Sky Road
Clifden, Ireland
A loop of about 11 km west of Clifden along a high ridge above the Atlantic islands. Stop at the upper viewpoint car park, especially at sunset.
The Sky Road is a scenic road near Clifden in Connemara, County Galway, in the west of Ireland. It is part of the Wild Atlantic Way and runs as a loop from Clifden along the coast. Its length is given as about 16 kilometres (Discover Ireland, Galway Tourism, The Irish Road Trip); the map figure on the Galway Tourism page is 15.2 kilometres.
A steep climb leads to a car park and viewpoint at the highest point of the upper route, about 5.5 kilometres from Clifden. From there you see Clifden Bay and its islands, including Omey Island, and in clear weather the coast of Clare to the south and Mayo to the north. The spot is best known for sunsets over the Atlantic. The drive is free; going clockwise from Clifden gives the best views.
The road is narrow in places and has bends with poor visibility, so drive with care. One author reports having driven it in a motorhome; the sources read mention no official restriction. They advise against walking it from Clifden because there is no footpath.
- Nearest town
- Clifden, Ireland
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 53.4970, -10.0960
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Ireland: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Barrier-free toll on the M50 around Dublin. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Clifden eco Beach Camping & Caravanning ParkCampsite4 km from Sky Road · 43 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- Clifden Campsite and Caravan ParkCampsite5 km from Sky RoadTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Motorhome stopover · ClifdenMotorhome stopover10 km from Sky RoadMotorhomes
- Renvyle Beach Caravan & Camping ParkMotorhome stopover14 km from Sky RoadTentsCaravansMotorhomesToiletsWi-Fi
- Gurteen Bay Caravan ParkCampsite16 km from Sky RoadTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Connemara Caravan & Camping ParkCampsite18 km from Sky Road
All campsites in Ireland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Sky Road?
Sky Road is in Clifden, Ireland, at GPS 53.4970, -10.0960. It is about 12 km from Letterfrack.
Can you camp near Sky Road?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Clifden eco Beach Camping & Caravanning Park, about 4 km away; within 25 km there are 6 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Sky Road?
Sky Road is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Connemara: bogs, the Sky Road and Kylemore.
What is there to see near Sky Road?
Places worth a stop nearby: Connemara National Park (12 km), Kylemore Abbey (15 km), Doo Lough Valley (29 km) and Croagh Patrick (43 km).
When is the best time to visit Sky Road?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)