Welcome to Connemara

Clifden Bike Shop

To get a real flavour for a place, two wheels always beats four. Based on Market Street, this outfit specialises in getting you in the saddle with its range of Trek regular and electric bikes. Whether you’re buying a new or pre-loved bike, or just looking to rent, they have all your equipment, safety gear, servicing, and route information needs sorted, as well as complimentary refills for tyre air and water bottles.

CLIFDEN

Dubbed one of Ireland’s best bookshops by the Irish Independent newspaper, Clifden Bookshop has an uncanny ability to have something for every type of reader all in one cosy space. Established in 1997 and run by tireless bibliophiles Máire and Nicole, this is for anyone who loves to lose time browsing shelves of fiction, non-fiction, children/YA, maps, gifts, stationary, and art materials.

Clifden Opticians

Ever since 2004, this family-owned opticians has prided itself on the highest levels of personalised service and attention for every single client that crosses its doorway. Behind the scenes, meanwhile, it ensures that not only the leading innovations in optometric care are available but also the latest international styles in eyewear, including Mulberry, Oakley, RayBan, MauiJim and more.

A foodie landmark of Clifden, one crammed with the best of artisan Irish produce (farmhouse cheeses, smoked meats and fish, artisan breads, wine, condiments, confectionary), excellent takeaway coffee, freshly prepared delicatessen fare, and ready-made meals. Should a minor addiction develop during your stay – a likely outcome – an online shop will deliver to wherever you live.

CONNEMARA SEAWEED BATHS

Clifden town centre’s relaxation and wellness haven works with only the very best when it comes to beauty products and skincare. Fitting comfortably into this category is the awardwinning seaweed skin and body care range from Connacht’s own Rí Na Mara. Drop by to peruse their selection, or purchase some after you’re done being pampered so that the goodness can continue at home.

Connemara Sheep And Wool Centre

By the shores of the mighty Killary Fjord, this family-owned gift shop in Leenane village celebrates the long and proud heritage of sheep farming in the West. There is something for every budget here, from sheepskin rugs, knitwear and hand-woven blankets to jewellery, books, and gift items. Wool-craft demonstrations run throughout the day as part of the tour, with a great café on site too.

Connemara Smokehouse

A Connemara artisan-food landmark, this familyrun business has been in the game for almost half a century. In that time, it has mastered the age-old art of smoking fresh salmon, tuna and mackerel – all sourced from the wild Atlantic – going on to become a household name and Ireland’s first Food Économusée. All of their products are available to buy at their waterside Factory Shop.

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This fresh-faced addition to Clifden’s coffee scene is not only bringing a space to unwind right in the heart of the town, it’s also offering a bespoke take-out option for those wishing to cook in their own kitchen. Drop into their café just across from the Clifden Millennium Square and peruse their deluxe range for that takeaway meal or artisan foodstuff that your day might just be missing.

HEHIR’S OF CLIFDEN

You could never accuse Hehir’s of being narrow in scope. Clifden’s most diverse lifestyle shop has attire for everyone – casual or formal, from schools old and new, and with footwear and outerwear also on the bill. Many of the handpicked brands to be found at this Market Street mainstay are exclusive to the region, with a tight and impossibly warm shop-floor team ready to assist you through them.

Casual walkers, trekkers, sea-swimmers, all the way to team-sports players – if your idea of a good time involves getting up off the couch then Intersport Gannon’s is where you should set your coordinates during your stay. Footwear, team jerseys, and fitness accessories are among the huge array of items found in-store and online (gannons.ie), with staff on-hand to help find just what you need.

Kylemore Abbey Craft And Design

Almost as famous as the lakeside Abbey itself is this tasteful and extensive gift shop where items handmade by the Benedictine nuns (chocolate, soaps, conserves, pottery) sit alongside the best national and international brands like Barbour and Dubary, Magee and Newbridge Silverware, and the very best in local crafts from around Connemara. Put simply, you might find it rather difficult to leave empty-handed.

LOWRY’S SWEATER & GIFT SHOP

An Irish Independent Retail Awards winner in 2019, Lowry’s has been a Clifden staple for generations. A wide range of quality Irish clothing has made Pat and Ann Casey’s shop a port-of-call for those in search of traditional Aran sweaters, tweed caps, official Guinnessbranded clothing and grandfather shirts. Its souvenir solutions include Thomas Joseph sheepthemed gifts and the Wacky Woolly range.