Clifden Chronicles: Connemara's Jewel in County Galway, Ireland

Send us Fan MailClifden, Connemara & Lough Rynn Castle: Sky Road, Kylemore Abbey + Our Scariest HikeBrittany and Josh recap two standout stops from their Ireland trip: a splurge night at Lough Rynn Castle Hotel after Teelin and several days in Clifden, County Galway. They describe the castle’s welcoming staff, luxurious room features like a heated bathroom floor, drinks by the fireplace, and a multi-course dinner with wine pairings (including seared Atlantic tuna, roasted chicken supreme, beef filet, chocolate fondant, and rhubarb mousse), plus a peaceful winter walk through the walled gardens and grounds. In Clifden they stay at the cozy Ben View Inn, run by siblings Eileen and Des Morris, enjoy breakfasts, and share tips about booking directly and traveling off-season—though many restaurants and a Sky Road coffee cart were closed. Highlights include driving the Sky Road, meeting horses, hiking the challenging Upper/Lower Diamond Loop with views of Kylemore Abbey, visiting the abbey’s tour and chocolate shop, and sampling local food at Guys, EJ King’s (including a spice bag), and Griffin’s Pub, plus live music with TikTok friend Sam at McGrath’s and Lowry’s.00:00 Welcome and Overview00:39 Castle Stay Dreams02:44 Bar and Dinner Feast05:04 Staff Stories and Visas06:39 Morning Gardens Walk08:18 Booking Tips Off Season10:16 Clifden Ben View Inn13:31 Sky Road Scenic Drive15:04 Diamond Hill Hike Fears18:20 Hike Stats and Wrap20:25 Off Season Dining21:24 Meeting Sam Live Music22:57 Kylemore Abbey Tips24:35 Clifden Food Highlights27:20 Small Town Living Feel29:53 Sky Road Beauty30:17 Would We Live Here31:24 Why Clifden Is Worth It32:15 Travel Stillness Reflections34:25 Trip Blueprint Car Rental37:26 Final Thoughts Next Stop@WSMHtravels