Derrigimlagh Bog and Marconi Site
Explore the site of Marconi's first transatlantic wireless tests and Alcock & Brown's historic flight landing in a stunning Connemara bog.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, crisp air
Derrigimlagh Bog and Marconi Site
Best Time
Fewer crowds, crisp air
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the site of Marconi's first transatlantic wireless tests and Alcock & Brown's historic flight landing in a stunning Connemara bog.
"A gem of a place to visit, enjoy a walk on this loop or cycle. A very worthwhile visit and unique find and experience."
Wear sturdy shoes
The loop walk involves tarmac, grassy tracks, and boardwalks. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the bog. :athletic_shoe:
Allow ample time
While listed as 5km, some find it closer to 10km. Plan for 2 hours to fully absorb the history and scenery. :clock1:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Marconi Wireless Station Site
Derrigimlagh Bog
Explore the remnants of Marconi's pioneering transatlantic wireless station. Imagine the historic broadcasts from this desolate bog.
Alcock and Brown Landing Site
Derrigimlagh Bog
Stand where aviation history was made as Alcock and Brown landed their Vickers Vimy after the first non-stop transatlantic flight.
The Marconi Loop Walk
Derrigimlagh Bog
A scenic 5km loop walk (or shorter 1km boardwalk) revealing the stories of Marconi and the early aviators. Nature and history combined.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Derrigimlagh Bog
Understanding the Dual History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear sturdy shoes
The loop walk involves tarmac, grassy tracks, and boardwalks. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the bog. :athletic_shoe:
Allow ample time
While listed as 5km, some find it closer to 10km. Plan for 2 hours to fully absorb the history and scenery. :clock1:
Check the weather
This is an exposed bogland. Be prepared for wind and rain, even on a sunny day. :cloudwithrain:
Don't confuse with A&B memorial
The main landing site is within Derrigimlagh Bog, not the separate Alcock & Brown memorial a few km up the road. :round_pushpin:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear sturdy shoes
The loop walk involves tarmac, grassy tracks, and boardwalks. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the bog. :athletic_shoe:
Allow ample time
While listed as 5km, some find it closer to 10km. Plan for 2 hours to fully absorb the history and scenery. :clock1:
Check the weather
This is an exposed bogland. Be prepared for wind and rain, even on a sunny day. :cloudwithrain:
Don't confuse with A&B memorial
The main landing site is within Derrigimlagh Bog, not the separate Alcock & Brown memorial a few km up the road. :round_pushpin:
Utilize audio guides
The written and audio presentations are well-done, bringing the history of Marconi and the aviators to life. :microphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Derrigimlagh Bog as a unique and historically significant site, offering a surreal blend of nature and pioneering technology. The Marconi Loop Walk is particularly praised for its well-presented history and the evocative atmosphere of the bog. Some note the walk can be longer than expected, and weather preparedness is key.
"This is the location of the Marconi loop walk. A bit unclear based on the google maps pin name. Really beautiful walk. We were told it was a 5km walk but it seemed closer to 10km. It took us two hours in total."
Fergal Byrne
"This was the highlight of the day, and the day had started with a hike up Diamond Hill, Kylemore Abbey and Sky Road. The 5 km loop (or shorter 1 km boardwalk if you drive to the end) is an extraordinary place if you are a science fan. The location is surreal if you love nature. As a person who loves science and nature I get goosebumps at the memory."
Chandan Save
"This a gem of a place to visit, enjoy a walk on this loop ër cycle. There os about 7-8 historic stoppiing points revealing the story of the famous communications inventor Marconi and his time testing morse code in a 600 acre desolote bog . The same bog wgere Alcock and Brown landed on the first transatlantik flight, and they were greeted by 2 pioneering engineers themeselves legendary for their discoveries. A very worthwhile visit and unique find and experience"
John O Toole
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Derrigimlagh Bog is located off the N59 road between Clifden and Scariff. There's a free car park signposted for both the Marconi site and the Alcock & Brown landing site. Many visitors explore this area as part of a Wild Atlantic Way road trip. +2
Public transport options directly to Derrigimlagh Bog are limited. It's best accessed by car as part of a wider exploration of the Connemara region or the Wild Atlantic Way.
