We woke up ready to experience Clifden, a village of about 2,000 people, where our hotel, The Ardagh, was located. We grabbed breakfast in The Ardagh before we left for the day. Ireland’s morning light overcame me. Looking out over Clifden Bay, I began to understand the beauty of Ireland’s West Coast more deeply. I ate avocado toast and scrambled eggs, and Greg ate a traditional Irish breakfast of bangers, white and black pudding (another type of sausage), ham, bacon, and scrambled eggs.

The Sky Road

Before going into town, we drove The Sky Road (the feature image for this post). The narrow, two-lane road twisted and turned. Car speeds varied greatly, and the rhythm with which local drivers managed the road differed from the parade of seeming tourists navigating the well-known road. Every deep breath and white knuckle was worth it. After about 15 minutes of back and forth, we reached the panoramic view at the top. The cold breeze punctuated the stark white caps and rocky terrain. We were in Ireland and witnessing its breathtaking West Coast. Appreciating the natural beauty continued as we descended the mountain.

Clifden

Clifden’s character spoke through the old walls and just-opening doors. We started in Guys Bar because they were the first to open for lunch. We then proceeded to Tom King’s where we listened to a “real Irish session.” Then came Lowry’s, followed by the most delicious bowl of the mussels I have ever had at Mannion’s. (As I write this, I am unsure if I will ever eat mussels again.)

Dinner at the Ardagh

We returned to the Ardagh and hung out in the cozy bar, talking with Dan, the bartender, before dinner. (Several people in Clifden had suggested we eat dinner at The Ardaugh.) Dinner time arrived, and we sat in front of the window, where we could see a breathtaking view of Clifden Bay. We shared a bottle of Sancerre, locally grown Giga oysters, scallops, prawn & salmon ceviche, Cleggan crab meat tian, signature seafood chowder, and honeycomb panna cotta & semifreddo duo.