Clifden Castle
Clifden Castle
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
379 reviews
Excellent
149
Very good
147
Average
56
Poor
22
Terrible
5
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SuJ
42 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
This was interesting to see but it isn’t a destination place to look around so worth a visit if you’re passing. It’s a short walk down to it from the road, going through the arch and walking down the farm track. There’s lovely views and it’s atmospheric to see. Once at the castle it’s a building ruins with no information and no safety features either. Kids liked it but it didn’t take up as much time as we thought it would.
Written August 24, 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.
powertoart
Vecchiano, Italy823 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
My wife and I called it the MucCastello due to the large quantity of cattle that we found in the surrounding area (and also in the immediate vicinity); which in itself is magnificent: the direct contact with nature before the castle experience is very comforting.
Then unfortunately you find yourself faced with an extremely dilapidated and impracticable structure, good - yes - for a few photos, but nothing more (unless you want to run some serious risk for your own safety).
On the long access path someone is timidly trying to raise funds for the redevelopment of the ruins, but I fear a much different initiative is needed. It would serve a lot of pleasure State. Which however in Ireland - according to the fashion of the English rulers - is not so present... and therefore, let's hope that someone notices this pearl!
The access building (probably owned by the first farm you come across on the path) to the Castle, which hints at what the visitor will find, is in excellent condition: curious that funds were invested in that undertaking and not in the recovery of the main artifact. Sin
Then unfortunately you find yourself faced with an extremely dilapidated and impracticable structure, good - yes - for a few photos, but nothing more (unless you want to run some serious risk for your own safety).
On the long access path someone is timidly trying to raise funds for the redevelopment of the ruins, but I fear a much different initiative is needed. It would serve a lot of pleasure State. Which however in Ireland - according to the fashion of the English rulers - is not so present... and therefore, let's hope that someone notices this pearl!
The access building (probably owned by the first farm you come across on the path) to the Castle, which hints at what the visitor will find, is in excellent condition: curious that funds were invested in that undertaking and not in the recovery of the main artifact. Sin
Written May 20, 2024
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, NY1,493 contributions
Jul 2022
Clifden Castle was built by John d'Arcy between 1812 and 1815. D’Arcy family could not afford to maintain it and it fell into disrepair. In the interim, it passed through a few buyers and disputed ownership passed on to the group of tenants. In 1935, the Irish Land Commission purchased the land from the cooperative and passed it back to be held jointly. But the house was now missing roof and fell into ruin. However, it is still a classic Gothic Revival style edifice and should be seen.
Written August 2, 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.
Clemj01
Cork, Ireland53 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Nice scenic walk down to the Castle. About 1km down. Fair play to the owner to allow access. Saw fab standing stones and sheep and Connemara ponies on the way. If it’s been raining the last leg can be tricky as the path floods but it was manageable. The castle itself was built in 1818 apparently. A shadow of its former glory and a bit of a wreck but interesting nonetheless. It’s free so a grand way to pass an hour and get some exercise and fresh air!
Written August 22, 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
There were a few parking spots on a patch of gravel outside the castle gates. You can then walk all the way down to the castle or you can walk about halfway down and still get a decent view. We walked to the curve where the castle came into view and met some people hiking back up from the castle. We asked if the walk was worth it and they all said not really. So, if you've seen a lot of ruins in Ireland already, this is not worth the walk. But I still enjoyed seeing it and snapping a picture by only walking part way down.
Written June 26, 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.
SteveMooreGCC
Luzon, Philippines129 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Thought a nice local castle visit would be nice and full an hour or two. Followed google maps as no local signage. Got to spot of a closed gate. Kept driving g and found lay by, took a picture from far and that’s it.
No clear entrance, sign or acces
No clear entrance, sign or acces
Written September 22, 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.
Christina A
31 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
Randomly came accross This castle whilst out looking for a beach. A nice Little walk down to the castle, spotted lovely friendly cattle and beautiful views of The ocean. The castle is a. Shell but it was fun to poke around in. Nice Little walk to put in an hour if you're in the area.
Written August 29, 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.
rogersober
Clermont, FL39,139 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
Took the loop walk and expanded it to come up to the castle about 3.2 miles both ways. The Glora was bountiful and beautiful along the way plus stopped at the other castle. The Ruins are of a smaller place than expected.
Written July 12, 2024
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.
