Best things to do in Clifden

Drive or bike along , a famously scenic Clifden route. On the 11 km (6.8 mi) circular road, take in the area's natural beauty. For close-up views of the rugged landscape, travel the lower road. If you'd prefer sweeping panoramas of the region, set out on the upper road. Keep in mind that the car ride can be dangerous at night. Bikers should note that the route features many hills.

Clifden Castle is a ruined manor house west of the town of Clifden in the Connemara region of County Galway, Ireland. It was built c. 1818 for John D'Arcy, the local landowner, in the Gothic Revival style.: 130  It fell into disrepair after becoming uninhabited in 1894. In 1935, ownership passed to a group of tenants, who were to own it jointly, and it quickly became a ruin.

Connemara Championship Golf Links is a real challenge, from the back tees at 7055 yards the par 72 is always tough. Near Clifden in County Galway, Ireland. A new motorway makes the course 3 hours from Dublin/Airport.Hotels in Clifden offer discounted Green Fees. Visitors are most welcome.

Founded by Benedictine nuns who fled Belgium during World War I, Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden occupy the estate of a 19th century castle, built to house the family of a wealthy London doctor. Although large sections of the property remain closed to visitors, you can take a guided tour of its Gothic chapel, main hall, and walled garden, one of the last built in Ireland during the Victorian period. Intersected by walkways and manicured flowerbeds, the garden contains a series of greenhouses, two of which have been restored to their full Victorian glory. The estate also features a gift shop and three dining venues, including a traditional teahouse using nuns' recipes for cakes and scones, baked fresh daily.

Get to know some of the rural traditions of Ireland at Killary Sheep Farm, a site with about 200 ewe and lambs. The owner, known for being friendly and knowledgeable, will greet you upon arrival and provide wet weather gear if needed. You will get to witness a skilled sheepdog demonstration, a sheep shearing demonstration using hand shears, and a turf cutting demonstration using slean. At the end of the tour, top it all off by feeding adorable orphan lambs. Demonstrations are held at set times, so consider checking the schedule before going.

Witness a piece of traditional culture when you visit Joyce Country Sheepdogs, a family-run and working hill sheep farm. Watch border collies expertly herd sheep while following verbal and whistled commands, just like in the movies. The family also sells border collie sheepdogs and puppies. As part of the tour, you'll see sheepdog demonstrations, a talk on hill sheep farming, sheep shearing demonstrations, and maybe get the chance to visit the puppies.

Glengowla Mines is a "show mine" dedicated to the lead and silver mining history of Glengowla and the Oughterard area.
Mining at Glengowla began in 1851, after a farmer discovered galena just under the soil surface. The first mine shaft was named after a Captain Paul. The mine was in operation until 1865, eventually measuring 40 metres deep and 200 feet wide. The main mining centred on silver and lead, though Connemara marble, gold, dolerite, quartz, and rare green and blue octahedral fluorite.
The site was opened as a heritage site by the owners of the land, Patrick and Keith Geoghegan. Glengowla Mines' site includes the remains of a 19th-century silver and lead mine, which has been restored to allow visitor access. There is also a heritage and visitor centre, a blacksmith's shop, and a circular powder house.
Glengowla is part of Ireland’s National Seismic Network, logging real-time information with a seismograph, contributing to information of earthquakes worldwide.