I am currently trying to do a project on the tour west from Galway these are extracts from that work in progresss.

Clifden founded by John DArcy in 1812 on what was part of the family estate, however by 1850 with the effects of the famine, a cholera epidemic and financial hardship the town along with the rest of the DArcy estate was sold to English landlords who managed the estates from Clifden Castle. 

In 1907 the Marconi Wireless station was opened at Derrygimla.  Twelve years later in June 1919 Al**** and Brown completed the first transatlantic flight nonstop from Newfoundland to a nice green field just outside Clifden unfortunately the field was bog but did not spoil the £10,000 prize issued by the Daily Mail for the completion of the flight.

Things have not always gone smoothly in Clifden and there are dark points in last centurys history.  Always a meeting point for the religions Clifden has two churches.  The Protestant Church built in 1820 and Catholic Church completed in 1830 these meetings have not always been amicable and the war of independence saw some terrible acts from both sides.

Clifden today is widely regarded as the Capital of the Connemara and has a warm welcoming feel which attracts visitors from all over the globe.  There are many bars dotted between the variety of shops in the small compact town centre and food is available to suit all tastes.  Accommodation is also wide and varied from the towns Hostel to the luxury of the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel.

http://www.clifdenchamber.ie/

Roundstone began to be developed as part of the areas famine relief work. The 1830s saw the building of a Franciscan monastery later dissolved in the 1970, all that remains is the Bell Tower and a few remnants of walls. Modern day Roundstone remains a fishing village but caters well for the tourist industry as well as attracting many from the artistic community.  There are a couple of well-regarded Art galleries in town and the world famous Malachy KearnsBodhrán store. Traditional music can be found most nights somewhere in the village. Following around the Ballyvonneely road you pass Dogs Bay and Gurteen Bay both having expansive beaches.  

 http://www.roundstone-connemara.com/

Sky Road Drive From Clifden take the sky road as far as the Lower sky which passes between the coastguard station and Clifden castle.  The low road runs along the bay before climbing (fairly steep and narrow) to re-join the top road, at the junction turn right and the viewing point is ¼ of a mile along as you return to Clifden.  The best views are found taking the top road in this direction up above the bay and along over the Coastguard station.  On the hill to your right as you approach the town is the DArcy memorial, unfortunately this is a bit of a walk from a safe place to park the car. The view of the town and its 2 churches is a wonderful sight from this point on a bright day.

There is a selection of accomodation in Clifden but I recomend Dun Rí guest house as an afordable off town centre location.

http://www.dunri.ie/

You will find local music in Lowry's on a Tuesday and Thursday as well as weekend, and the last friday of the month is when the locals all gather for a session at one of the pubs.