked up quite an appetite and
only buildings of any height being the town's churchesClifden does not disappoint in providing multiple
and their steep spires.options.
The town has as its backdrop the Twelve BensAt the centre of town lies EJ Kings on the square
mountain range to the east of town and it is thisthat provide the option of hearty pub fare year
scenery and location that sets up Clifden as theround in their pub and the option of a slightly more
perfect base to establish for those exploringformal sitdown meal at their adjoining restaurant.
Connemara. The area provides excellent opportunitiesSeafood lovers will adore Clifden's dining options. The
to enjoy an outdoor holiday with plenty of anglingSalmon Leap Seafood Restaurant and O'Grady's
options, rambling routes, mountaineering for the moreSeafood restaurant are the two stand-out choices in
adventurous and of course a wonderful display oftown with O'Grady's being widely considered one of
nature and wildlife.the best restaurants in Galway county.
A great many visitors to Connemara choose toAccommodation options in and around the town
experience the countryside by bicycle. This is therange from Clifden's hotels and B&B's through to a
ideal way to see this countryside at a pace that is invariety of hostels (all IHH associated) open year
step with the easy going pace of life in the region.round.
There are a number of locations in the town fromBuses run daily from Galway to Clifden and Westport
which bicycles can be rented.by Bus Eireann though the timetable is prone to
The nearby Connemara Walking Centre provideschange with the season so be sure to check on this
guided walking trips to local sites of geographic andor other information from the Clifden tourist office
natural interest in the areas. The Centre also provides(on Market Street; open March to October) or the
maps and route details for ramblers and cyclists.Galway tourist office.
For those wishing to partake of a less demanding