places to see...

The D’Arcy Monument – 0.5 miles

This monument can be clearly seen from Baymount House and overlooks the village of Clifden and Clifden Bay. It celebrates the founder of Clifden, Mr. John D’Arcy (1785-1839).

Clifden Castle - 2 miles

This castelated mansion, now in ruins, stands in a lovely position overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. In the grounds are the ruins of a fine stable yard and a grotto. The D’Arcy Family lived here until 1850 when the estate was put up for sale. The castle and lands were bought by the Eyre Family, who lived here on and off until it fell into ruin, early in the last century.

The Two Churches – 5 minutes walk

Dominating the town are the Roman Cathlolic church of St. Joseph (1879) and the Church of Ireland church of Christ’s Church (1853). Both of these churches stand on hills at either sides of the village. Both of them have many fine features. The best place to view them together is from the Sky Road, a short distance from Baymount House, where the"Twin Spires" rise majestically to join the Twelve Bens.

St.Mary’s Chapel (1824) – 5 minutes walk

Step back in Clifden’s history and visit the site of the first Roman Catholic church in Clifden. Local folklore tells us of a wise herbalist called ‘Cailleach an Chlochain, who threatened to put a curse on the parish priest if he didn’t retain the gable wall to provide shelter for lonely souls and spirits. This gable wall can still be seen today along with various pre-famine grave stones.

"The Beacon" (An Rabhcan) by Declan Breen – two minutes walk from Baymount House

This stainless steel, triangular obelisk, lit from within, the centerpiece of the new Clifden Square marks the advent of a new millennium. ‘The Beacon’ represents light, marking Clifden as the centre of Connemara- the brightest point on the western map.
It is surrounded by inticate patterns of cobblestones and a seating area from where you can watch the world of Clifden pass by.

The Alcock and Brown Memorial – 3 miles

A white cairn, in the bog, marks the landing site of this historic flight, which took place on Sunday 15th June, 1919. On that day John Alcock and Arthur –Whitton Brown landed theirs Vickers Vimy plane after the first Trans-Atlantic flight, having flown from Newfoundland. Their outstanding triumph won them a £10,000 prize and knighthood. To facilitate viewing, a monument representing the wing of a plane was erected on a nearby hill. It is possible to drive up to this monument but it is not possible to drive up to the landing site. However it is a pleasant walk along a track.

local walks and routes to cycle or drive...

The Beach Road – 2 miles

Take the lower road in front of Baymount house and you can follow the sea from the arms of Clifden Bay to the open Atlantic. After one mile you will see the RNLI Lifeboat Station and the clubhouse of Clifden boat club, designed to resemble a yacht under full sail.

The Sky Road : ‘The Ring of Clifden’– 10 miles

As you exit Baymount House turn right and you are now on the Sky Road. Continue for four miles (the Upper Road) to the car parkk at the summit, where the most beautiful views can be seen. On a fine day the peninsula of Ballyconneely, Inisturk, Inisturbot, Slyne Head and dolphins jumping may all be seen. Continue on and take the first turn left. This road (the Lower Road) runs parallel to the Upper Sky Road, which it joins near the Old Coast guard Station - 8 miles.
By turning left one and a half miles up the Sky Road at the Castle gates, one comes down to the Beach Road and can turn left to return to Clifden (a 3 mile circuit from Baymount House).

Dooneen – 45 minutes walk

Take the Roundstone Road to the pottery and turn left up a narrow road to the village of Dooneen. A left turn here takes you back to Clifden. From here you get another beautiful view of Clifden Village.


and these are just a sample of whats on offer in our area...