Cliffony: Landscape and Megalithic Heritage

Cliffony brings together a striking landscape and archaeological and cultural heritage. The village looks out over Donegal Bay and Mullaghmore Harbour and lies at the foot of Benbulben and Benwhisken mountains. When planning your trip, you can weigh up whether the landscape, the megalithic heritage or finding your way around the village matters most to you.

Landscape and nature nearby

Trawalua Strand, designated as a natural attraction, lies northwest of the village. The Cloonerco Bogs extend across the landscape around Cliffony and are of particular interest to those interested in flora and fauna. Nearby, the Bunduff River is suitable for kayaking and fishing; over its final kilometre, it plunges over several waterfalls. Also nearby, Bunduff Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its abundance of wintering birds. The attractions are quite distinct: wintering birds are the focus at the sanctuary, while the river offers kayaking and fishing.

Megaliths and cultural heritage

Creevykeel Court Tomb lies 2 km northeast of Cliffony in County Sligo and is considered the largest and most finely executed court tomb in Ireland. It dates from the Neolithic period and is dated to between 4000 and 2500 BC. Its inner oval court measures 15 m long and 9 m wide. The dating places the site in time, while the measurements give a concrete impression of the shape of its inner court. In the village, St Molaise’s Church is also a church property in the village of Cliffony.

In Cliffoney, The Sacred Island is associated with Martin Byrne, a Fáilte Ireland-approved tour guide for ancient sites in the northwest. Byrne is an artist and archaeologist and plays traditional Irish fiddle music. His tours explore the mythological, astronomical and archaeological aspects of the pre-Celtic megalithic period, as well as the megalithic sites in County Sligo and the surrounding region.

Getting there and places to eat

The R279 begins as a turn-off in the village of Cliffony and connects Mullaghmore with the N15. Cliffony is also served by Bus Éireann routes 64 and 480 and by Local Link; check current timetables before travelling. In the village, Harrison's Bar & Restaurant serves fresh fish, local beef and a wide selection of local craft beers. The road connection, bus routes and restaurant offering provide different points of reference when planning your stay.

More historic sites in County Sligo

In County Sligo, Carrowmore and Sligo Abbey are two distinct historical landmarks. Carrowmore is Ireland’s largest and oldest collection of Neolithic tombs. More than 30 surviving monuments are almost 6,000 years old. Sligo Abbey is a Dominican priory with extensive surviving medieval remains of the church, sacristy and chapter house. Thus, Neolithic tombs and the surviving architecture of a medieval priory sit side by side in County Sligo—two different ways to explore the region’s history.

Discover more destinations: Sligo, Easky, Barroe, Drumcliff, Geevagh, Tiratick, Ballygawley, Streedagh

For the wider travel overview: County Sligo.