Cleggan (an cloigeann, i.e. promontory) is a lively little town, and also the primary centre of fishing in northwest Connemara. The ferries to Inishbofin (the island of the white cow) and Inishark depart daily all year around. The crossings are held three times a day in summer, twice in winter. The island is about 9 km. from the mainland, a useful info for those suffering from seasickness....

The nearby suburb of Rossadilisk has a beautiful beach for relaxing walks. The area comprised between Cleggan and Ballynakill Lake (two miles east the village) offers many shreds of evidence of prehistoric life, such as tombs and standing stones; a good example is the Giant's seat, an astonishing tomb, located beside Sellerna beach.

Cleggan is also sadly known for the Bay Disaster, which occurred on 27 October 1927, when the devastating effects of a strong gale resulted in the deaths of 45 fishermen off the coast of County Galway.