Whilst taking a drive across the Sky Road from Cifden we stumbled down the hill what seemed to be a Castle ruins. Later that night after a bit of research it appeared to be the Clifden Castle ruins.
We decided the next day we would drive back and go see how easy access was and see it for ourselves.
Location
Just 5 minutes from Clifden centre along the Sky Road Loop
Getting There
From Clifden
Head north on Westport Rd/N59 toward Church Hill/Sky Rd then Turn left onto Church Hill/Sky Rd. Follow the Sky road for 2.1km until you reach the archway.
Clifden Castle Brief History
The Clifden Castle is a manor house just 5 minutes west of the town of Clifden. It was built 1818 for John D’Arcy, the local landowner and founder of Clifden, and designed in the Gothic Revival style. It was then uninhabited after 1894 it fell into disrepair. In 1935, the ownership passed to a group of tenants shortly after and it quickly became a ruin.
Finding Your Way In
Firstly as mentioned above don’t go by Google maps or your end up in someone’s private garden. It’s for this reason I’d say is why they have electric gates.
Instead look for this Castle archway about 400 metres before on the Clifden side

The Walk In
Once through the arch a walk down country roads for about 1 km through farmland and cattle brings you passed great views of the Wild Atlantic Way and the ocean front.


An easy walk down to the castle your come across 5 stones to keep you on track like these ones below.

The final bend gives you a glorious view of the castle standing prominently at the bottom of the hill.

At The Castle
The Clifden Castle ruins itself is still quite largely in tact with all the outside structure in place. Obvious signs of wear and tear but I was surprised by the the condition and the structure and how much was still in place

When you wonder round the back you can see the back courtyard of the castle. It actually shows the structure isn’t huge and there is a large courtyard.


A few more of the front of the castle and the main tower it’s looks as if the bottom corner of it has taken some damage throughout the years. But ut is certainly as solid as ever.


Other Castles We Have Visited
We love a good castle, if it’s in operation or in ruins we don’t care. With all the history and to think what once went on behind those walls.
Roscommon Castle ruins was one of the first we saw In Ireland. We took a look around the castle and the grounds and thoroughly enjoyed it. See our guide to the Castle Here

Lough Rynn Castle in County Leitrim is another one we had great fun visiting and walking around the grounds find out a bit more about This Trip

More Wild Atlantic Way
This isn’t the only part of the Wild Atlantic Way we have done we have also, had a road trip to the picturesque village of Doolin and the legendary Cliffs of Moher. See our Road Trip. Further to the North West corner we experienced the historical town of Killala also steeped in history.
Clifden castle was built in 1818
The castle is free to visit
1935 the castle fell into ruins
A short 5 minute drive
John D’Arcy was the first owner. John was the landowner and founder of Clifden
21 replies on “Clifden Castle, Connemara”
What a picturesque castle to explore…looks like lots of great photo opportunities!
Wow! The castle looks so elegant and beautiful!
I’m surprised that castle is so “new.” It doesn’t look like it was built as recently as 1818. Great pictures though. A good reason to revisit the Connemara area.
What a stately ruin! I’m impressed that it’s so well-preserved. The Connemara region looks pristine and jaw-dropping gorgeous; you’re so fortunate to live in Ireland and be close to these wonderful sites!
It really is Rebecca it’s the first time we have visited this region and it was just stunning
It’s amazing how well things can hold up when they are built to last. Great post.
Oh what a beautiful castle to explore, yet another reason for us to visit Connemara! Hope you have a great weekend!
Connemara is certainly one of the most beautiful places we have visited so far the landscape is vast and just draw dropping at times
Old is beautiful .. beautiful pic 😉
Thank you is really is a beautiful sight
The ruins are actually very atmospheric. I would’ve guessed the castle much older. Shame it fell into disrepair so quickly. If someone would give me a castle, I’d take much better care of it, that’s for sure.
I thought the same 1818 isn’t very old for a Castle. I would live a castle to imagine what you could do with it I’d start with digging a mote 😀
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