Sky Road

While in Ireland, you surely spent some time around the Irish postcard racks and saw pictures of gorgeous landscapes. Chances are that the Sky Road in County Galway is captured in most of them. The most famous image is the stunning village of Clifden on the verdant hillside. On a clear day, any tourist can easily snap the scene's beauty with a camera.

Handy tips

A visit to Sky Road in Clifden is handy, but a few things will make your visit more enjoyable. The most important point is separating the upper and lower Sky Road, so you can decide which one you’d rather take. As most tourists come here for the views, it is a difficult decision. The good news is that there is no wrong decision, as both roads merge four kilometres near Kingstown once again.

Sky Road, which passes through the Colmarra National Park area from Clifden onto the desolate Kingston peninsula, is the most striking section of the Wild Atlantic Way. You can visit Sky Road any time of the year, though summer is the ideal season. However, it makes sense to check the weather forecast regularly, as the weather in Ireland is very changeable.

One thing to know about Sky Road is that there are a few designated areas where you can safely pull over to soak up the views. However, the highest point on the upper route has a spacious parking area. There is also a car park at the highest point so you can stop to enjoy the view and take as many photos as you want.

Stops along the way

A road trip along the 16-kilometre Sky Road takes about an hour or two, depending on how often you stop and whether you will walk to Clifden Castle. Beachgoers who want to stop at Eyrephort Beach will need more time.

The Sky Road runs for 16km on a circular route from Clifden, a popular tourist hub in this area. With up to 2000 citizens, it is the largest town in this area and the capital of the Connemara region. You can visit the D'Arcy Monument directly from Clifden. This monument commemorates John D'Arcy, the founder of Clifden. The views from the top are fantastic. The first stop is Clifden Castle, one of the most charming castles in Ireland. It is not visible from the road. Built in the Gothic Revival style in 1814. It was abandoned in the 20th century and fell into ruin. Pointe Amharc Atlantach Fiain Sky Bothar, also known as Sky Road Viewpoint, is the most magical place along the way. The views from this point of view are one of the main reasons to include Sky Road in your Ireland trip itinerary. If you are lucky with the weather, you should be able to see Inishturk and Turbot Island from there. The road will eventually take you back to sea level, so you can drive along the sea again.

An Upper and Lower road

The route separates into a lower and upper road. As expected, the upper road is the most popular, offering the most sweeping views over the area. The lower route has some bed and breakfasts if you want accommodation here. Once you arrive at the junction of Lower and Upper Sky Road, do not miss the chance to make a short detour to Eyrephort Beach. This charming beach is a nice extension for all beach lovers.

Deciding whether to drive Sky Road clockwise or counterclockwise is good. It is recommended to drive clockwise. The reason is simple—you will have better views and easier access to parking. We recommend renting a small compact car that is easy to manoeuvre.

Views, views and more views

Sky Road is a panoramic 16km road with its start and end in Clifden, the capital of Connemara. This spectacularly scenic route offers truly outstanding scenery. The circular road takes you onto the Kingston peninsula, providing panoramic views over Clifden Bay and its offshore islands. Less than a kilometre from Clifden Castle, the road heads west, and you will soon reach a junction between Lower Sky Road and Upper Sky Road. The upper path gradually rises, reaching a vantage car park at the highest point. The view over Clifden Bay and the offshore islands is unforgettable. Any road you choose you need to drive with caution as the roads are narrow.

The highest point of Sky Road is only about 120 meters above sea level, but it feels like you are way up in the sky. The viewpoint makes this one of the most popular things to do in Clifden. The elevated point offers wonderful views over Clifden Bay, its offshore islands and the Connemara countryside.

Visiting Sky Road is pretty straightforward and generally safe, but driving along the single-lane road can be nerve-racking for inexperienced drivers. In bad weather, you would better skip Sky Road (especially in foggy conditions). The fog will obscure any views, making driving along the narrow roads too stressful. As you leave Clifden, you will see the Castle Gates, where the road separates into Lower Sky Road and Upper Sky Road. They meet up a few kilometres down the road, so you can take either one you like; however, the views from the Upper Sky Road are more dramatic. At the highest point on the upper route, about 5.5km from Clifden, you will see a parking area with plenty of room to pull in.

Travelling along Sky Road is an extraordinary experience full of pleasant surprises. Less famous than the Ring of Kerry or Slea Head Drive, it offers a short yet remarkable journey. Not surprisingly, the drive along Clifden Bay is one of the best things to do in Clifden. The journey along Sky Road ended sooner than we'd liked as it's very short. Sky Road Clifden offers superb views, and it takes only a short time to see everything. If you're exploring the Connemara region and you are a big fan of off-the-beaten-path scenic drives, we believe you won't be disappointed.