Our Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0

As such this is one of Clifden’s listed buildings and many of the original features remain, including the large stone fireplace, the exposed stone walls, old pine floors, doors and the original pine staircase.

Clifden is a lively and friendly town with excellent restaurants, authentic pubs and nice shops. It’s a 1-minute walk down to the high street.

This is an excellent base for touring the Connemara, a gorgeous and haunting area. There’s much to see and do here. There’s golf, of course. The beaches are beautiful, empty and clean. At every turn, you’ll see glorious scenery. There are Irish craft shops, many ancient Celtic sites and opportunities to ramble in the Twelve Bens.

Children are warmly welcomed to this property. This house books very fast so we suggest you book early.

The ground floor’s open plan allows one to take in the scope of the public rooms upon first crossing over the threshold. The atmosphere is very comfortable and casual.

In the sitting room, large stone arched palladium windows allow plenty of light and the fireplace adds visual and actual warmth. This is a perfect room for entertaining or just sitting quietly with a book. There is a TV and DVD player.

The galley kitchen is to the right of the entryway and although not huge, it is a cook’s kitchen with everything close at hand and equipped with all you should need. The adjacent dining area seats 8 comfortably at an old refectory pine table. There is a small utility room that houses a cloths washing machine and separate dryer.

All four bedrooms are en suite (with W.C. and with shower/shower-over-bath). Two of the bedrooms are on the main/ground floor. One is off the front entrance hall with a 4ft6”/1.37m double bed, very nice appointments and a cute little stone ensuite with shower. The other bedroom, has a double bed with ensuite shower-over-bath, is at the back of the house, beyond the living room.

There are two staircases, one on either side of the house.

The original pine staircase, near the dining area, leads up to the open balcony sitting area which overlooks the living room.

The spiral staircase, located just at the front entry way, leads directly to one of the upstairs bedrooms, a spacious room with stone walls a king size bed (2m) and an extra double bed of 1.37m . This room is ensuite with shower.

The other upstairs bedroom is on the opposite side of the balcony sitting area and accessed via the pine stairs. It has a 5ft/ 1.52m bed with a spacious ensuite with shower-over-bath and also has an extra double bed. All the bedrooms overlook a nice grassy area behind the house.

The back lawn area is not level and does not have a patio. You can eat casual meals in a designated area at the side or at the front of the house where there is a picnic table/bench and outdoor chairs. It’s fun to look down onto the town from this perch.

Clifden town ‘the Capital of Connemara’ is oozing history, heritage, culture & traditions of Irish Music and Dance. This vibrant town has an array of shops selling top quality gifts, trinket souvenirs and handmade knits but to name a few! You will also find boutiques, antique shops and art galleries. There are cosy coffee shops, pubs from the genuine ‘quaint-Irish’ to the more trendy where entertainment is plentiful. Whatever your taste in music you will find a selection of traditional, modern music and dance. Clifden has a reputation for the West’s ‘Gourmet Capital’–for its fine restaurants. Take the kids to the town playground where they can have fun on the swings or have a kick about in the pitch beside it!

A must visit is the ruins of the old D’Arcy mansion, Clifden Castle. Along the Sky Road is a gateway leading to the castle. Once a Gothic Mansion, the D’Arcy’s lived here until 1850 when the estate was sold to the Eyre Family who lived here at intervals until the castle fell into ruin in the early 20th century.

There are many fine festivals to enjoy throughout the year in Connemara. Most full of music, dance, fun, laughter, activities and games for the young and the young-at-heart. The most well known and oldest of all is the Clifden Community Arts Festival which offers a superb range of poetry readings, lectures, recitals, traditional music, concerts and comedy

At the summit of the Sky Road peninsula there is Eyrephort beach at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.

For those Rainy Days, the Station House Theatre shows the latest movies throughout the week. The theatre also runs live family friendly shows suitable for all ages throughout the summer season. The Station House Leisure Centre have 3 day and weekly passes available for visitors to purchase, which allow you access to the hotel’s gym, swimming pool, steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi!

Why not visit Dan O’Haras homestead (8 minute drive from Clifden town on the N59); an award winning heritage centre which offers a fascinating glimpse of rural Ireland in the mid-nineteenth century. Visitors can enjoy a carriage ride through the centre and see demonstrations of turf cutting, sheep herding and other traditional tasks.

Explore Connemara on an electric bike which can be hired from All Things Connemara (on Market Street) or take part in a bike tour with Connemara Cycling Tours (also on Market Street)

Clifden Friday Market takes place every Friday on Market Square where you will find  a wide variety of producers selling their fresh produce to the general public. Be sure to arrive early, as most of the produce and stalls are gone by noon. There’s a good selection of organic vegetables, homemade breads, pies, herbs, fruits, flowers, plants and some clothing.

