Cliffony: Coastal Scenery and Megalithic History

Cliffony looks out over Donegal Bay and Mullaghmore Harbour and lies at the foot of the mountains Benbulben and Benwhisken. The Cloonerco Bogs also shape the landscape: they extend across the area and are of particular importance to people interested in flora and fauna. The bay, mountains and bog offer different perspectives on the area. When choosing holiday accommodation, you can first consider whether nature and scenery or the archaeological themes of the surrounding area should be the focus of your trip.

Scenery and nature around Cliffony

Trawalua Strand, designated as a natural attraction, lies northwest of the village. The Cloonerco Bogs offer a different focus from the coastal landscape: their importance lies particularly in their plant and animal life. Those interested in nature will find a range of topics that can be considered alongside one another when planning a trip, without combining them into a single excursion destination.

The Bunduff Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary is also near Cliffony and is known for its abundance of overwintering birds. This seasonal feature makes winter a distinct time for birdwatching. The Bunduff River is suitable for kayaking and fishing; in its final kilometre, it cascades over several waterfalls. The river and sanctuary appeal to different nature interests: water sports and fishing in one place, and winter birdlife in the other.

Megalithic history and culture

Creevykeel Court Tomb lies 2 km northeast of Cliffony in County Sligo. It dates from the Neolithic period and is dated to between 4000 and 2500 BC. The court tomb is considered the largest and most finely constructed of its kind in Ireland. Its inner oval court is 15 m long and 9 m wide. These measurements give a clear sense of the monument’s design, while its dating places it in a very distant past.

There is also a cultural landmark in the village itself: St Molaise’s Church is an ecclesiastical property in Cliffony. The Sacred Island in Cliffoney offers another perspective on the region’s early history. Martin Byrne, an artist and archaeologist as well as a Fáilte Ireland-accredited tour guide for ancient sites in the northwest, leads visitors through the mythological, astronomical and archaeological aspects of the pre-Celtic megalithic period. The topics also include megalithic sites in County Sligo and the surrounding region. Byrne plays traditional Irish fiddle music; the tours bring together several cultural interests rather than focusing solely on the monuments.

Getting around, routes and dining

The R279 is important for getting around by road: it branches off in the village of Cliffony and connects Mullaghmore with the N15. Cliffony is also served by Bus Éireann routes 64 and 480, as well as Local Link. Check current timetables before travelling so you can plan your journey accordingly. These road and bus connections are practical factors to consider when choosing holiday accommodation and planning your trip.

In the village, Harrison's Bar & Restaurant serves fresh fish, local beef and a wide selection of local craft beers. This adds a local dining option to the scenery and history on offer. These differences can help you choose the right focus for your days in Cliffony.

More destinations in County Sligo

County Sligo, the wider destination, offers further distinct themes. Carrowmore is Ireland’s largest and oldest collection of Neolithic tombs: more than 30 surviving monuments are almost 6,000 years old. Compared with the single Creevykeel Court Tomb, Carrowmore offers a different scale of archaeological discovery. Streedagh Beach is also in County Sligo: a 3 km sandy beach connecting Streedagh Point with Connor's Island. Dunes and an estuary there support a rich variety of flora and fauna. Surfing and windsurfing are possible in the coastal waters; stand-up paddleboarding takes place in the sheltered estuary. Check sea conditions before taking part. This can help you distinguish Cliffony’s own landscape and cultural highlights from other options in County Sligo when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Derrybeg, Tobercurry, Riverstown, Ballaghnatrillick, Carney, Easky, Cloonacool, Geevagh.

For the wider travel overview: County Sligo.