Visiting Clifden Castle in Ireland

Out of Ireland’s thousands of castles, Clifden Castle doesn’t make it on too many itineraries.  While it isn’t one of the most popular castles, it is still worth a visit.  Here is everything you need to know about visiting Clifden Castle in Ireland.

No trip to Ireland is complete without visiting at least one castle.  Whether you plan on visiting Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone or you book a tour of the stunning Kylemore Abbey, you should also add Clifden Castle to your itinerary.  You won’t find any tour guides here, and depending on when you go, you might be the only visitors there.

Visiting Clifden Castle in Ireland

Clifden Castle is free to visit and open year round.

The Castle’s History

Clifden Castle was built in 1818 for John D’Arcy.  It was designed and built in the Gothic Revival style which was popular in the early 1800s. After his death, the castle was passed down to his son.  However, the castle was eventually sold to a family from England.  In the early 1900s, the land was taken over by the state, and redistributed among the tenants.  During this time,  the castle was stripped of many useful materials and fixtures.  With no one  to take care of the home, it soon fell into ruin.

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How to Get There

Clifden Castle is about three and a half hours from Dublin and  located in County Galway along the scenic Sky Road.  Driving west from the start of the Sky Road, it is only 2km away.  It is easy to miss as there aren’t any signs to mark the castle’s location, but keep your eye out for an arched stone gateway on the left.

Parking

While Clifden Castle doesn’t  have a parking lot, there is a small gravel area on the side of the road.  When we arrived, this parking area was almost full, yet we saw one other person on the trail.  Make sure you do not park up by the stone arch or drive through the stone arch, as this is not allowed.

Hiking to the Castle

The castle is only a 1km  walk from the parking area.  The trail begins at the stone arch and continues straight through the beautiful, lush countryside with views of Clifden Bay.  You might even see some cows, horses, or sheep roaming about.  As you follow the trail, you’ll spot Clifden Castle in the distance.

Depending on recent weather conditions, the trail can be very muddy.  While hiking boots may not be necessary, we would recommend sensible shoes (not white tennis shoes like I wore…) and a rain jacket.

While the walk to Clifden Castle is pleasant and easy, keep in mind the walk back to the parking area is mostly uphill.

Exploring the Castle (What’s Left of It)

Once you make it to the castle, you’ll see what’s left of this historical structure.  While the exterior is still in good shape, the interior is not structurally sound.  There are signs asking visitors to keep out of the interior areas for their safety.

While the castle is missing its roof and overgrown with ivy, its history and architectural design can still be appreciated.

If you’re driving along the Sky Road or passing by the town of Clifden, we hope you get a chance to visit Clifden Castle.  While it isn’t the most eye-catching or popular castle in Ireland, it feels like a hidden gem.  It’s the perfect place for a scenic walk, and we’re glad we got to see the castle before it is further ruined.

If you’re planning a trip to Ireland soon, check out our other blog post on Ireland’s best coastal views below.

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