Market Square Clifden – Castle Gate on Sky Road loop from Clifden

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Ireland

Galway

Market Square Clifden – Castle Gate on Sky Road loop from Clifden

Moderate

4.4

(64)

248

hikers

Market Square Clifden – Castle Gate on Sky Road loop from Clifden

02:06

7.70km

110m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 6, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

218 m

Market Square Clifden

Highlight • Settlement

The vibrant heart of Connemara. This triangular market square breathes character with its colourful facades, cosy pubs, and local craft shops. The two striking church towers that overlook the town give the square a unique silhouette. For cyclists, this is the ideal place to recharge: there is plenty of space to park your bike and enjoy the lively atmosphere from a terrace. A classic endpoint of the R341 coastal route where Irish hospitality awaits you.

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342 m

Clifden Bay

Highlight • Castle

A spectacular viewpoint where the rugged Atlantic Ocean meets the land of Connemara. Depending on the tide, you will see a deep turquoise bay or a mystical landscape of exposed sandbanks. The bay forms the heart of the region and offers a beautiful contrast to the sharp peaks of the Twelve Bens in the background.

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2.10 km

View of Ballynakill Harbour

Highlight • Viewpoint

Great way. Actually a completely normal street, but there is almost no traffic.

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3.47 km

Castle Gate on Sky Road

Highlight • Monument

Walk to the castle, behind it there is a path to the old stables. Behind it a road runs up, you can go through the gate over the meadow and you arrive at the sky road. Just watch out for the cars there.

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3.85 km

Standing Stone Near Clifden Castle

Highlight • Monument

Single standing stone near Clifden castle

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4.38 km

Clifden Castle Ruins

Highlight • Castle

@Christoph B. Yes, the way is different than on the new Komoot maps a dead end.

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6.87 km

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel

Highlight • Castle

An impressive neo-Gothic castle that watches over Clifden. This historic building, built in 1832 by John D'Arcy (the founder of the town), hidden in the greenery at the foot of the Sky Road, breathes the atmosphere of old Ireland. For cyclists, the driveway alone is worth a photo opportunity, with the castle turrets peeking above the trees. An ideal place to celebrate the first altitude meters of the Sky Road or to take a break in an environment where history and luxury meet.

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7.70 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

5.21 km

1.92 km

577 m

Surfaces

2.72 km

2.70 km

1.92 km

374 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (70 m)

Lowest point (0 m)

Weather

Sunday 13 September

18°C

13°C

98 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 31.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

September 8, 2025,Market Square Clifden – Clifden Castle Ruins loop from Clifden

Really a road walk loop, but the detour to Clifden Castle was well worth it!

May 12, 2022,Marketsquare Clifden – Clifden Castle Runde

Nice short tour. From Sky Road turn left through a gate across a meadow to the Castle.

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April 19, 2023,rando skyroad à Clifden

Superb walk from Clifden. Stunning and unforgettable views! At the start, view of Clifden Bay, then passage to the ruined castle. Sheep, horses, cows line the route.

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October 1, 2025,Soaking wet🌧️☔️

Today, I braved the rain and went on a lovely hike. We passed the small harbor and continued toward Clifden Beach. Then I turned right and hiked toward Clifden Castle. Rain and clouds alternated between the two. Along the way, several menhirs lined the path. The last few meters to the castle were another challenge. The path was completely flooded …

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