Drive Connemara
SKY ROAD & CLIFDEN BAY
TOTAL DISTANCE: 16KM
TIME: 45 MINUTES
The Sky Road is one of Irelands most famous scenic driving routes, and with good reason. An outstanding coastal viewing point providing long views along the Connemara coastline, it is a popular location for tourists and locals alike to witness some breathtaking sunsets over the Atlantic. The 16km Loop offers panoramic views over Clifden Bay & the Atlantic Ocean, and the steep ascent along the coastal edge reveals an increasingly dynamic view, culminating at the Wild Atlantic Way vantage point at the top. Look out over the Islands dotted off the coast of Connemara and witness the sky sink into the ocean below.
The drive is narrow in parts and care is advised, but it is very safe to pass and a carpark at the top offers plenty of opportunity for pictures.
Sun-rise and Sun-set offer the best views, but this drive can be done at any time of day. Allow 1 hour to take in the whole route, with time at the top for photographs.
ROUNDSTONE & BOG ROAD
TOTAL DISTANCE: 40KM
TIME: 90 MINUTES
Roundstone is a small fishing village south of Clifden with beautiful views over the Bay and the 12 Bens Mountains. Taking the R341, this drive follows the coast through Derrigimlagh & Ballyconneely, with sandy beaches and rugged shore alongside.
In the village of Roundstone, use the public carpark to pull in and explore the village by foot. Walk the pier, visit the local craft shops, and enjoy lunch in one of the wonderful seafood restaurants lining the main street.
Drive further past the village of Roundstone along the R341 and loop back towards Clifden along the Bog Road. A straight and narrow passageway with scenic lakes dotted each side, the Bog Road takes you through the heartland of Connemara.
INAGH VALLEY & KYLEMORE
TOTAL DISTANCE: 57KM
TIME: 90 MINUTES
Kylemore Abbey is Connemara’s most famous landmark and a must see while in the area. The Abbey is 20 minutes drive from Clifden along the Westport Road, but for a more scenic journey we recommend going through the Inagh Valley.
Drive 15km East along the Galway Road. Before the village of Recess, take the left turn. Lough Inagh, protected by the Mountains on each side, mirrors the landscape around it, and the reds and oranges of the hills and green of the woodland are sure to leave a lasting memory.
After stopping in Kylemore, return to Clifden through the village of Letterfrack, past Connemara National Park and Renvyle Bay.
You can extend this trip by taking the right turn for Cleggan to visit the small fishing village and departure point for Inishbofin, or stay on the N59 to arrive back in Clifden.
CLADDAGHDUFF & OMEY ISLAND
TOTAL DISTANCE: 40KM
TIME: 90 MINUTES
Omey Island is a very unique destination, certainly one of a kind. Omey is connected to the mainland by a tidal strand which, when open, allows you to visit the Island by car or by foot. When the tide is closed, the Island is totally cut off from the mainland, with the strand submerged beneath 6 feet of water. A single road brings you from the East to the South West of the small Island, and is suitable for any car. Wide open grassland allows for plenty of parking and space to turn.
To get to the Island, drive north out of Clifden on the Westport Road (N59), taking the left turn after 4km which is signposted for Claddaghduff, just after Streamstown Bay.
The drive out follows Streamstown Bay as far as the Atlantic Ocean, and just before the village of Claddaghduff, at the Church, take the left turn to Omey Strand.
After exploring Omey, head back to the mainland and go left through Claddaghduff Village continuing around the peninsula where several of Connemara’s other Islands come into view; Crough, Friar Island, High Island and Inishbofin. Return to Clifden via Cleggan Fishing Village to complete the loop.
CONNEMARA LOOP
TOTAL DISTANCE: 80KM
TIME: 2 HOURS
The Connemara Loop, an almost all encompassing route, brings you through Valleys, Beaches, Lakes, Mountains, and Fjord.
Best started at Recess by heading North up the Inagh Valley to Kylemore Abbey, we recommend going clockwise around the Connemara Loop, taking in the Renvyle Peninsula before making your way along Killary Fjord to Leenaun and then South down the Maam Valley. Some highlights on the Renvyle Peninsula are The O’Flaherty Castle, once home to Pirate Queen Grainne O’Malley, White Strand Beach in Tully, and the imposing Mweelra Mountain, Connaught’s highest.
The section along Killary Fjord is a breath-taking passage and Leenaun is the perfect place to stop for lunch, with Ireland finest shellfish coming from this area.
At Leenaun, take the Maam Valley south towards Maam Cross, sheltered by the Maumturk Mountains on your right and the Partry Mountains on your left.
At Maam Cross, a right turn will bring you back towards Clifden, but take a short stop at Derryclare Lough to enjoy Connemara’s most photographed sight; Pine Island (pictured above).
