Sky Road
Sky Road, Clifden, Galway
Even though it’s only 10 miles (16 kilometers) long, Clifden’s Sky Road feels like a journey through all of Connemara. This winding, rural road offers birds-eye views of the town of Clifden and its two spires, which are backed by the Twelve Bens Mountains—an image you’ll see on plenty of postcards. As the drive loops away from town, views stretch out across the Atlantic.
The basics
Sky Road is often hailed as one of Ireland’s most scenic drives, and it’s easy to access for any Connemara visitor with a car. As well as sweeping views, you’ll see ancient castles and historic mansions at every bend of the Sky Road. Stop at the 19th-century Clifden Castle—built in a Gothic style—and walk the dirt road, which leads right up to the castle.
A stroll up Memorial Hill offers a famous view of Clifden, and by turning uphill at the fork in the road, you’ll climb past the old Coastguard station to 500 feet (152 meters) above sea level. Near the road’s summit, you’ll find a small parking lot. Here, take in views of the whitewashed cottages that appear as flecks on the misty coast. Some day trips from Galway off round-trip transport along the Sky Road, which lets you focus on the scenery rather than the road.
Things to know before you go
The route is separated into upper and lower Sky Road; the upper road is the most popular since it offers the best views.
It takes about 30 minutes to drive along Sky Road; though set aside around 2.5 hours to account for stops.
If you plan to drive along the road yourself, it’s recommended to rent a small, compact car that’s easy to maneuver.
How to get there
Sky Road is most often driven in a clockwise direction from Clifden, eventually meeting up with the Clifden/Westport N59 Road after Streamstown Bay. At the highest point on the upper route, you’ll find a parking area where you can stop and take in the view. The road is also a popular route for cyclists.
When to get there
On sunny days, Sky Road can become crowded with locals, photographers, and sightseers. Sunset is a popular time of day to head to the road’s highest point on the upper route. In general, summer is considered the best time to visit Ireland because of the pleasant temps and a lower chance of rain. Skip Sky Road in bad weather, especially in foggy conditions.
Other popular scenic drives in Ireland
Most travelers would agree that Ireland is best explored by road, as there are miles of picturesque routes around the country, most of which are clearly marked for easy navigation. Top picks include the Wild Atlantic Way (one of the world’s longest coastal drives); the Ring of Kerry, which begins and ends in Killarney; and Slea Head Drive, which follows a circular route around Dingle.
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