I’m looking for a suggested itinerary for a (mid-July) 4-5 hour excursion through Connemara leaving Galway in the morning and returning to Galway by around dinner time. Could anyone recommend a particular loop drive or a one-best-place to set as the destination?
Posted by
Last Frontier aka Alaska 🏔️
3227 posts
You could take the Skyline road for great views!
Posted by
OP
29 posts
Thanks. I’ll look into it.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2827 posts
Actually, it's called the Sky Road and it's just west of Clifden. It's one of those narrow, one lane rural roads where you'll need to pull over occasionally to let opposing traffic pass, so you'll need to be prepared for that.
The usual "Connemara Loop" is to take the N59 clockwise from Galway to Clifden, a side trip along the Sky Road, then continuing along to the National Park for a gentle hike up Diamond Hill (nice photo op), on to Kylemore Abbey, then to Leenaun where you can take one of the "R" roads (I forget which one) down to Cong, which is famous as the film set for an old John Wayne film from the early 50's - "The Quiet Man". The village itself still looks remarkably like it did 65 years ago when the film was shot there. There's an old abbey there, and it's generally a pleasant place to walk around and maybe have a pub lunch. Nearby is Ashford Castle which features a very popular "Hawk Walk" ... but you need to make reservations well in advance for that.
Time and interest permitting you could take a short detour north of Leenaun to Doolough and the famine memorial - a very haunting place that puts the history of the famine years into rather harsh perspective.l
Posted by
OP
29 posts
Wow, now that’s a complete itinerary! Thanks so much!
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1819 posts
I like most of Robert's itinerary. Consider adding a side trip to Roundstone, a very interesting little village. If you go there, stop at the store that makes and sells bodhrans, a type of musical instrument. It resembles a tambourine with a drum head. The store sells many quality souvenir items and the owners are very interesting to talk with. Near there, Ballynahinch Castle Hotel is a lovely place to stop. It's adjacent to a beautiful salmon stream.
I would skip Cong, which we found lacking in atmosphere. The abbey is right by the road and the town is quite touristy. However, the recommendation to detour on the famine road to Doolough is excellent. Besides being evocative, it is a very beautiful drive.
Keep your gas tank filled - we passed many abandoned gas stations on our last trip there.
Posted by
OP
29 posts
Thanks a lot. I appreciate all the attention to detail that all of you provide. Can’t wait to be there!