Overview
People have been living on Errislannan for at least 7,000 years: a Stone Age waste pit full of oyster shells turned up behind Errislannan Manor, which is about as long a run of habitation as anywhere in Connemara. The headland (Iorras Fhlannáin, ‘Flannan’s Peninsula’) juts south-west of Clifden into the Atlantic, a patchwork of cliffs, rolling moorland and a quiet fishing harbour, all on one of the wilder stretches of the Wild Atlantic Way.
People come for the coastal views and the two church sites, and some also visit Errislannan Manor for riding, which must be arranged with the operator. The narrow roads run between stone walls, pasture and the coast, so use public roads and stop only where you can park clear of traffic. Do not count on shops or cafés on the peninsula, and buy what you need in Clifden first.
History and heritage
The name and the old spiritual centre both trace to the seventh century, when St Flannan of Killaloe is said to have spent time here before moving east. The older St Flannan’s church and holy well are associated with a devotional site separate from the present parish church. The well was once a pilgrimage site on 18 December, and a natural boulder known locally as St Flannan’s Bed is tied to the saint’s story.
The architectural inventory describes Errislannan Manor as a former shooting lodge extended in the 19th century. Aviation history marks the area too: a tail-fin monument points toward Derrygimlagh Bog, where John Alcock and Arthur Whitten-Brown crash-landed their Vickers Vimy biplane in 1919 after the first non-stop transatlantic flight.
What to see and do
Two church sites
Holy Trinity is the Church of Ireland church designed by Joseph Welland for Richard Wall of Errislannan Manor. It was rededicated in 2018 after restoration. Check with the parish if you want to attend a service or see inside.
The older St Flannan’s site, with its holy well, still draws quiet visits. Respect local signs and field boundaries, and leave any small tokens left at the well as you find them.
Coastal exploration
Drive the winding local roads and enjoy the coastline from safe public viewpoints. The headland has exposed rocks and cliffs, and many sections have no railings, so keep well back from drops, especially when taking photographs. Sea swimming and rock-fishing here are for people with local knowledge: Atlantic water is cold and conditions change quickly, so do not enter the water or fish from the rocks unless you have that local knowledge.
Errislannan Manor: riding and gardens
Errislannan Manor is associated with Connemara ponies, and the headland’s riding and garden offer is part of its appeal. Confirm any riding or garden visit directly with the operator, using the Galway tourism listing or the phone number above, before travelling. Opening times, prices and booking arrangements change, so do not turn up without arranging it.
Practical information
Getting there. Easiest by car. From Clifden, follow the R341 south and then the local signs. The roads are narrow and winding, with the odd single-track section, so drive cautiously.
Public transport. A limited bus service links Galway and Clifden, but the nearest stop is in Clifden, a good walk from the headland. Check the latest timetable, as weekend service can be sparse.
Opening hours and fees. The headland is explored from public roads and is free. Church, riding and garden access are separate, so check each with its own operator or parish.
Dogs. Keep dogs on a lead near the cliffs, water, livestock and field boundaries.
Safety. Many cliffs have no railings; stay well back, especially when taking photos. Do not cross walls or fences onto private land.
For families. The lanes and viewpoints suit a short outing, with close supervision near cliffs and water.
Best time to visit. Spring and early-summer mornings give the softest light and the wildflowers at their peak.
Nearby attractions
- Ballinakill Bay – a sheltered Connemara harbour with a sandy beach, good for kayaking and coastal walks.
- Benbaun – the highest peak in the Twelve Bens, with hard hikes and long views over the peninsula.
- Alcock & Brown Crash Site – the bog landing site just inland, marked by a tail-fin monument.
Check access with the operator before any visit to the manor, and check the weather and tide before heading out along the coast.