At the end of Cleggan Bay lies Cleggan Harbour, an active working harbour used mainly by fishing vessels and also served by the ferry to Inishbofin. The harbour is also the village centre, with accommodation, a pub, restaurants and a general store for supplies before continuing by ferry. Cleggan is the gateway port for the island of Inishbofin and also serves Inishturk. When choosing accommodation, the combination of village amenities, harbour and island connections shapes your stay.
Cleggan as a Place to Stay and Ferry Port
The harbour is an easy point of reference in the village: the pub, restaurants and general store are all nearby, along with accommodation. The shop is handy if you need supplies before continuing by ferry. Restaurant offerings may change, so check what is currently available before visiting.
The ferry to Inishbofin departs from Cleggan Harbour; the crossing takes about 30 minutes. A return trip is available. Journey times and operations may vary, so check the latest sailing and booking information before travelling. Cleggan is accessible from Galway by bus or car; Citylink Coaches operates the bus service to Cleggan. Check the timetable and connection before departure.
Harbour History and Dining in the Village
The remains of Cleggan Tower stand on Cleggan Hill. The signal tower was built in 1816 amid fears of an invasion by Napoleon’s forces. In addition to the working and ferry harbour, its location and historical purpose offer another point of interest.
For a meal, Oliver's Bar & Restaurant in Cleggan village serves fresh seafood. Along with the pub and other restaurants, it is one of the dining options in the village centre. Check current restaurant offerings before visiting, as they may change.
Exploring on Foot and by Bike
The walking trail from Knockbrack to Sellerna Beach starts in Cleggan village, is 5 km long and takes about an hour. It is rated easy to moderate, with a hilly route. Along the way, the trail follows Cleggan Bay and offers views of Inishshark, Inishbofin and smaller islands. Sellerna Beach is also within a short walk of the village. If you are looking for a walk with a specific time estimate, you can gauge this route by its distance and approximate duration.
The Cleggan Loop is a signposted cycling route that runs across the Aughrus Peninsula; marked as Cycle Route 3, it covers more than Cleggan itself. The route description and map are beside the harbour. This gives you two different ways to explore the area: a walking trail listed as taking about an hour and covering a set distance, and a signposted cycling route that extends beyond the village.
Cleggan Beach Riding Centre offers guided rides on Cleggan Beach, including for complete beginners. If horse riding is of interest during your trip, confirm the provider’s availability in advance.
Boat Trips with Different Highlights
Cleggan Sea Safaris offers a four-hour boat trip to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. Another option is a three-hour sea angling trip, with bait and fishing tackle provided. The different durations make it easy to distinguish the two trips by the time each requires. Cleggan Sea Safaris also offers a heritage tour to archaeological sites and hidden places on Inishbofin and Inisturk North. As the operator’s offerings may change, it is advisable to check current availability before your trip.
From the historic signal tower and coastal path to boat trips, activities in Cleggan range from brief glimpses into the village’s history to outings lasting several hours. When planning your stay, you can consider the village amenities, the amount of time you would like to spend on the water and a possible ferry trip as separate elements.
Discover more destinations: Carraroe, Claregalway, Craughwell, Ballynahinch, Inisheer, Dunmore, Ballyconneely, Indreabhán.
For the main travel overview: Galway.
