The Wild Atlantic Way, the stunningly scenic route that snakes up the western coast of Ireland, stretching from Co Donegal to Co Cork , is a huge tourism draw to the West of Ireland. According to data from Fáilte Ireland, the tourism authority of Ireland, the Wild Atlantic Way received approximately 4 million overseas visitors in 2019.
Clifden, perched on the western extremities of Co Galway , overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, is one of the Wild Atlantic Way's most popular destinations. From fascinating local history to jaw-dropping scenery , the capital of Connemara, which the town of 1,500 people, a figure that rises significantly during the high season for tourism, Is known as, is attractive to all varieties of tourist.
The iconic poet and playwright Oscar Wilde once described Connemara as a "savage beauty" and even before reaching Clifden - perhaps the best epitome of this natural beauty - you will see how apt Wilde's description was. Taking the N59 road from Galway City, any visitor to Clifden will be treated to a cornucopia of incredible scenery.
Where lakes meet lush forests, mountains, and craggy bogland, whose surfaces are illuminated with glorious purple heather, the drive is often described among the most scenic in Ireland. The route is also serviced by plentiful bus services, both from CityLink and Bus Eireann, some of which can travel from Dublin Airport, with a quick changeover in Galway.
As you reach Clifden, the prominence the sea plays in the day-to-day life of the town becomes apparent. Not only do many people find themselves employed in fishing - which provides the town's high caliber restaurants with the freshest of produce - but the allure the coastline provides is the foundation of the town's tourism trade, which is, by some distance, the biggest local industry.
Tourists can avail of fishing trips, surfing lessons, and sailing courses in Clifden and its surrounding villages, while the abundantly beautiful beaches are regularly thronged with visitors during the summer months. While the sea may be a prominent tourist draw and subsequent employer, the Connemara town has many more strings to its bow.
The Connemara Pony is a breed of pony originating from the Connemara region in County Galway, Ireland. Known for its versatility, intelligence, and gentle temperament, the Connemara Pony is highly regarded both in its native land and internationally, and there is a Connemara Pony show on the third Thursday of every August, showcasing the best of the pony breed and drawing equine enthusiasts from all over the world.
The breed's origins can be traced back to the rugged terrain of Connemara, where they developed traits such as hardiness and sure-footedness. Connemara Ponies have been influenced by various breeds over the centuries, including Arabian and Thoroughbred horses, which have contributed to their agility and refinement, with local lore saying that Spanish horses - which were crossbred with Arabian horses - came ashore locally after parts of the Spanish Armada washed up locally and interbred with the local horses.
The Connemara Pony Breeders' Society, founded in 1923, works to preserve and promote the breed. Connemara Ponies are popular not only in Ireland but also internationally, with dedicated breed societies in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
While Clifden, based on the fringes of Ireland's western coast, may feel far away from bustling cities like Dublin, it punches disproportionately above its weight when it comes to its influence on world history; both in terms of aviation and communications.
The Marconi Station in Clifden, County Galway, holds significant historical importance as the site of the first successful transatlantic wireless telegraphy station. The Clifden Marconi Station was established by Guglielmo Marconi in 1907, the Italian inventor.
On October 17, 1907, the station successfully transmitted the first commercial transatlantic wireless message between Clifden and Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada. This event marked a major milestone in global communications, forever establishing Clfiden's place as an important historical footnote in the history of communications.
The station was constructed on the Derrigimlagh Bog, chosen for its remote location, which minimized interference. However, during the First World War, the station's operations were disrupted, and it was placed under military control. After the war, advancements in technology and alternative communication methods led to a decline in the station's use. In 1922, the station was destroyed by anti-treaty forces during the Irish Civil War, leading to its permanent closure.
The stretch of Derrigimlagh Bog, which is located along the road to the beautiful village of Ballyconneely, didn't only contribute to advancements in communications, however. On June 15, 1919, Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Whitten Brown, two British aviators, completed the first ever non-stop transatlantic flight after they crashed landed in Derrigimlagh after taking off from Newfoundland, Canada, the following day in a flight that took 16 hours and 27 minutes.
Their successful landing marked the first time an aircraft had flown non-stop across the Atlantic, earning them a place in aviation history and winning them the £10,000 prize offered by the Daily Mail newspaper for this feat. A monument at the landing site commemorates Alcock and Brown's achievement. The site includes a memorial cairn and an inscribed plaque detailing their journey.
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Traditional music forms a big part of the local culture and every one of Clifden's pubs hosts live music, ensuring lively entertainment and an authentic Irish pub experience. The food available locally is also of the highest standard, with several restaurants - as well as gastropubs - serving fresh, locally sourced gorgeous foods. Every taste bud is accommodated, from Asian fusion to pizza and everything in between.
For golf enthusiasts, Connemara Golf Links, also known as Connemara Championship Golf Links, is a renowned golf course located in Ballyconneely, near Clifden. Connemara Golf Links features an 18-hole championship course and an additional 9-hole course.
The courses are challenging with undulating fairways, natural dunes, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Twelve Bens mountain range. The 18-hole course is a par 72, stretching approximately 7,055 yards from the championship tees.
Perched on the sea, the clubhouse offers amenities such as a pro shop, locker rooms, and a bar and restaurant where players can relax after their round, or those who don't play can take in the beautiful scenery or enjoy the gorgeous beaches nearby.
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