Sky Road
Sky Road
4.5
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6 within 5 kms
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20 within 10 kms
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- lobo b12 contributionsGreat little Roadside tripThe views were amazing was a little nervous as it is a narrow road and if you’re not used to driving on the left-hand side, it’s a little scary at times. Definitely worth it beautiful scenery. Try to choose a good weather day to go.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 1 June 2024
- Catherine GNice, France2,135 contributionsSuperbWe made this road that loops and is just outside Clifden. There is the lower part and the upper part with magnificent landscapes. Too bad there is only one place to stop and admire the scenery. Otherwise the whole road is narrow and doesn’t allow to park just stop to take pictures at the go quickly. Otherwise it is a superb loop of 6 km.Visited October 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 October 2024
- Satroy85London, United Kingdom68 contributionsPretty drive - not too long.Nice little afternoon drive. The sun came out which made all the difference. The coastline certainly is very pretty and the ruins of Clifden Castle basked in the not so warm afternoon sun. We were based in Clifden and it was a short drive to end off our day.Visited October 2024Travelled with familyWritten 23 October 2024
- Yannick PPlougoumelen, France244 contributionsSUPERB ROADImagine 24 Porsches on this beautiful road that runs along the sea. And we ran into a bus and a truck and had 24 cars following each other, it's like trying to run a wire through the eye of a needle. The road is superb with new landscapes at every turn and the sea everywhere. Not to be missed. We have done it 4 times in campervan from north to south and from south to north for reconnaissance and it passes, because the Irish are a welcoming and understanding people. Two choices, easier higher road or more beautiful lower road.Visited September 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 22 November 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
2,151 reviews
Excellent
1,639
Very good
425
Average
74
Poor
10
Terrible
3
gojencarr
Watsonville, CA554 contributions
Jul 2022
Even though the coast was fogged in, we decided we would still check out the Sky Road. We started on the lower road and then swung around to the "high" road. We were treated to a slight clearing by the time we got to the top/viewing pull-out and beautiful views of the coast (plus there was a group of sheep by the parking area that were entertaining). The drive was very nice, but the roads are tiny. If you are in the Clifden area I highly recommend driving this road.
Written 1 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kinsale35
Cork185 contributions
Jul 2022
Well worth a drive it goes on for miles some parts of the road are tight with on coming cars , but just to be aware. There is one main stop and some small ones that you can stop off and admire the views and take a photo. You do need a clear day and the next stop you should see is Statue of Liberty NYC.
Written 1 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marvin G
Ogdensburg, NY1,672 contributions
Jul 2022
The Sky Road is part of the Wild Atlantic Way covering most of the West coast of Ireland along the rough Atlantic coast known for its scenery and surfing. The Sky Road takes you high into the hills above the cliffs and raging sea. The view from several lookouts is phenomenal as you can see the whole of Connemara and peninsulas from there on a clear day. While there, our coach driver gave an impromptu acapella concert singing "Grace." We toasted his excellent voice and cheered Ireland on in Rugby against the Kiwis.
Written 2 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary L
Ballina, Ireland33 contributions
Nov 2021
Just took the sky route on impulse. we had a beautiful day & got the most out of the scenery on display. Would highly recommend doing this route. A lot of people walking & on bikes & seemed to be enjoying the terrain though it was very steep in places
Written 22 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Allison H
Lakeland, FL484 contributions
Sept 2022 • Friends
What a view from the viewpoint! It was well worth the winding and often single lane road. People are very courteous along the road so just keep going. It will pay off. It was a very cold and windy day so make sure you bring a jacket if you go on a similar day. The wind is very strong.
Written 30 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bozeman-Dublin
Trim, Ireland11,390 contributions
Jul 2021 • Solo
The Sky Road is a 15km looped drive just outside Cliffden. There's a brilliant viewing point high above the water a little less than halfway round. The coastal side is the most picturesque I think, but the landward side is not too shabby either.
The road are windy and narrow at times so be careful! It's a must do though if you're in the area.
The road are windy and narrow at times so be careful! It's a must do though if you're in the area.
Written 26 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jaimee G
Urbana, IL452 contributions
Jun 2022
By the time we got to Clifden we had already driven the Ring of Kerry and the Slea Head Loop on Dingle Peninsula, so the wow factor had worn off a bit for us. But it is still the Wild Atlantic Way and it is still stunning and a much shorter drive than other loops, offering Clifden Castle ruins and several look out points including Pointe Amharc Atlantach Fiáin Sky Bothar on the Upper road. Definitely worth the 30-60 minutes it takes to drive all or a portion of this road.
Written 26 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Curlybob2010
18 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Beautiful drive .. well worth seeing just take your time and be ready to pull in for other vehicles. We did this drive when we were leaving Clifden after our visit and heading toward Westport and it joined up with that road after about 25 minutes so it was perfect.
Written 20 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anuj_Mithani
Mumbai, India4,701 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
This is a circular (~10 miles) route that takes you from and back to Clifden via the Kingston peninsula with panoramic views over Clifden Bay and its offshore islands. We drove the Upper Sky Road which offers the better views. Lots of places to pull over and stop for photos and soak in the views.
Written 14 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gavin Murray
Edenderry, Ireland75 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Great drive around clifden. You can do a short loop that will include the high and low road. Fantastic views. If going to the national park take the sky road for a longer but more enjoyable drive
Written 13 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long should I plan on for driving Sky Road & stopping to take pictures? I have 2 full days in Cliften (3 nights). I want to see Sky Road, Kylemore Abbey, hike Diamond Hill, and probably see the beaches around (Roundstone, Dog Bay, Mannin Bay). Could I do Sky Road + Kylemore Abbey one day and then do a hike and see Roundstone and a few beaches on the 2nd day? Before Clifden I have 3 nights in Galway. After Clifden I will drive to Westport for 3 nights. Thank you! Oh, this will be in July, so long days.