Sox299
Norwich, UK159 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
First, let it be said Clifden Castle is not a castle, it is a manor house built by James D'Arcey (the founder of Clifden town) around 1815-1818 as his family home. It was built in the popular style of the time for the Irish landed gentry and had out-houses, a walled garden and other features that distinguished the owner from the poor peasantry around and created such resentment, fuelled partly by the Catholic Church and the hatred for Protestants/ The history of the 'castle' is short because of the two potato famines and the inability of the poor tenants of the estate to pay their rents and the failure of James' son. Hyacinth (what a peculiar male name) to manage the estate. Although sold on in the 1920s to the Eyre family, the house never again thrived and fell into disrepair. With independent Ireland and the still-poor peasantry, the house itself was plundered for its lead roof, beams, doors - in fact, anything of value. So what we have is a slice of Irish history that nobody in Ireland wants. How sad!
We visited the site late on a Sunday afternoon, walking down a rutted pathway past a sign saying No Dogs and No Cars. The track starts on the Sky Road a few miles west of Clifden past D'Arcey's monument. There are no indications that this is to Clifden Castle. However, after about 15 minutes downhill walking,the castle appears on a south-facing plot of improved land, Nobody looks after the ruins. Local tenants use the ruins now to graze their livestock and the old farm courtyard shelters some of their implements. The whole place is falling progressively into disrepair and ruin. One gets the true reflection of a history of Ireland raw in resentment between classes and religions, the sores of which run deep today. How sad and depressing. By all means a visit today is well worth the effort that few make - but appreciate the context and wonder why someone in authority doesn't make any effort to protect an important part of Irish history as a reminder of the past, . The ruins are so evocative and stand as testimony to "man's inhumanity to man',
We visited the site late on a Sunday afternoon, walking down a rutted pathway past a sign saying No Dogs and No Cars. The track starts on the Sky Road a few miles west of Clifden past D'Arcey's monument. There are no indications that this is to Clifden Castle. However, after about 15 minutes downhill walking,the castle appears on a south-facing plot of improved land, Nobody looks after the ruins. Local tenants use the ruins now to graze their livestock and the old farm courtyard shelters some of their implements. The whole place is falling progressively into disrepair and ruin. One gets the true reflection of a history of Ireland raw in resentment between classes and religions, the sores of which run deep today. How sad and depressing. By all means a visit today is well worth the effort that few make - but appreciate the context and wonder why someone in authority doesn't make any effort to protect an important part of Irish history as a reminder of the past, . The ruins are so evocative and stand as testimony to "man's inhumanity to man',
Written May 31, 2015
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.
ehutchins
Scottsdale, AZ4 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
I hesitate to write this review because we didn't actually get to see the castle, but I think this information is useful. We searched for a view from the sky road/lower sky road and didn't find one, and then we decided to try and walk down to the castle. We found the gate that others have described and started to walk down the road, but were stopped by one of the owners. He told us that it was private property and that we were trespassing and needed to leave. He said that the ruins are too dangerous and people aren't allowed to walk down there.
There were no "private property" or "no trespassing" signs in the area, so we were unaware of the issue. There is a sign saying no dogs and no cars, but that's about it. Ironically, we did see a small sign along the path from another owner (perhaps more tourist friendly) selling oil paintings of the castle.
I suppose it depends on the day and mood of the property owners in the area whether or not you get to walk down the road to the castle. It is a bit of a letdown after spending about an hour trying to get a glimpse.
There were no "private property" or "no trespassing" signs in the area, so we were unaware of the issue. There is a sign saying no dogs and no cars, but that's about it. Ironically, we did see a small sign along the path from another owner (perhaps more tourist friendly) selling oil paintings of the castle.
I suppose it depends on the day and mood of the property owners in the area whether or not you get to walk down the road to the castle. It is a bit of a letdown after spending about an hour trying to get a glimpse.
Written May 17, 2015
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 far is the walk up to the castle?
Written February 11, 2019
Hi from parking at the side of the road it’s about 15 to 20 mins walk on gravel and mud. The views are worth it but it can be quite muddy
Written February 12, 2019
At the top of the road down to the castle
Written July 17, 2018
Can you take a dog (on lead) on this walk?
Written April 16, 2017
Yes or course.
No problem.
We have went with a dog, with lead.
There are som cows and sheeps but behind fields.
Written April 17, 2017
Can you take a dog (on lead) on this walk?
Written April 16, 2017
Yes. Depending on which route you take, the dog might need help with the gates or a style or two, but otherwise it shouldn't be a problem.
Written April 17, 2017
Rick Where do you park? Do you drive through the arch way or park out on the road and walk in? I'm going in May.
Written April 13, 2017
You CAN park on front on the castle entrance.
There is a little park but no well indicated.
On front on thé feodal entrance.
Written April 17, 2017
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