In April, my family and I will be visiting Ireland for 2 weeks. We are renting a car. As part of our trip, we will be staying in Westport one night then traveling to Galway to see the Aran Islands for two nights. My question is when driving from Westport to Galway, will it be a better experience to visit Cong or Connemara National Park? Is it possible to do both?
Thanks so much.
Mary
Posted by
Lawrenceville, NJ
76 posts
Good question we will be doing the same in June. It will be interesting to see what travelers suggest.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2187 posts
You can do both....
From Westport, take the 335 along the coast to Louisburgand then Leenaun. Now pick up N59 for Clifden and do the Sky Drive - possibly the best short drive in the world on a sunny day. From Clifden either stay on the N59 to Maam Cross or else take the R341 round the coast to Roundstone with its tiny harbour and one of teh best views of the mountains of Connemar. This rejoins the N59. At Maam Crtoss take the R336 north to the R345 for Cong. Then head along the N84 for Galway. If time allows do a detour from Headford to find the ruined Ross Errily Friary
This will about 5 hours to drive PLUS time for stops - a lot will depend on how long the stops are!
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Posted by
OP
8 posts
Many thanks for taking the time to answer my question. Your response has been very helpful!
Mary
Posted by
2 posts
Where are you staying in Westport? We are going in may and I am trying to find a place. We want to do this exact thing.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
The Boulevard Guest House (recommended in Rick Steves Ireland guidebook www.boulevard-guesthouse.com ) was unavailable on the dates we needed. They recommended their friend’s B&B just a few minutes out of Westport. You can reach Joe at [email protected]. They seem very nice and reasonably priced. Good luck.