Cliffoney is an ideal base for visiting the scenic and unspoilt north west coast of Ireland. A short driving tour around the area rewards the visitor with stunning sea and mountain views as well as historic monuments dating from megalithic period (Creevykeel Court Cairn), monastic period (Inishmurray Island), celtic mythology Diarmuid and Grainne’s Cave) and the legacy of the famous Lord Palmerston, once the landlord for the area.
Cliffoney also provides rest and relaxation off the beaten track in its stunning empty beaches, ideal for angling, whale watching, sea and cliff walks. The nearby village of Mullaghmore (3 miles) is an international surfing destination and a centre for watersports including, sailing, standup paddling and kite-surfing. You can also hire boats here to visit the idyllic deserted island of Inishmurray. There are two hotels in Mullaghmmore and an excellent cafe.
Cliffoney has miles of walking tracks through bog, forest, riverside and mountain. It is possible to ascend Benbulbin mountain from the nearby Derrylehan Plateau. The Gleniff Horseshoe at nearby Ballintrillick is an extraordinary natural feature and is home to a magic hill where you car will roll upwards! There is also self catering accommodation and tourist information available at the community-owned Benwhisken Centre.
Cliffoney offers comfortable self-catering accommodation through a number of independently run holiday homes, some of which make the most of the stunning views. There is fine food available in the village at Harrison’s Bar and Restaurant, while you can regularly hear traditional Irish music at the historic O’Donnell’s Bar. Cliffoney is also home to one of Ireland’s best craft supply shops, The Crafter’s Basket. This is apt as Cliffoney Lace was made locally in the village until a few years ago.