Place profile · Clifden, Co. Galway

Is Clifden a good place to live?

Clifden is on the up.

Below average today — but the fundamentals are turning, faster than the national trend.

↓ Unemployment fell 14% → 9%, in line with nationally↑ Population grew 44.2% — well above the national 8%

Where Clifden sits.

Co. Galway · 5 bus stops · no rail.

67 min
drive to Galway

Ranked #2 in Galway for quality of life.

62/100
#24 nationally
Affordability94
Transport & services89
Family & community81
Environment64
Safety61
Local economy26
Schools & education21

Homes sell for €252,720.

€190,000€320,000
-46.8%0% new-build77 sales / 2yr
€€

Affordable for its access.

94/100
Affordability score

Well connected.

89/100
Transport & services score

Good for families.

81/100
Family & community score

A community that's growing.

1,014 people, up 44.2% since 2016.

Who lives here.

35%
third-level
31%
professional
11.8%
unemployment
Affluence: below average

Mostly owner-occupied.

60.4% own24.2% rent9.6% social

For sale in Clifden right now.

Get a full report on any Clifden property →

The honest trade-offs.

↓ Local economy 26/100↓ Schools & education 21/100

Compare with nearby towns.

Clifden vs BallinasloeClifden vs TuamClifden vs OranmoreClifden vs AthenryClifden vs LoughreaClifden vs HeadfordIs Ballinasloe a good place to live?Is Tuam a good place to live?Is Oranmore a good place to live?Is Athenry a good place to live?

Sale prices from the Property Price Register (rolling 24 months). Quality of Life averages seven equal-weighted dimensions from 40+ metrics across 13 public datasets (CSO census + SAPS, Garda crime, SEAI, EPA, DES schools, GTFS). Population is CSO Census 2022; the “on the up” trajectory compares 2016→2022. Figures refresh daily · an area assessment, not advice on a specific property. Updated 2026.