Out in County Galway's wild Connemara landscape, the Derrigimlagh Loop Walk takes you across a blanket bog that holds incredible stories of history and innovation. This 5-kilometer trail winds through a vast, peat-rich area dotted with small lakes and covered in sphagnum moss – a landscape that's been forming for over 4,000 years. You'll have views of the Twelve Bens mountains and the Atlantic Ocean in the distance. But this bog is famous for more than just its stark beauty. Two major 20th-century events happened right here. In 1907, Guglielmo Marconi set up the world's first permanent transatlantic radio station, sending commercial messages between Ireland and Canada. Then, in 1919, pilots John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown crash-landed their plane here after completing the very first non-stop flight across the Atlantic from Newfoundland. These achievements made Derrigimlagh a unique historical landmark, earning it the local nickname "Next parish, Manhattan."
Walking the loop lets you uncover this history amidst the wild terrain. You can still see concrete foundations where Marconi's massive radio station once stood – a site that employed hundreds and broadcast news around the globe before being destroyed during the Irish War of Independence in 1922. Nearby, a striking white memorial shaped like a wing marks the area where Alcock and Brown landed, while another monument pinpoints the exact crash site. Along the trail, information panels and clever "historioscopes" let you see old photos overlaid on the current view, bringing the past to life. You'll likely also see black-faced sheep grazing among the rocks, a timeless Connemara scene.
There's a unique feeling to Derrigimlagh – a mix of wild emptiness and fascinating discovery. The bog has a haunting beauty, especially on misty days, where every footstep sinks slightly into the peat. Bog cotton and heather add colour in spring and summer, while autumn light creates long, dramatic shadows. The trail is open year-round, but summer gives you the most daylight. Winter brings a deep quiet that really connects you to the history of the place.
Getting There
Derrigimlagh Loop Walk is easily accessible via the R341 road, located 3.5 kilometers south of Clifden. From Clifden, follow the Ballyconneely Road toward the nearby village of Ballyconneely (5.5 km away), crossing three bridges along the way. The route passes through the scenic Roundstone Bog complex and the historic Marconi site, making it a key stop on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Driving from Nearby Towns
- Clifden: A short 3.5-km drive south on the R341.
- Ballynahinch Castle: Approximately 30 minutes by car.
- Ballyconneely: Just 5.5 km north along the same road.
Transportation Options
- By Car: The most straightforward way to reach the loop walk, as no public transport services operate here.
- By Bike: Bicycle rentals are available in Clifden, offering an alternative for those wanting to explore the flat, gravel paths of the area.
No ferry services or train stations are nearby. While bus routes are not available in this remote region, the walk's proximity to Clifden makes it easy to reach by car or bike. For visitors coming from further afield, Clifden serves as the primary access point, with the walk's entry located just minutes from town along a well-marked route.
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