CLEGGAN: Traditional Music, Beaches, Fishing, Seaside Walks, Ancient Sites, Ferries to the Islands of Inishbofin and Inishturk from Cleggan Pier, Pubs, Restaurants.
Highlights: Island visits, Walks and Beaches.
Cleggan Village is nestled in to the south side of Cleggan Bay overlooking the Island of Inishbofin and the
Atlantic. The area is known for its stunning views of the Atlantic Islands and The surrounding hills. An ideal base for a Connemara holiday
The economy of Cleggan has always centred around fishing and trade with the Islands and this continues today with a small but busy fleet of fishing and angling boats working out of the harbour, and ferries leaving at regular intervals for the popular island of Inishbofin and the quieter but equally beautiful Inishturk. There are a number of pubs and restaurants serving great local food and a shop. The village has a regular farmers market (Sundays) and there is a good supply of local fish. To get to Cleggan drive out along the N59 Wild Atlantic Way north from Clifden for about 10 km, there are lots of signs for the village on a sharp right bend, take the left fork here.
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If you like to head for the beach there are some really nice beaches in the area. From Cleggan Bay around the Rossadilisk Peninsula to Aughrus Beg and the spectacular Omey there is a string of beaches to be explored. There are also some really nice walks in the area, you can walk up to the top of Cleggan Head and see the remains of a
Napoleonic tower which was a lookout during the Napoleonic wars. There are also some nice walks from Cleggan out around Aughrus lake which has some unique views out towards Inish Shark, Inishbofin and High Island. The sea angler is well provided with places to fish and angling charter boats.
Cleggan village is a lively spot with four pubs (Olivers, Joyces, Newmans, and The Pier Bar) There is traditional music regularly and an excellent restaurant in Oliver’s Bar. If you are looking for a different food experience, make sure to add The Sea Hare at the Pier Bar to your itinerary, or book a pick up a takeaway box to bring home with you. Near the pier you will also find a well stocked general shop, a ticket office for the Ferry service to Inishbofin, and a shop selling marine supplies and fishing tackle. There is a kids playground next to the Cleggan community centre,
fishing tackle. There is a kids playground next to the Cleggan community centre.
If you have an interest in history there is a lot to be discovered in the area with many standing stones and ancient tombs and the Napoleonic Tower. An afternoon can be spent with local author Marie Feeney,s book “The Cleggan Bay Disaster” visiting the places concerned where this fishing tragedy happened in 1927 with the loss of many lives.
There are two boats that cater for deep sea angling from Cleggan “Bluewater” and the “Western Kingfisher,” and they are also available for hire and Island trips. Near the Centre of the village is a thriving riding centre which accommodates riders of all ages and abilities.
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