At Citylink, we are proud to serve the region of Connemara. Clifden, Cleggan, Oughterard, Letterfrack – the list of stops along our 923 route are as beautiful as each other. Connemara is the perfect place for any visitor to experience the Wild Atlantic Way. It offers visitors some of the most scenic views and natural beauty you can find across Ireland. Places like Inishbofin Island, Clifden Town, Wildlands Adventures, and others provide top-notch experiences for anyone who finds themselves out in this beautiful part of Ireland.
We had the pleasure of filming and producing our brand new “Hidden Gems” ad campaign highlighting Citylink 923 Galway to Clifden/Cleggan route. With each diverse shot, you’ll be amazed by the stunning surroundings of the Wild Atlantic Coast. To coincide with this ad, we thought we’d run through some of the iconic landmarks featured in the clip that you just MUST Visit.
Known as one of the best pubs in Clifden and Voted Best Traditional Bar, Ireland 2019, 2018 & 2015, Lowry’s Bar is the perfect place for a bite to eat and a lovely pint. You will have a fantastic time with their amazing traditional style interior and charming staff. A special shout out to barman Damien, whose smile would brighten up any oul grumps day! Lowry’s Bar also has one of the most fascinating backstories we’ve ever heard, bringing a rich character to the place.
Lowry’s Bar Clifden has been in the Lowry family since 1949. At this time, Patrick Lowry, a Garda sergeant stationed in Donegal, decided to retire and move back home to his native Connemara. Upon his return, he decided to buy a pub. As chance would have it, a cousin of his was selling a pub in Clifden located at Market Street, then known as Connolly’s Bar.
So he bought the pub in Clifden, renamed it Lowry’s Bar, and sure the rest, as they say, is history! Patrick ran the business as not only a pub but a grocery as well. The grocery section was situated at the front, and the public house section was at the back. We can imagine that was very handy if you were tired after doing a day’s shopping! You could stop out the back to Lowrys Bar, where a well-poured Guinness would give you some strength for the walk home!
The most interesting part of Lowry’s history is the unique selling point of offering patrons the chance to cure a toothache! A dentist called Mr. John Bermingham operated his dental practice from a small room at the back of the pub. The story goes that patrons in Lowrys Bar would be sent out to have a sizeable Jameson after a visit to the dentist to numb any pain and, of course, settle the nerves. It’s no wonder it soon developed the reputation for being one of the best pubs in Clifden!
In 1977 Patrick’s niece Eilish and her husband Paul took ownership of Lowry’s Bar which they ran until Paul passed away in 2010. Paul was a natural in the pub, a particularly popular figure with all customers, locals, and visitors, and is sorely missed. Eilish is still involved in the pub but is now taking a well-deserved break from the business’s day-to-day running. Damien, the current owner, is the third generation of the family to own and run the pub. He hopes to emulate the great success of Patrick, Paul, and Eilish before him.
Find out more at http://www.lowrysbar.ie
Clifden Station House Hotel Connemara
If you are looking for a place to stay while in Connemara, the Clifden Station House is the perfect base to explore the majestic beauty of Connemara.
The Clifden Station House is Galway’s most popular family hotel. Immersed in the heart of the Wild Atlantic way. The cosy modern hotel has many rooms to choose from, with double rooms, family rooms, junior suites, and deluxe double rooms available. As well as an indoor swimming pool, spa and free kids throughout the school holidays including movies shown in our own 200-seat theatre.
You can also indulge in their delicious gourmet dinners created for you by our award-winning Chef Pascal Marino. They have a fantastic 10% discount on their Gourmet Dining Breaks which are not to be missed. We treated ourselves to their stunning lunch menu at their Signal Bar & Restaurant, and we must Connemara seafood tastes divine!
Check out their deals for this years October Mid Term Break or recharge your batteries on one of their famous Wellness Breaks.
Clifden Bookshop is one of the staple retail outlets in Clifden. Based on Main Street, this little gem is the perfect store to visit when you’re in the area.
The Clifden Bookshop opened in 1997. It is a niche business in the beautiful town of Clifden, known as the Capital of Connemara. When you walk through the door, you’re greeted by walls filled with gorgeous colourful books and the lovely smiling face of Nicole, the owner of Clifden Bookshop. They state, “Our mantra is that there is a book out there that is the key to unlocking a lifelong love of reading.” And have first-hand knowledge of their stock in their “Room with the Books.”
One of the very cool parts of Clifden Bookshop is you’ll see walls of familiar faces who have passed through the store over the past 25 years. You’re sure to find some inspiration here and a chance to chat about your most recently read books!
Cleggan is a beautiful seaside village right on the edge of Ireland. Cleggan is also the point for those wishing to travel to Inishbofin Island will catch the boat.
When you arrive in Cleggan via Citylink, you’ll see the village has four bars Olivers, Joyces, Newmans, and The Pier Bar. One a grocer, a sit-down restaurant, and a seasonal take-out.
In addition to trips to the local islands, leisure activities for visitors include horseback riding and fishing.
We’d always recommend a trip out to Inishbofin Island – It’s the perfect place for a bike ride or a stroll. The lads at Inishbofin Ferries and the office staff are quick to recommend things to do or places to go for a bite on the island.
For ticket information, head to: http://www.inishbofinferry.ie
Last but not least, situated in the West of Ireland in County Galway, Connemara National Park covers some 2,000 hectares of scenic mountains, expanses of bogs, heaths, grasslands and woodlands. Some of the Park’s mountains, namely Benbaun, Bencullagh, Benbrack and Muckanaght, are part of the famous Twelve Bens or Beanna Beola range. Connemara National Park was established and opened to the public in 1980.
Much of the present Park lands formed part of the Kylemore Abbey Estate and the Letterfrack Industrial School, the remainder having been owned by private individuals. The southern part of the Park was at one time owned by Richard (Humanity Dick) Martin who helped to form the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals during the early 19th century. The Park lands are now wholly owned by the State and managed solely for National Park purpose.
The views here are absolutely breath taking and the hike will be sure to get those steps in!
Does this sound like the perfect weekend for you? Well then you are in luck! We are hosting a Weekend Giveaway for Connemara over on our Instagram page. Head there now to enter!
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