Clifden Castle, near Clifden, is a romantic 19th-century ruin with Gothic charm. Amidst lush surroundings, its ivy-covered stone walls tell tales of history. The castle offers exploration, stunning views, and a touch of mystery for visitors drawn to its picturesque allure.
The Alcock and Brown Landing Site in Clifden commemorates the historic moment when aviators Sir John Alcock and Sir Arthur Whitten Brown completed the first non-stop transatlantic flight in June 1919. This site marks the culmination of their remarkable journey from Newfoundland, Canada, to Ireland, which signaled a groundbreaking achievement in aviation history. It serves as a reminder of their daring courage and the pivotal role they played in advancing the possibilities of long-distance flight, solidifying their legacy in the annals of aviation.
Sky Road, located near Clifden is a captivating scenic drive that winds along the coast and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. This 15-kilometer route takes travelers through a mix of rugged coastline, rolling hills, and charming villages, providing breathtaking vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and the Connemara countryside. Sky Road is a popular destination for visitors seeking to experience the natural beauty and coastal charm of Ireland's west coast, making it a must-visit for those exploring the Connemara region.
A replica of the Alcock & Brown statue, now sits in Clifden ‘forever’… The statue of the two aviators from Manchester, who made history by being the first to fly non-stop across the Atlantic, set off from St John’s, Newfoundland on June 14th, 1919, in a Vickers-designed biplane. They landed in a bog in Derrygimleigh, just 7km south of Clifden.
The bronze statue of John Alcock and Arthur Brown, is a replica of one which has been situate in Heathrow airport for more than 60 years. The original statue made a fleeting visit to the west of Ireland last year as part of the centenary celebrations for the first non-stop transatlantic crossing. But just days before it was due to go back to London, property developer Sean Mulryan and the owner of the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, Mr Brian Hughes, had a brief discussion and hatched a plan, that instead of going straight back to London, it was taken to Dublin where a mould was taken, and the new statue was born.