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Derrigimlagh Bog: A Transatlantic Landmark

Discover the stories etched in the landscape of Derrigimlagh Bog, where transatlantic history and natural beauty converge on the Wild Atlantic Way.

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Explore the haunting beauty of Derrigimlagh Bog, a Wild Atlantic Way Signature Discovery Point where history and nature intertwine. Discover the remnants of Marconi's transatlantic radio station and the landing site of the first non-stop transatlantic flight, marked by a poignant memorial.

A brief summary to Wild Atlantic Way Signature Discovery Point @Derrigimlagh

Local tips

  • Wear appropriate footwear, as the bog can be wet and uneven, especially after rain.
  • Bring layers, as the weather in Connemara can change quickly.
  • Allow at least 1.5 - 2 hours to fully explore the Derrigimlagh Looped Walk.
  • Visit the innovative binocular-style information points to see how the landscape looked during the Marconi station's heyday.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Derrigimlagh Bog is located approximately 6km south of Clifden. From Clifden, follow the R341 (Ballyconneely Road) south. After about 4km, turn left at the signposted junction for the Marconi Station and Alcock & Brown Landing Point. The Derrigimlagh Discovery Point car park will be on your right. Parking is free. Be aware that the road is narrow in places.

  • Bike

    Bicycle rentals are available in Clifden. Follow the R341 (Ballyconneely Road) south from Clifden. The route is mostly flat. After about 4km, turn left at the signposted junction for the Marconi Station and Alcock & Brown Landing Point. Cycle to the Derrigimlagh Discovery Point. Be aware that the road is narrow in places.

  • Walking

    From Clifden, it is approximately a 6km walk to Derrigimlagh Bog. Follow the R341 (Ballyconneely Road) south from Clifden. After about 4km, turn left at the signposted junction for the Marconi Station and Alcock & Brown Landing Point. Continue along this road to the Derrigimlagh Discovery Point. Allow approximately 1.5-2 hours for the walk from Clifden to the Derrigimlagh Bog.

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Discover more about Wild Atlantic Way Signature Discovery Point @Derrigimlagh

Derrigimlagh Bog, a Wild Atlantic Way Signature Discovery Point near Clifden in County Galway, is a landscape where the vast expanse of blanket bog meets the sky, creating a uniquely beautiful and historically significant destination. This seemingly desolate area played a pivotal role in transatlantic communications and aviation, making it a must-see for history buffs and nature lovers alike. In the early 20th century, Derrigimlagh was the site of Guglielmo Marconi's first permanent transatlantic radio station, transmitting the first commercial message across the Atlantic in 1907. Though the station was later destroyed, the foundations of the buildings remain, offering a glimpse into the dawn of global communication. Just over a decade later, in 1919, John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown crash-landed in the bog after completing the first non-stop transatlantic flight. A monument shaped like an airplane wing marks the spot where these daring aviators made history, connecting Europe and North America by air for the first time. The Derrigimlagh Looped Walk, a 5km trail, guides visitors through this remarkable landscape, with interactive information points and art installations that bring the history of the bog to life. The bog itself is a mosaic of peat, lakes, and diverse plant life, offering stunning views of the Twelve Bens mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.

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