Driving in Connemara

We did this same route in 2019–in fact we had a car for 28 days. It was neither difficult nor dangerous. We had a small automatic transmission car. Many of the roads are narrow with no shoulder but in the rural areas you will encounter very little traffic, probably more sheep than vehicles. Travel times are slow, we averaged 30-40 miles per hour. But a car is by far the best way to see and enjoy this beautiful country.

We have not found it stressful at all in numerous trips and on many rural.roads. If someone is coming towards you just pull to the side or at an opening to a driveway. the other driver may do the same then just blink your lights to let them pass. The Irish drivers we found are super courteous. Relax and enjoy . And as said above you may encounter sheep and they don't yield so just sit back and take pictures.

Difficult and dangerous are not words I would apply to any roads in Ireland. The N59 is a national road, as designated by the "N", and it and its counterparts typically traverse scenic areas and connect the larger towns. They're narrower, with less traffic and lower speed limits than its larger and busier cousins, the "M" roads or motorways. I'd equate the former to state roads and the latter to interstates in the U.S.

We've traveled all over Ireland numerous times - all by bicycle - and have never had any concerns for our safety on any road, even the busier and higher speed N18 in Co. Clare. For us, it's noisy as heck, but just fine the few times we've ridden it.

To help assuage your fears, the Irish are the most courteous, patient and considerate drivers we've encountered anywhere in Europe and, most assuredly, in the U.S. On the long, winding rural roads we often bike, drivers will wait behind us for as long as it takes until the way ahead is open and clear. And approaching drivers invariably give us the friendly "index finger salute" as they pass us by. If I recall correctly, it takes about two years for folks in Ireland to earn a driver's license. That speaks highly to their attention to safety and responsibility.

The Connemara loop circles what's arguably the most scenic region in Ireland, so enjoy it and the towns and hamlets you'll visit along the way.

On our 2018 trip, we drove a different route from Galway to Clifden, on a much smaller, more confined road, with a side trip to the Aran Island Inishmore in between. Five years earlier, we’d been on that road on bicycles, and being passed by big buses and trucks, with little or no shoulder, it was teeth clenching in places. Not so with the N59 and a car.

While staying in Clifden, we used the N59 to reach the national park, and it felt wider, with comfortably more space, like a regular 2-lane highway in the USA. Not a multi-lane Interstate, but certainly not a backcountry alleyway. Drivers followed the speed limit, and made lots of space for the vehicle in front and behind.

The Sky Road drive, west of Clifden, gets lots of notoriety as a scenic but white-knuckle experience. It was nice, and not terrifying, or even a slight safety concern. Just stay on the left side of the road, and no worries. Passengers, of course, get to see more scenery than the driver.

As the others have said, it's really no big deal.
Suggest previewing your proposed daily driving routes by looking at the street view feature on Google maps, which should help put your mind at rest.
If you have the time consider taking the Sky Road just to the west of Clifden as Cyn suggests - it's one of Ireland's great (and underappreciated) scenic drives.

Thanks for all the helpful replies. We’ll give it try and this time maybe not knock the mirror off the rental car.

You're more likely to have to dodge a sheep or two than endanger your rental's side mirror!

Hope this isn't too late a post to be helpful.

If you meet a large tour bus coming toward you on one of the narrow roads, in addition to slowing down and minding the shoulders, look up and try to establish eye-contact with the bus driver. More than likely, he/she will be trying to guide you with "left/right" hand signals. With their elevation, mirrors, experience, and kindness, you'll be getting expert advice on navigating the tight passage.