Clifden has probably the best fishing waters in Europe. The scenery in this area is spectacular on land and at sea with a great variety of seabirds and wildlife, including seals and dolphins. Why not spend the day sea angling? Pack a picnic and spend the day on the beautiful briny sea! Call John at the Celtic Queen on 095-21069 or on 0862484674

Approximately, 4km from Clifden Town Centre, you will find a delightful Pitch and Putt course, which is suitable for all ages and a great activity that the whole family will enjoy!

Connemara has long been regarded as the real emerald of Ireland ‘Connemara is a savage beauty’ Oscar Wilde. Connemara’s landscape will take your breath away, golf competitions and horse riding on wonderful open grassland. . Boat races, regattas, music festivals, marathons, activity events all take place throughout the year.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS IN AND AROUND THE CONNEMARA AREA, PLEASE BROWSE THE “THINGS TO DO” SECTION ON OUR WEBSITE

“The Old School House worked really well for us, with different family groups over the week. Generous en-suite bathrooms with each room gave us privacy, and the spaciousness of the shared open-plan room was great. Really good location, within easy walking distance of the centre of Clifden, and also, out to the beautiful countryside around.”- Isabel August 2022

“Great place to stay Big fireplace and very comfortable rooms Very close from Clifden town centre Highly recommended Will definitely come back with my family” Elisabeth September 2021

“A characterful and comfortable base in the heart of Clifden- We really enjoyed our week at the Old School House. The bedrooms and catering facilities were ideal for our group of seven adults. It was great to be able to park our cars at the property and walk in to Clifden.” – Oloan July 2021

“Well worth a visit, a lovely house and a great location. Parking is a little bit tight though in bigger jeeps. Enjoyed it immensely”-Lorraine June 2021

“Gorgeous original property. 5 Stars. Beautiful old property, right in the centre of Clifden. Gorgeous interior design”-Louise June 2021

“House full of character and charm Wonderful house in a great location in the centre of town. Excellent fit out with all mod cons provided by the friendly helpful hostess.” Jim June 2021

“The house was beautiful and couldn’t have asked for a better location”-Jason June 2019

“A Gem! The Old School House in Clifden is filled with character-just a short walk from Clifden town centre everything is on your door step. The house itself is very comfortable with nice furnishings and nice extra touches available such as books and games. Would recommend to any large group wanting to explore this beautiful area.”- Dominic September 2018

“A little bit of heaven. We landed in Dublin at 4 a.m., attended Mass in Galway Cathedral by 9 a.m., and gazed in sleepy-eyed awe as we traveled through Connemara on our way to Clifden. Was it the joy of finally having a place to lay our weary heads that made all six of us believe that we had landed in that proverbial “little bit of heaven”? We scurried through the many rooms of The Old School House, pointing out its attractions to each other, selected our rooms, and settled in for a wash-up and little nap. But when we awoke refresh, we found that our accommodations were even nicer than our original estimation. Clifden was going to be the site of my 75th birthday celebration, and I couldn’t have chosen a better place. It was so delightful to wake up each morning, brew a quick cup of tea in the well-equipped kitchen, and then take it outside to sit and listen to the doves and wait for the rest of my family to greet the morning. The photos on the property’s website provide an accurate picture of the amenities and charms of the School House. But only first-hand experience can convey the peace that warms the heart of anyone fortunate enough to stay in Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway-especially if that stay finds them in The Old School House.”- Margaret July 2018

“If you’re looking for a modern purpose built holiday cottage this isn’t it. What it is, is a great old house full of character and great location – right in centre of Clifden near to pubs, coffee shops, restaurants and so on and at start of sky road. Beaches not too far. Loads of space with comfortable couches massive wood burning stove which is great to just hang out and big bedrooms so good for friends to stay over. Because it’s an historic building every few days we had a Clifden tours stopping outside and ended up inviting them in and learned all about the place!”- Alan August 2017

“We greatly enjoyed our stay Great location in the heart of Clifden, good bathroom facilities, great open fire,good parking, plenty of room for the nine family members, would return”- David and Daphne July 2015

“Was bumped up to this place when original apartment fell through due to a leak. Have been to Clifden to stay about 10 times now. And this is the best place I’ve stayed yet. Ideal for big groups or families. Excellent customer service also.”-Paul May 2015

FREE WIFI

Pet friendly

Old School House is happy to welcome your pet, however we would ask that your pet would not be permitted on furniture or on beds. If additional cleaning is required we may have to deduct this from your damage deposit.

Utilities (Electricity and Oil) are charged separate, meter readings will be taken upon arrival and departure, if payment is not received on departure for utilities this will be deducted from the credit card details provided.

Linen & Towels are inclusive in the rental rate.

Check-in time is strictly between 4pm & 6pm (If you require a later check-in time please let us know)

Check-out time is strictly 10am on day of departure.

Please note that a €200 security deposit is pre-authorised by credit card 2 to 3 days prior to your arrival, card details are released 3 days after your departure as long as there are no breakages or damage to the property.  Please note damage deposits may take up to 10 working days to be released back to the guest depending on the guests bank.

Please note that most restaurants & cafes in the area have free internet access