Written 19 December 2019
We had a similar itinerary this past late summer. We did Kylemore Abbey (wonderful and worth 4+ hours), the Sky Road (1-2 hours with stops) and several of the roads north of the Sky Road (around the Cleggan area) all in one unhurried day.
We went after tourist season so there was very minimal traffic and no traffic delays. If you're going in Summer, allow some extra time, particularly for the Sky Road because everyone has heard about that drive. If traffic does seem to create a problem, head for any of the other local roads. The scenery is comparable.
We took another day for the roads south of Clifden (Roundstone, the nature trail at the Alcock and Brown landing site, the local beaches, etc). Again, unhurried, all tiny lane driving, and we had plenty of time since days are long.
We took a third day for hiking in Connemara National Park. Lovely vistas and the hikes meet a variety of enthusiasm levels.
I don't know if you've picked your accommodation yet. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Abbeyglen Castle. I know, it's not really a castle (but few of them are). We splurged on a beautiful suite, and thoroughly enjoyed the warm fires, good food, castle-like ambience and great hospitality. My one caution would be to splurge at least a bit and avoid the cheapest rooms. Those tend to be small and placed near the pubilc areas.
Written 10 January 2020
Hi
I would be grateful for your opinion.... I am the tour manager for Lotus Drivers Club. Our cars are wide, very low to the ground and almost impossible to reverse.... based on that information would you consider this loop to be worthwhile and safe for us to undertake.
I greatly appreciate your first hand knowledge.
Kind regards
Jennie Wilson
Tour Manager
Lotus Drivers Club
Written 8 April 2019
The road is definitely narrow, but I think as long as you look ahead, and be prepared to pull over to make room for another car when necessary, you should be absolutely fine
Written 16 May 2019
lorrainefazilleau
Niort, France
bonjour, je pars à galway dans quelque jours, je souhaite visiter également clifden. je serai sans voiture. la sky road part de clifden ? j'ai du mal à comprendre sur les sites ? si je suis à pied je peux faire la sky road à partir de clifden?? ou la sky road est bien plus loin?
merci
lorraine
Written 8 June 2018
lorrainefazilleau
Niort, France
bonjour à tous
je pars à galway dans quelque jours, je souhaite visiter également clifden. je serai sans voiture. la sky road part de clifden ? j'ai du mal à comprendre sur les sites ? si je suis à pied je peux faire la sky roas à partir de clifden?? ou la sky roas est bien plus loin?
merci
lorraine
Written 8 June 2018
michi382017
Hamamatsu, Japan
クリフデン城を目的地にして、サイクリングで行こうと思います。行と帰りで、スカイロードから行くか、ビーチロードから行くか、迷っています。アップダウンを思うと、どちら周りが良いですか?
Written 7 August 2017
Hi will I still be able to see views if I paas the \Sky road @ 19:3opm in September or will it be already dark?
Written 2 July 2017
The time tables for 2017 put sunset around 8:14pm on September 1 and 7:08pm by the end of the month.
Written 10 July 2017
Hi there,
Is it possible to cycle the Sky Road? How safe is it? Also where is the best base to see Connemara from?
Thanks
Written 27 March 2017
Hi to you too... I am not a cyclist but the road is good but narrow so care needed with cars as always.
Were are you coming from please? From Galway, take the Clifden road to reach the heart of Connemara, then see what you seek to visit. It is all utterly lovely. A favourite route is taking a right soon after going through Recess on the Clifden road from Galway, signed Letterfrack and Kylemore Abbey, . Across miles of moors and past a lake.Inagh. Quiet road and I think good cycling with little traffic. When you come to the main road then, left will take you to Kylemore, then Letterfrack, to Clifden, RIGHT to Killary Fjord I would go right! Then in Leenane, take the narrow right to Maam and Maam Cross for glorious scenery. Form there Cong maybe! So many lovely places. If you settle for Clifden, try the Old Bog road to Roundstone.. Enjoy!
Written 29 March 2017
We are hoping to do walks in the area, but aren't clear whether we would be able to walk sections of the Sky Road or whether there are walks nearby. We will not have a car and will rely on buses and possibly taxi's to get to and from walks. Any info about where to walk would be welcome. We are also deciding where to stay --probably Roundstone and/or Clifden. What suggestions do you have in terms of walks we can access without a car and choice of where to stay? BTW we are in our early 70's, in very good shape, prefer walks in the 2-4 hour range --but can do up to 7 hours depending on the situation. Our trip will be in late May.
Written 3 December 2016
I would get a B&B or Hotel in Clifden if you are going car-less as the public transit is hit or miss and the distance don't look bad on maps but roads are small, curvy and in season crowded. And I second the comment above the Sky road is beautiful but probably not safe for walking. A nice walk in the area is from Clifden town to the beach it is modestly challenging about 2-3 hours roundtrip. If you can get ahold of this book it may help "Walking in Connemara: Shorter Walks to Explore the Hidden Connemara’, Connemara Tourism 1996 I saw it when staying in area. Sorry do not remember any of the walks but our hosts used it to describe walks to guests. The B&B i stayed in the area has closed so can't recommend specific accomodation. .
Written 21 February 2017
I was wondering how far/difficult a climb to the monument is?
Written 28 July 2016
Which monument? The Sky road is a long road so I'd need more details to help you.
Written 26 October 2016
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