The village, now sparsely populated, overlooks Omey Island which contains the ruins of Teampal Feichin, a medieval granite church dedicated to St. Feichin. Omey Island is a part of the Omey Granite Pluton, one of the oldest granites in Connemara; and its human history dates back at least 5,000 years. Claddaghduff has been a site for writers and artists. Richard Murphy's poetry was inspired by the local lore, landscapes, and seascapes and novelist John McGahern also resided in the village. Much of the scenery and ambience of Walter Macken's famous novels is based on his time in and around Claddaghduff.