A Guide to Sky Road in Clifden
Read our travel guide on Clifden's Sky Road in Ireland. Includes tips on what to expect, best stops, how to get there, where to stay, or when to go.
For us, traveling along Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way was an extraordinary experience full of pleasant surprises.
The hidden gem known as Sky Road near Clifden was one of them.
This 16-kilometer looped scenic drive is located in the Connemara region in County Galway, and even though it's not as famous as the Ring of Kerry or Slea Head Drive, it offers a short yet remarkable travel experience.
Not surprisingly, the drive along Clifden Bay and Streamstown Bay is among the best things to do in Clifden, a popular tourist hub in this area.
So here's everything you should know about Sky Road before you go.
What to See and Do
Driving along Sky Road is a very straightforward experience.
There are only two things you will need. Not surprisingly, a car and the weather on your side.
As the scenic road is quite narrow, we recommend renting a small compact car that is easy to maneuver - read our post on renting a car in Ireland.
You will appreciate this decision not just here but for the entire duration of your Ireland road trip.
And for the weather, the only advice we have is that you can cross your fingers and hope for the best.
Clockwise or Counterclockwise
Before you set off, this is a circular route, so it's good to decide whether you want to do Sky Road clockwise or counterclockwise.
We recommend driving along Sky Road in a clockwise direction for a simple reason.
As you drive on the left side of the road in Ireland, you will have better views and easier access to parking.
So, here are some of the best stops on Sky Road.
Clifden
The starting point to Sky Road is the charming town of Clifden, situated about 80 kilometers west of Galway.
It is the largest town in this area, and it is known as the capital of the Connemara region, though this is rather a generous description.
With a population of less than 2000, Clifden is still a very small town.
Even though Clifden is not buzzing with life like Limerick or Cork, it gets surprisingly lively during the summer season.
The D'Arcy Monument
Only a few hundred meters after leaving Clidfen behind, a brown tourist sign marks a trailhead to D'Arcy Monument.
However, there is no parking available, which means that the vast majority of road-trippers just drive by without even realizing it.
This monument commemorates John D'Arcy, the founder of Clifden, and is accessible via a short trail starting at Sky Road.
The views from the top are nice, but it's better to visit this place directly from Clifden.
Clifden Castle
Therefore, the first stop on our trip along Sky Road since we left Clifden was Clifden Castle, one of the most charming castles in Ireland.
However, the castle is not visible from the road. So you need to take a short walk to reach these mansion ruins.
It was built in Gothic Revival style for the local landowner John D'Arcy (yes, the one who founded Clifden) in 1814, who lived there with his family for the next twenty years.
After his death, the ownership changed several times over the years until it was abandoned in the 20th century and fell into ruin.
Sky Road or Lower Sky Road
Less than a kilometer from Clifden Castle is a small junction where you will need to decide whether you want to take Lower Sky Road and be closer to the ocean or stay on the (Upper) Sky Road and enjoy the scenic views.
As we came here for the views, it wasn't an easy decision for us.
The lower route appears to have some bed and breakfasts, and a former Old Coast Guard Station, in case you're looking for accommodation here.
The good news is that this is not a major decision, as both roads merge in four kilometers near Kingstown once again.
Pointe Amharc Atlantach Fiain Sky Bothar
Also known as Sky Road Viewpoint, this is arguably the most magical place along the way.
The views from the lookout on a picture-perfect day are breathtaking and one of the main reasons why to incorporate Sky Road into your Ireland road trip itinerary.
On a clear day, you should be able to see Inishturk and Turbot Island from this point.
Honestly, this was together with Geokaun Mountain on Valentia Island, one of our favorite coastal viewpoints in Ireland.
One of the things to know about Sky Road is that there are not many designated areas where you can safely pull over to take photos and soak up the views.
This viewpoint is an exception, as there is a fairly large parking area.
Eyrephort Beach
Once you arrive at the junction of Lower and Upper Sky Road, you will have a chance to make a short detour to Eyrephort Beach.
This lovely sandy beach is only 1.5 kilometers from here and is a nice extension for all beach lovers.
There is a small parking at the end of the road. If you want to see more beaches in Ireland, Ballinskelligs, Dog's Bay, and Fanore are among our favorite ones.
North Side
The other side of the peninsula is less dramatic.
The road will eventually take you back to sea level, so you will have the opportunity to drive along the sea once again.
The journey along Sky Road ended sooner than we'd liked as it's very short. Still, it's really worth taking.
How Much Time Do I Need
A road trip along the 16-kilometer Sky Road takes about an hour or two, depending on how often you stop and whether you will walk to Clifden Castle or not.
Beachgoers who want to make a stop at Eyrephort Beach will definitely need more time.
When to Go
You can visit Sky Road any time of the year, though summer is usually considered the ideal season when to visit Ireland in general.
Pleasant temperatures, less rain, and long days are the main draws of Ireland's summers.
