Cliffony brings together nature, heritage and landscapes overlooking the bay, harbour and mountains.

Landscape and Nature in the Surrounding Area

Cliffony looks out over Donegal Bay and Mullaghmore Harbour and lies at the foot of Benbulben and Benwhisken. The Cloonerco Bogs stretch across the landscape around Cliffony and are of particular interest to people interested in flora and fauna. Trawalua Strand, designated as a natural attraction, lies northwest of the village.

Nearby, the Bunduff River offers a different perspective on nature: it is suitable for kayaking and fishing, and over its final kilometre the water plunges over several waterfalls. Bunduff Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its wealth of overwintering birds. The area therefore offers both a seasonal view of birdlife and a river with waterfalls and the activities mentioned above.

Heritage and Things to Do in the Village

Creevykeel Court Tomb lies about 2 km northeast of Cliffony, in County Sligo. The court tomb dates from the Neolithic period and is dated to between 4000 and 2500 BC. Its inner oval court is 15 m long and 9 m wide. The site is considered the largest and most finely executed court tomb in Ireland. Its dating, shape and dimensions give visitors several specific points of reference for placing the monument in its archaeological context.

In the village, St Molaise’s Church is a church property. The Sacred Island is also associated with a guided experience in Cliffoney: Martin Byrne is a Fáilte Ireland-recognised tour guide for ancient sites in the Northwest, as well as an artist, archaeologist and fiddle musician. The tours explore mythological, astronomical and archaeological aspects of the pre-Celtic megalithic period, along with megalithic sites in County Sligo and the surrounding region.

For food and drink, Harrison's Bar & Restaurant is in Cliffony village. It serves fresh fish, local beef and a wide selection of local craft beers. The archaeological and landscape themes are complemented by a specific dining option in the village.

Discover More in County Sligo

County Sligo, as a wider travel destination, offers further archaeological points of interest. Carrowmore is Ireland’s largest and oldest collection of Neolithic tombs: more than 30 surviving monuments are almost 6,000 years old. This is on a different scale from the single Creevykeel Court Tomb and offers an additional perspective on the region’s prehistory.

Streedagh Beach is also in County Sligo. The 3 km sandy beach connects Streedagh Point with Connor's Island; dunes and an estuary are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. Surfing and windsurfing are possible in the coastal waters, while stand-up paddleboarding takes place in the sheltered estuary. Check sea conditions before taking part.

Getting There and Finding Accommodation

The R279 begins as a turn-off in Cliffony village and connects Mullaghmore with the N15. Bus Éireann routes 64 and 480, as well as Local Link, serve Cliffony. If you are travelling by bus, check the current timetables before setting off. Road connections and bus services offer different options for planning your journey without specifying a particular travel time.

When choosing accommodation, you can first decide whether you want to focus your stay on Cliffony itself or include other destinations in County Sligo. Local highlights range from landscapes and nature to archaeology, churches and food; regional examples add further cultural and coastal landscapes to the mix.

Discover more destinations: Cloghboley, Riverstown, Ballaghnatrillick, Streedagh, Tiratick, Derry, Ballymote, Templeboy

For the broader travel overview: County Sligo.