Sky Road, Clifden
Bóthar an Spéir, Clochán · Co. Galway
The Sky Road earns its name honestly. This narrow loop west of Clifden climbs high along the ridge of the Kingstown peninsula, and at its upper viewpoint the land simply falls away — Clifden Bay and Streamstown Bay below, the islands of Inishturk and Turbot offshore, and the open Atlantic beyond, stretching unbroken to America.
Driving the loop
The full circuit is a dozen or so kilometres and splits into an Upper and Lower road partway around: the Upper road has the grandstand viewpoint and car park, the Lower road hugs the shore past quiet coves. Drive it clockwise out of Clifden for the classic reveal, allow time to stop, and expect single-track driving with passing bays on the far side of the loop. It is equally popular as a cycling and walking route, especially at sunset.
Clifden Castle and the town
Just off the early stretch of the road stand the romantic ruins of Clifden Castle, the Gothic Revival mansion built around 1818 by John D'Arcy, founder of Clifden — reached by a short walk down its old avenue past standing stones and grazing horses.
Clifden itself is Connemara's lively little capital, with excellent pubs, restaurants and craft shops. South of town at Derrygimlagh bog, a signposted looped walk visits the site of Marconi's transatlantic wireless station and the spot where Alcock and Brown crash-landed the first non-stop transatlantic flight in 1919.
Getting there
Clifden is about 80 minutes from Galway city on the N59, through the heart of Connemara. The Sky Road is signposted from the town centre. Combine it with Dog's Bay near Roundstone and the Twelve Bens for a full Connemara day.
Where it is
53.4902°N, 10.0575°W
Nearby stops
Travelling the Wild Atlantic Way?
Track every stop from Malin Head to Mizen — mark each location visited, add your own notes and photos, and watch your progress grow.