In September driving from Castlerea to Galway. Would like to go to Connemara and tour the area before heading to Glenn Abbey hotel. Is the route between Lough Mask and Lough Corrib the way to go or are those roads too narrow/tricky. Should we go via N5 more northerly and then southeast?
Looking for safety but also scenery, Thanks!
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2279 posts
Driving on any N or R roads will be fine. The only time you are likely to encounter really narrow roads are once you leave these onto the unclassified roads. And even then, most of these will be Ok as long as you are sensible and don't go too fast.
I'm a bit confused when you talk about the route between Lough Mask and Lough Corrib. The road down Lough Mask (R330) is to the west and is best approached from Wesport and N5. I'm also not sure how much you actually see of the Lough as a lot of the way is screened by trees, although there are a few car parks with views. There isn't really a road along the side of Lough Corrib. The choice is either the N59 to the west of the R 346 through Cong and down the east side... This isn't really Connemara...
If you are wanting to see Connemara and scenery, take the N5 to Westport and then pick up the R335 through the desolate Doolough Valleyto Leenaun. Here pick up the N59 to Clifden (If time allows and if it is a sunny day, do the Sky Road from Clifden which must rank as one of the best short drives in the world).
From Clifden pick up the R341 which takes you round the coast to Roundstone with its harbour and possibly one of the best views of the Connemara hills. This will bring you back to the N59 which will take you to Glen Abbey Hotel and Galway.
This is about 180 miles. Driving in Ireland can be quite slow, so you need to allow 5+ hours for the drive PLUS time for stops.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks so much for the great information! When you google map routes it so hard to tell what is the best route. Much appreciated!