Clifden Castle Ruins Guide (County Galway, Ireland)

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Connemara, the Clifden Castle ruins feel like something out of a fairytale.

We experienced moody skies, crumbling stone walls, and just enough mystery to make our imaginations run wild!

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to visit Clifden Castle, from where to find the (hidden!) trailhead to what to expect when you arrive.

Whether you’re planning a spontaneous detour or mapping out a West Ireland itinerary, I’ve got you covered with the tips I wish I’d known before going.

Let’s get into it!

Table of Contents

How to get to Clifden Castle

The location of Clifden Castle

Clifden Castle is nestled within the stunning landscape of Connemara, in County Galway, on the west coast of Ireland.

This remarkable relic of the 19th century sits just outside the town of Clifden, on a hill overlooking Clifden Bay, and is one of the best castles in Galway!

The best and only way to reach Clifden Castle is by car. Most visitors to this region will already have a rental car, which is something to consider when planning your trip.

The drive to Clifden Castle from the town is less than 5 minutes.

You’ll pass Abbeyglen Castle Hotel on your way, but don’t drive too far! Sometimes, Google Maps will try to take you further than you need to go.

We nearly missed the entrance because Google Maps decided to get creative, so keep your eyes peeled for the castle gate!

The exact parking for Clifden Castle is linked here and sits just outside the castle entrance gate, which is pictured below.

Even though it appears that you can drive through the gate to reach the castle, this is private property.

All visitors must park outside the gate and take a short walk the remaining distance to the castle ruins.

Be sure to take any valuables with you, and don’t leave tempting items in view from your car windows.

We heard reports that cars are frequently broken into at this parking area, although we personally didn’t have any issues.

A fortified stone gate with two turreted towers and a central arched entrance opens to a gravel path leading into the Irish countryside.

Getting to the castle

After you’ve parked your car, it’s time to set off on a hike! Don’t worry, though; it will be totally worth it.

The entire path to the castle is a gravel roadway, which is fairly easy to traverse.

On the way to the castle, you will be walking downhill, meaning the way back is all uphill.

The distance from the parking area to the castle is 1 km (0.62 miles).

The road winds through farms and fields with sheep, horses, and cows. Just keep going and follow the castle signs.

If you’re lucky, a cute horse might even pose for a photo with you like he did for me!

A woman with a backpack smiles while standing near a white horse behind a wire fence, surrounded by lush green hills.

Exploring Clifden Castle

Once you reach the castle, you’ll be awed by its impressive structure!

The castle, set in a picturesque landscape, is characteristic of a romantic, Gothic aesthetic with castellated battlements, a square tower, and round turrets.

Obviously, the castle is in ruins, so you must be cautious when exploring.

There are steep drop-offs and loose debris throughout the castle and grounds.

Inside Clifden Castle ruins, arched doorways and tall, weathered stone walls lead the eye upward to broken ceilings and bright sky above.

We found the best way to enter the castle itself was to walk around to the back side.

This part of the castle is incredibly picturesque due to the thick ivy that has grown to cover the outer castle walls, and it is one of the most Instagrammable castles in Ireland!

There are multiple rooms in the castle to explore.

We had fun walking through them and trying to guess what each room had been used for in the past!

If it rained the night before, be careful! Some of the rooms were basically puddles when we went.

Please respect the castle and grounds during your visit, and don’t leave any traces behind!

Pack out anything you pack in…no one wants to be the tourist who ruins it for everyone else.

(And please, no carving your initials into the stone…this isn’t middle school!)

This is private property, and visitors need to be respectful to keep it open to the public.

Due to the remote location of the castle, you will likely have very few other visitors there with you. We only encountered two other groups coming and going.

The stone façade of Clifden Castle features rounded towers and arched windows, partially in ruin, standing strong against a cloudy sky with sunlight breaking through.

Tips for visiting Clifden Castle

FAQ

Is there a cost to visit Clifden Castle?

No, there is currently no cost to visit Clifden Castle or to park at the entrance.

How long should you spend at Clifden Castle?

This will depend on how fast you hike and how much time you want to explore the castle and grounds. We recommend planning at least 1-2 hours for your visit.

What to wear during a visit to Clifden Castle?