The most popular way to explore is via the Marconi Loop Walk, a 5km circuit. For a shorter experience, you can drive to the end of the bog road for a 1km boardwalk. +1
Yes, there is a free car park available at the site, which serves both the Marconi station area and the Alcock & Brown landing site.
Yes, cycling is a great way to experience the bog. The loop walk is suitable for cycling, offering a unique perspective on the historical sites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Derrigimlagh Bog and its historical sites are free to access. There is no admission fee for the car park or the walking trails.
Derrigimlagh Bog is an open-air site and is accessible at all times. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the landscape.
No, tickets are not required as the site is free to enter. You can visit at your leisure.
Basic facilities like a car park are available. There are no visitor centers or cafes directly on-site, so it's advisable to bring your own refreshments.
The main loop is a 5km walk with varied terrain. The 1km boardwalk at the end of the bog road is more accessible for those with mobility issues. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Marconi Loop Walk is a well-signposted trail that takes you through the bog, past interpretive panels detailing the history of Marconi's wireless station and the Alcock & Brown landing. It includes tarmac, grassy tracks, and boardwalk sections. +1
Derrigimlagh Bog is historically significant as the site of Marconi's first transatlantic wireless communication tests and the landing spot for Alcock and Brown's pioneering non-stop transatlantic flight in 1919. +2
Yes, you can see the foundations and remnants of the large power station and compressor buildings that were part of Marconi's 320-acre wireless service site.
The landing site is marked, allowing you to stand where Alcock and Brown touched down after their historic 16-hour flight. Interpretive displays explain the event. +1
Absolutely! The vast, desolate bog landscape offers unique photographic opportunities, especially with the historical remnants and dramatic skies.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vast, open bog landscape, the remnants of the Marconi power station buildings, and the marker for the Alcock & Brown landing site. The dramatic skies over the bog are also a photographer's dream.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, can offer beautiful light across the bog. Overcast days can also create a moody, atmospheric feel.
Drone regulations can vary. It's always best to check current Irish aviation authority guidelines before flying a drone in any natural or historical site.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive bog landscape. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details of the historical structures.
Yes, the interpretive panels provide valuable historical context and can make for interesting photographic elements within your visit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the shorter 1km boardwalk section if younger children have shorter attention spans or find longer walks challenging. The open landscape of the bog is also great for a sense of adventure. Remember to pack snacks and drinks, as facilities are minimal.
🔬 Science & History Enthusiasts
Furthermore, the site is a pilgrimage spot for aviation history buffs, marking the landing site of Alcock and Brown's first non-stop transatlantic flight. Standing on the very ground where this monumental achievement occurred is a powerful experience. The well-presented interpretive materials ensure a deep understanding of the scientific and engineering challenges overcome by these pioneers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dual Legacy of Derrigimlagh Bog
Just a few years later, in 1919, the bog gained further historical significance when John Alcock and Arthur Brown successfully landed their Vickers Vimy bomber here, completing the first non-stop flight across the Atlantic. This daring feat of aviation history is commemorated by a dedicated marker on the site. The convergence of these two technological marvels in such a remote and starkly beautiful landscape makes Derrigimlagh a truly unique destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Visitors can explore this dual legacy through the well-maintained Marconi Loop Walk, which guides you through the remnants of the wireless station and to the Alcock & Brown landing spot. Interpretive panels and audio presentations bring the stories of these pioneers to life, offering a profound connection to the past amidst the wild beauty of Connemara.
Exploring the Marconi Loop Walk
As you traverse the loop, you'll encounter numerous interpretive stops. These points are equipped with informative signage and often offer audio guides that detail the technical aspects of Marconi's wireless transmissions and the daring journey of Alcock and Brown. The sheer scale of the former Marconi operational site, with its substantial building foundations, is awe-inspiring and provides a tangible link to the past.
For those seeking a shorter or more accessible experience, driving to the end of the bog road reveals a 1km boardwalk. This section still offers excellent views and access to key historical markers, ensuring that the essence of Derrigimlagh's pioneering spirit can be appreciated by all visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit