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Playspot: Ireland, Galway, Clifden, Salt lake, Clifden Hole

What's it like

Clifden is a tidal race that runs through two arches of a bridge and the second arch forms a lovely play hole.

Paddler:Paul McKay, pics Neil Kelly

All hole moves are possible here so there's lots of fun to be had!

Paddler: Steve Hynes, tricky woo. Pic Neil Kelly.

Clifden hole is one of the most beautiful places to go playboating. It's tidal so it's saltwater. The feature works all year round and the water is quite warm in the summer months.

However Clifden only works on Spring Tides, the hole forms about 2 hours before Galway Harbour High tide. The tide must be 14 foot+ to be any good. It works best at around 16 ft +/-.

If the tide is 17ft+ a wave forms downstram of the first arch. Wait until the rock in the pool beside this wave is covered as it is quite shallow over here. The wave is only good for front surfing or the odd blunt or spin but give it a go and unleash the old school but watch the head!

Paddlers: Shane Flaherty, Conor Bredin. Pic by Dave Tucker.

As for the hole, it changes as the tide progresses, so enjoy this, the odd time it can get a little sticky but it's nothing to be afraid of.  It is very safe as there is a huge bay downstream and two large eddys either side of the feature.

Paddler Jackie Ferguson. Pic by Neil Kelly.

There is a knack to getting in from downstream. Stay in the eddy for as long as possible and as you're paddling towards the hole stay as close to the wall as possible and some powerstrokes should see you into the hole. Both eddys work at different stages of the tide. If all else fails you can always drop in from upstream of the bridge and work on some entry moves!

Paddler Kate Harris. Pic by michelle Grannaghan.

The best time of year is summer as you can catch both morning and evening tides.

It's a great place to be for a couple of nights with friends. For camping go to Dun Loughan, a nearby beach with camping in the dunes. There can be surf here as well if you're lucky.

How to get there

Take the N59 out of Galway City which leads directly to Clifden which is about 70km from Galway. The drive is through one of the most scenic areas of Ireland, Connemara. When in Clifden you need to take the road to Ballyconeeley. So drive into the town and as you approach Market street instead of turning right onto this street go straight ahead. The road narrows and you drive over a small bridge. The road widens again as you leave the town and drive for about 1 km and you will see a school on your right. Park here.

You can paddle across the saltlake to the hole from here (10 mins paddle). Climb over the wall on the opposite side of the road and paddle across the bay to the right until you come to the bridge.

If you want to drive and take a look: about another half a kilometer from the school is the bridge and arches that form the hole.

To find dun Loughan (good luck with this!) head towards Ballyconeley but turn right before here. You're looking for a turn to the right - the sign says dunloughan but it's hard to see - instead look for a no dumping sign. Drive down here until there are three sand paths. Follow one of these across the dunes untill you come to the beach. Find somewhere to camp here. Be discrete and clean up before leaving and respect the local area please!

If you are in Galway city pick up tide tables from Galway Harbour Company behind the docks or from Galway Maritime on Merchants Road. Also River Deep Mountain High have tide tables and can give you advice. Failing this chase Internet tides but I cant guarantee how accurate this is. I've always used Galway Harbor Company Tide tables!

Locals

The land around the saltlake is private property - please respect the area. That's why it is best to park at the school and paddle across the lake. Please do not block any gates.

Sometimes there are fishermen and sometimes divers too but I have never had any problem with either as they usually stay away from the hole. You might get lucky and see a seal!

Events

Clifden Rodeo annual event. Also Clifden is one of the events used for the National Championships again.

Dates for all events are available in the events section on www.irishfreestyle.com , and typically in the Playak Calendar of course :)

Clifden Comp 2005. Pic by Dave Tucker.

Info source

Jackie Ferguson,  +353 87 7870090
Quarry Road, Menlo, Galway, Ireland

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