A good pair of hiking shoes and waterproof clothes are recommended. It rained during our visit, and there were large puddles and flooded areas in and around the castle. You’ll also want to ensure that your shoes have a good grip for climbing around and exploring inside the castle.

Can you fly a drone at Clifden Castle?

No, drones are not allowed at Clifden Castle. We weren’t sure, so we brought ours along, but signs were posted forbidding the use of drones on-site.

Are there restrooms or facilities available at Clifden Castle?

No, there are no restrooms or facilities at Clifden Castle. Plan to stop and use the restroom in Clifden before getting to the castle.

Is Clifden Castle open to public visits?

Yes, Clifden Castle is open to the public. There are no posted visiting hours, although visiting after dark would not be advised due to the treacherous grounds.

Things to do near Clifden

If you’re making a weekend out of your Clifden adventure (which I totally recommend), here are a few gems nearby that we either loved or have pinned for our next visit.

Here are a few of the highlights:

Clifden Town: Explore the charming nearby town of Clifden itself, known for its colorful buildings, lively pubs, local shops, and welcoming atmosphere.
Connemara National Park: Immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Connemara National Park, offering hiking trails, picturesque vistas, and an opportunity to spot local wildlife.
Sky Road: Take a scenic drive or walk along the famous Sky Road, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic coastline and surrounding landscapes.
Omey Island: When the tide is low, venture across the sandbanks to Omey Island, known for its ancient church ruins and tranquil beaches.
Inishbofin Island: Take a ferry trip and travel to Inishbofin Island, a peaceful haven with stunning beaches, walking trails, and historical sites.
Kylemore Abbey: Marvel at the captivating Kylemore Abbey, an elegant castle set by a picturesque lake, offering a glimpse into Ireland’s monastic history. It’s one of the most beautiful castles in Galway!
Abbeyglen Castle Hotel: Enjoy a luxurious stay at the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, which provides beautiful views, excellent food, and multiple indulgent treatment rooms.
Ashford Castle Hotel: Consider a day road trip to the spectacular Ashford Castle Hotel, which offers an immersive visit to the historic castle and extensive grounds, including multiple immersive experiences such as afternoon tea in Ashford Castle and riding horses on the Ashford Castle grounds.

Where to stay near Clifden Castle

Plenty of lodging options can be found nearby in the town of Clifden.

There is a wide range of accommodations available, including bed & breakfasts, hotels, and even a luxury castle hotel.

A picturesque view of Clifden Castle framed by a stone archway, with its ivy-covered ruins and arched windows standing tall beneath a bright blue sky.

The history of Clifden Castle

Clifden Castle, an enchanting remnant of the 19th century, is located in the heart of the Connemara region of County Galway, Ireland.

It might be in ruins today, but back in the early 1800s, it was the place to be in Connemara.

Picture grand stone walls, sweeping views of the Atlantic, and a local family living out their Irish manor house dreams..

The castle was built in 1818 by John D’Arcy, the same guy who founded the nearby town of Clifden.

He designed the estate in that dramatic Gothic Revival style (think pointy towers and castle-core vibes), which made it one of the first of its kind in Ireland at the time.

The D’Arcy family lived here for a few decades, enjoying cliffside sunsets and mountain views, until the mid-19th century brought some major changes.

During the Great Famine, their fortunes took a huge hit (like many families across Ireland), and they were eventually forced to sell the castle in 1850 to the Eyre family of Bath, England.

After that, things got a little…complicated. The new owners put the estate into a trust, a local butcher somehow ended up owning it (plot twist!), and eventually the land was divided among local tenants.

A wide view of Clifden Castle from a distance shows its ivy-covered stone structure perched on a bright green field, beneath a blue sky scattered with clouds.

The castle itself slowly fell into disrepair and was abandoned by the early 1900s.

The castle gradually fell into disrepair and was abandoned by the turn of the 20th century.

Even in its crumbled state, Clifden Castle still holds an undeniable romantic charm. The ruins whisper stories from the past; you just have to lean in and listen.

The castle feels both peaceful and powerful, perfect for wandering, wondering, and imagining what life was like when the halls were full of life instead of ivy.

It’s an excellent destination for anyone looking for a weekend break in Ireland!