Glorious GALWAY
THE HANDSOME TOWN of Clifden, also widely known as the Capital of Connemara, nestling between the majestic Twelve Bens mountains and the wild Atlantic Ocean, is steeped in fascinating history.
Back in 1907, inventor Guglielmo Marconi sent the first transatlantic radio messages from his base near Clifden, to Nova Scotia, Canada, while in 1919, British aviators John Alcock and Arthur Brown made the first transatlantic flight, leaving Newfoundland and landing south of the town.
Both feats were achieved at Derrigimlagh blanket bog, now one of Europe’s most prized wetlands and a place of pilgrimage for visitors paying homage to the pioneers’ impressive achievements.
A signposted, looped 5km walk, with seven stopping points and interpretation panels, tells the fascinating story along the trail of former landmarks, such as Marconi’s Condenser House and the cairn marking the landing-place of Alcock and Brown.