Just expect some areas to be crowded, and book your hotel rooms early to save on accommodation.
We visited Sky Road during the spring, so everything was still fairly quiet in this area.
Autumn is another great season to visit Ireland for those looking for a more peaceful experience.
Winter is the least popular time to visit Ireland for many reasons.
Expect short, wet, and cold days, but also lower prices and no crowds, not just here but also at top attractions such as Cliffs of Moher or Killarney National Park.
What to Pack
Make sure to have comfy shoes and quality sunglasses for the driving part.
If you plan to pull over frequently or even walk to Clifden Castle, you will most likely need a windproof rain jacket.
An extra pair of walking shoes in case of bad weather and a small daypack for your belongings also come in handy.
To find out more on this topic, check out our Ireland packing list.
How to Get Around
Even though you can get to Clifden by bus, having a car for this region is a huge advantage.
There are many amazing places to see in County Galway, so really think it through.
Car
First of all, Sky Road is a scenic road, and unless you're a keen cyclist with your own bike, it's best explored by car.
Secondly, there are tons of similar places in Ireland and opting for this mode of transport will give you the freedom and flexibility to see as many of them as you want at your own pace.
And lastly, we believe that driving is the best way to get around Ireland, and it's thanks to the places such as Sky Road that we're so adamant about it.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Bike
Compared to much larger peninsulas such as Beara or Dingle, this one is fairly small and easy to cycle around.
You can rent a bike in Clifden in case you didn't bring your own.
Depending on the current weather (and wind), we would say you will need about two and a half hours to complete this trip.
On Foot
Even though you can find information that you can walk along Sky Road, we would highly not recommend it.
You would have to walk on a narrow road without shoulders and with traffic for 16 kilometers.
If you're looking for a great hike, head to the nearby national park and try Diamond Loop Trail instead.
Taxi and Tours
Alternatively, you could also take a taxi in Clifden or join an organized tour departing from the town.
It's good to know this option exists if you don't want to drive in Ireland.
How to Get There
If you take N59 from Galway, you should reach Clifden in less than 90 minutes.
In case you decide to follow the coastal route consisting of R336, R340, and R341, you will need much more than that.
Westport is only 70 kilometers north of Sky Road, and the journey takes about 75 minutes without any stops.
However, this is a very scenic part, including places such as Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey, and Killary Harbour.
Therefore, covering this part of Ireland takes a full day or two, especially if you add Doolough Valley to your itinerary.
Sligo is a three-hour drive up the coast, though most visitors need more time for this route.
Limerick sits in the south, and the most direct drive between both places will require about three hours of your time as well.
Dublin is located on the opposite side of the island, and the journey usually takes at least four hours.
Public Transport
Bus 423 connects Clifden with Westport, while Bus 419 goes to Galway. Bus Eireann, a state-owned bus operator, manages both routes.
Where to Stay
Despite its small size, Clifden offers a relatively good selection of hotels for all budgets. Thanks to it, this little town is a great getaway to the entire Connemara region.
If you prefer to have some restaurants, pubs, and stores within walking distance from your hotel, staying directly in the town makes sense.
However, plenty of hotels and bed and breakfasts are located outside Clifden. If you have a car, it's an ideal way to escape the crowds and see Connemara from a different perspective.
Here are our tips on the best hotels in Clifden.
Clifden | Clifden Station House Hotel - Located in Clifden's town center on a former railway station site, this traditional hotel features spacious en-suite rooms, self-catering apartments, and free private parking.
Clifden | Ardagh Hotel - This boutique hotel is situated in Ardbear Bay, only three kilometers south of Clifden. The hotel has a stunning location, charming decor, a great restaurant, and cozy rooms overlooking the bay area.
Ballyconneely | Connemara Sands Hotel and Spa - This modern hotel with a private beach area is located in Mannin Bay, only a 10-minute drive from Clifden. It features a secluded location, spacious rooms with sea views, excellent food, and free private parking.
Staying Safe
Visiting Sky Road is generally safe, but the act of driving along the single-lane road can be a bit nerve-racking for inexperienced drivers.
The rule of thumb is to drive carefully, take extra care around blind corners, and always keep your eyes on the road ahead.
It also makes sense to check regularly the weather forecast, especially during the off-season.
The weather in Ireland is very changeable, though, so you will need to improvise from time to time.
In case of bad weather, we would most likely skip Sky Road (especially in foggy conditions).
The fog will obscure any views, and driving along the narrow roads will be too stressful.
Don't forget to read our guides on staying safe in Ireland and tips for driving in Ireland to learn more about this topic.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Sky Road Worth Visiting?
Sky Road Clifden is a nice little detour from N59 worth exploring.
It's short, offers superb views, and it takes only a short amount of time to see everything along the way.
Plus, the views are free, so it could make a great addition to a road trip, especially if you're traveling around Ireland on a budget.
If you're in the Connemara region and off-the-beaten-path scenic drives are your thing, we believe you won't leave disappointed.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
