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Town in County Galway, Ireland
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Clifden (An Clochán, "stepping stones") is a small town on the northwest coast of County Galway in the west of Ireland. It grew up as a harbour and market town, then after the Famine became a coast resort with its present Victorian architecture. Clifden's population in 2022 was only 1250, but this greatly swells in summer, as it's the main commercial and tourist centre for Connemara.
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Links course, usually with a stiff Atlantic breeze trying to whisk your ball away in the general direction of Dublin. Yellow tees 6235 yards, par 72.
This long-established seafood restaurant continues to delight.
Great food, early and late music sessions.
Clean, comfy well-run hostel in the hills of Connemara. It's a good base for local hikes such as 12 Bens.
Ugly boxy 1960s building, but rooms and service are okay. On three floors, no lift.
Old-world charm but rooms are comfy and well-maintained.
Bright blue building and the decor within is just as striking in this splendid B&B. Open Apr-Oct, no children under 12 or dogs.
This is self-catering accommodation and no longer a B&B.
Cosy welcoming B&B.
Great little B&B, super welcoming.
Welcoming small B&B open Mar-Oct. Four rooms but none suitable for limited mobility. No children under 4 or dogs.
Excellent B&B stuffed with quirky antiques in harbourside knock-through. Open Apr-Oct, no dogs.
Quirky Georgian property, now a B&B in woodland overlooking the bay. Open Easter - Sep.
Upscale spa hotel in modern chalets on the coast. They also have self-catering.
Splendid small hotel in fishing lodge in idyllic lakeside spot. Open Mar-Dec.
Lovely welcoming upscale place in an early Victorian mock-castle, excellent dining. Open Feb-Dec.
See Galway for long distance routes by road and rail. From Galway, road N59 runs west to Clifden (79 km) then loops north to Letterfrack and Westport in County Mayo.
Read in the guideClifden town is accessible on foot. Taxi firms are Connemara Taxi Company (aka Lucas, +353 95 30000), Danny Ryan (+353 86 831 3462), and Ian (+353 89 215 2180). They'll be happy to negotiate a day trip.
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