Attractions and Places To See around Cleggan - Top 14

Cleggan offers a wealth of natural beauty. You can visit the dramatic Cleggan Cliffs for rugged landscapes and stunning Atlantic views, or relax at Sellerna Beach, a beautiful spot ideal for swimming. Don't miss Omey Island, accessible by foot or car at low tide across a sandy expanse, known for its fine strands. The area also features unique blanket bogs and offers panoramic vistas from Cleggan Head.

Yes, Cleggan is rich in history. Explore the remains of Cleggan Tower, a Napoleonic-era watchtower offering panoramic views from Cleggan Hill. The Cleggan Disaster Memorial Cross at Omey Strand commemorates a tragic fishing event. You can also find the prehistoric Knockbrack Megalithic Tomb near Sallerna Beach and the ruins of 7th-century Teampall Féichín on Omey Island.

Cleggan is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy pony trekking and horse riding at the Cleggan Beach Riding Centre. The village is also a popular spot for fishing, with options for deep-sea angling and lake fishing. For those interested in exploring the surrounding landscapes, there are various hiking and running trails nearby. For example, you can find routes like the 'Waterfall Trail via Rainbow Trail' or the 'Scenic Trail' for hiking, and 'Glenariff Forest – View of Glenariff Valley loop' for running. Discover more routes in the Hiking around Cleggan and Running Trails around Cleggan guides.

Absolutely. Cleggan Pier serves as the primary port for daily ferry trips to the thriving tourist destinations of Inishbofin and Inishturk islands, offering excellent opportunities for island exploration and experiencing unique island cultures.

Omey Island is a unique tidal island near Cleggan, known for its fine strands and archaeological sites. It is accessible at low tide by crossing a 1km expanse of firm sandy beach. You can reach it by foot, car, or even horse, but always check tide times carefully before attempting the crossing.

Families can enjoy a variety of activities in Cleggan. Sellerna Beach is ideal for swimming and relaxing. Exploring Omey Island at low tide can be an adventure, and the Cleggan Beach Riding Centre offers pony trekking suitable for different ages. The village itself provides a pleasant atmosphere with fresh fish and seafood.

For breathtaking panoramic views, climb to the top of Cleggan Head. From here, you can see the village harbor, various islands (High Island, Crowe, Shark, Bofin, Turk, Clare), the Twelve Bens to the east, and even Croagh Patrick and Achill Head in Mayo to the north. The remains of Cleggan Tower on Cleggan Hill also offer excellent vantage points.

The Cleggan Pier is a central hub in the village. Originally built in 1822, it's a bustling spot for fishing vessels and serves as the ferry port for daily trips to Inishbofin and Inishturk islands, connecting Cleggan to these popular destinations.

The Cleggan Disaster Memorial Cross, a tall Celtic Cross located at Omey Strand, is a poignant reminder of the 1927 Cleggan tragedy. It commemorates the 25 local fishermen who drowned during a sudden gale, with the names of sixteen victims inscribed on the cross.

Yes, there are several easy walking routes in the vicinity. For example, the 'Waterfall Trail via Rainbow Trail' is an easy hike, and the 'Cranny Falls from Carnlough' route also offers an accessible option. You can find more easy hikes in the Easy hikes around Cleggan guide.

The blanket bogs around Cleggan are an outstanding feature of the landscape. Ireland, and particularly Connemara, contains Europe's last surviving blanket bogs. These unique ecosystems are home to specialized plant species adapted to the acidic conditions, making them a fascinating natural area to observe.

Cleggan village offers a glimpse into authentic Irish culture. It's known for its lively music scene in local pubs and the availability of fresh fish and seafood, reflecting its heritage as a picturesque fishing village. It's a great place to experience local life and enjoy traditional hospitality.