My family is travelling to Ireland this summer and I was just looking for some suggestions about touring Connemara. We will be traveling from Galway and staying overnight in Westport. We would like to see as much as we can, however, if we complete the full loop, and end up back in Galway...we'll still have to drive all the way back to Westport so....Is it more worthwhile to drive along the coast to get to Westport from Galway, or to drive inland?? Which way will we see more? Thanks for your help!!
Posted by
Westport, Ireland
80 posts
Coastal drive from Galway and then do the more inland route back to Galway.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9369 posts
Definitely do the coastal drive! Though the interior is gorgeous, too, if you don't do the coast you'll miss Clifden, Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey....
Posted by
OP
Regina, SK, Canada
2 posts
Thanks! That helps tremendously!!
Posted by
CA, USA
333 posts
Great advice to drive one and come back through the other. The Connemara inland and coastal routes have absolutely stunning scenery.
Posted by
Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
255 posts
The R335 ride from Killary Harbour to Westport via Lewisburgh is an awesome scenic ride. BTW, the Adare House B&B in Westport is very nice.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9369 posts
Tyson, I think the OP wants help deciding between coast and interior, not doing both.
Posted by
Arlington, Virginia
29 posts
Meghan,
If you do the Connemara loop on the N59 - which includes such gems as Oughterard, Clifden, Letterfrack, Leenane, the stunning Twelve Bens Mountains and the three mountain ranges converging at the tip of Kilkary Harbor in Leenane, then you will have experienced the best of Irish scenery. Ireland is a small country. Go for it!