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Viewpoint · Clifden, Galway
Sky Road
The road that leaves Clifden and climbs the peninsula to the west, about 16 km of high views over the bay, the islands, the Atlantic and the ruins of the Castelo de Clifden.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Sky Road
The Sky Road is the road that leaves Clifden heading west and skirts the Kingstown peninsula, between Clifden Bay and Streamstown Bay. The circuit is about 16 km long and is divided into two sections: the Lower Sky Road, near sea level, and the Upper Sky Road, which climbs the hillside and runs more than 100 meters above the water, hence the name.
From the higher section you can see Clifden Bay, the Kingstown inlet, the islands Inishturk and Turbot and, on clear days, the open sea to the horizon. There is a parking-viewpoint at the highest point, with a bench and views of both bays, which is the most popular stop. On the landward side there are rocky fields, dry stone walls and sheep.
At the start of the road, near town, are the ruins of the Castelo de Clifden, a 1818 neo-Gothic mansion by John D'Arcy, founder of Clifden. The castle is a ruin on private land and can be seen from the road. Further on, the road passes scattered houses and small pebble beaches.
The road is narrow, two-way and has few shoulders, and many visitors do it on foot or by bike. The most common route is to go up via the Upper Sky Road and return via the Lower, or vice versa, completing the circuit in about 1 hour by car with stops.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 45 minutes to 1 hour by car with stops; 3 to 4 hours on foot; or 1.5 to 2 hours by bicycle.
Best time
In the late afternoon, with the sun setting over the Atlantic, or at any time with a clear sky. With fog or heavy rain the view disappears. In summer, sunset is after 10:00 PM.
How to get there
The road starts in the centre of Clifden: follow Market Street west and follow the signs for "Sky Road". The main viewpoint is about 6 km from town. There are bicycles for rent in town.
Tip
Stop at the parking-viewpoint at the highest point, which is the best spot for photos of both bays. Drive slowly: the road is narrow, with blind bends and cyclists, and in Ireland you drive on the left.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Sky Road
How long does the Sky Road take?
By car, about 1 hour with stops for photos. On foot, 3 to 4 hours; by bike, 1.5 to 2 hours, with climbs.
Can you enter the Castelo de Clifden?
No. It is a ruin on private land and can be seen from the road at the start of the circuit.
Is the road difficult to drive?
It's narrow, two-way and has few places to pass. Go slowly, use pull-outs to let others pass, and remember that in Ireland you drive on the left.