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Including
Ballyconneely,
Roundstone,
Cleggan,
Inishbofin,
Inishturk
Clifden, nestled amidst breathtaking mountain scenery and beautiful
rugged coastline is one of Ireland's most loved towns. Located in the West of of the county, Clifden is
the largest town in
Connemara, which of course is an
outstanding jewel in Ireland's scenic crown.
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Beach Road Walk
A local favourite, the Beach Road is one of the most
peaceful and serene walks in Clifden. Instead of taking a right at the
fork toward the Sky Road, take a left, this will lead you down toward
Clifden harbour. Follow the road until you reach the Boat Club or take a
right a little before to head up onto the Sky Road or go back to Clifden.
The Bog Road
The superb scenery of the Bog Road is a true ecological
adventure. Take the R341 towards Ballyconneely and turn off left at
Ballinaboy, striking off along the Bog Road that crosses the famous
Roundstone Bog conservation area, turning right into Roundstone, back
towards Ballyconneely and returning to Clifden.
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Alcock & Brown Vickers Vimy
The non-stop 1800 mile voyage from Newfoundland to Clifden, landing in
Roundstone bog at 8.40am on 15 June 1919, took sixteen hours and twelve minutes.
Alcock and Brown, both British, experienced extreme flying conditions - fog,
drizzle and a broken radio. They navigated using only basic optical instruments
and often became disorientated, sometimes finding themselves flying upside down.
Disaster nearly struck more than once, before they finally crash-landed near
Clifden. They were only slightly injured and were recovered from the bog by
soldiers and workers from the nearby Marconi radio station, securing a £10,000
Daily Mail prize and the crew's (and Clifden's) place in history. The Vickers 'Vimy'
was originally a British-built first world war bomber. After the war, these
planes made three historic flights, illustrating the possibility of long
distance aviation and inspiring the development of other aircraft for the
purpose. The first direct transatlantic flight from Newfoundland to Ireland
paved the way for subsequent 'firsts', such as the first England to Australia
flight (also in 1919) and then England to Cape Town, South Africa, the following
year.
Inishbofin
Inishbofin (Island of the White Cow) lies seven miles off Galway's coast. The
island is five miles by three. It is estimated that Bofin was inhabited as far
back as 8000 - 4000 B.C. The first documented history of the island dates from
early Christian times. As you sail around the tower and signal light into the
harbour you will notice Cromwell's 16th Century Barracks. It was used as a
prison for catholic priests from all over the country after the English Statute
of 1585 declared them guilty of high treason. The first reference of Bofin comes
from the seventh century. Again, it has often been related how St. Colman,
himself of Connacht origin, defended the Celtic custom of the dating of Easter
at the Synod of Whitby in 664. Several safe sandy beaches strewn with shells and
with crystal clear water make swimming, snorkelling and diving a joy. For the
more adventurous, crystal clear water makes for spectacular diving. Inishbofin
is a breeding area for many species of birds. The rarest or most threatened
species breeding on the island at present are the Corncrake. The Corncrake have
been nesting and breeding on Inishbofin for many years. For the adventurous
there are exciting mountain walks, hill climbing and excellent shore angling.
Inishbofin has become an important centre for traditional Irish music and song
with its own Ceilí band. Inishbofin plays host to many visiting musicians and
artists.
Click for More on
Inishbofin |
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