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One Day Tour of Connemara

Total Distance: 124 miles Total Driving Time: 3 hrs 20 mins.

Ths tour could also be followed as a cycling tour, or even a walking tour, though obviously it will take more than one day! There are some fairly stiff climbs along the route, but all are rewarding enough to make them well worthwhile.

Connemara is an area of rugged landscape, bogs and mountains is known and loved by artists for its clear light and unspoilt beauty.

It is also very popular with tourists and the narrow roads can at times be very crowded with cars, tour buses, cyclists and walkers. However we take some routes here that are tricky for coaches so should avoid them as much as possible.

This tour will take a full day by car, allow about 8 hours, but even the time spent in the car is worthwhile and enjoyable because of the beautiful scenery you will pass. It starts and ends in Galway city (A)

 

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Oughterard

Oughterard (B) is a small town, pretty but quite touristy and often crowded in high season.

Aughnanure CastleAughnanure CastleNearby Aughanure Castle (C) was built in the early 16th Century by the "ferocious O'Flaherties", rulers of most of west Connaught, though there was probably an earlier castle on the site.

Its situation is most dramatic - on a rocky 'island' formed by the Drimmeen River, separating into two branches and reuniting at the other side. The castle has been restored and tours are available.

Glengowla Mines (D) is an historic 19th century silver mine which is also rich in other minerals, including marble, dolomite, quartz, calcite, barite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite and very rare blue/green fluorite, so that in parts the walls seem to twinkle.

The mine looks as though the miners just left, though in fact it closed in 1865 after just 14 years of operation. On the surface, the powder magazine, blacksmith's workshop and the agent's cottage have been restored and contain items rescued from the mine. Highly recommended

Maam Cross

At Maam Cross (E) you are right in the heart of the beautiful Maamturk Mountains, which you will have seen unfolding as you drove from Oughterard. This was once a wild and desolate place, but is now tending towards over development and is, in our opinion, not worth lingering in. If you have any movie buffs among you, a quick visit to the replica of the cottage used in the 1950s John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara film "The Quiet Man", which was filmed locally, may be in order.

Clifden

Clifden & Twelve BensClifden (F) is the capital of Connemara and a good place to shop for gifts or just stop for lunch.

If you happen to be there in late August, you may be lucky enough to visit the Connemara Pony Show, where the best of these native Irish ponies will be on display. At all times of year you are likely to come across some of these lovely ponies in the area.

The Sky Road

The Sky Road is an exhilarating 7 mile drive to the west of Clifden, from which the above photograph of the town was taken. Make sure your camera is loaded and join the road by leaving Clifden with the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel on your left (this will be obvious!).

Clifden CastleClifden CastleAbout a mile from Clifden is a gateway leading to the romantic ruins of Clifden Castle. Getting to them involves a ten minute walk down a fairly rough and steep track. More a Gothic mansion than a true castle, this was the home of local landlords the d'Arcys who lived there until 1850 when the estate was sold to the Eyre family before falling into ruin in the early 20th century.

A little further along, the Sky Road forks - to the left you can take the low road by the sea, but the high road is the better route to take for the breathtaking views of the islands (Inishturk and Turbot) and the surrounding coastline. Eventually you will join up with the N59 again.

Letterfrack & Connemara Visitor Centre

Letterfrack (G) is the location of the visitor centre of the Connemara National Park, which includes an exhibition on the boglands of the West of Ireland, an audio-visual introduction to the region and guided walks in the area. Worth a stop.

Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore AbbeyKylemore AbbeyNearby Kylemore Abbey (H) while not a castle was built in a castellated style by Mitchell Henry as a gift for his wife and is now a select private boarding school for girls.

Visitors are not permitted in the main building but can visit the gothic Chapel, the restored walled gardens and the lovely lakeside walks. A very nice café serves excellent afternoon tea with most of the fare cooked on the premises by the nuns ans their helpers.

The Inagh Valley

The drive through the Inagh Valley (I), is truly spectacular, particularly in the evening light which will be settling over the mountains by now. Take your time - this is definitely a place to slow down, linger and enjoy the world around you.

South Connemara

The final leg of journey takes you along the coast of Galway Bay, though a series of small villages some of which have sadly been spoiled by unsympathetic modern development. However the area here is among the most popular for wealthy Irish people to keep holiday homes, and the property prices are staggering.

Rossaveel (J) is a small harbour village from where regular ferries leave for the Aran Islands, which are visible from the shoreline. The Islands are a day trip (or more) in themselves, but if you have an additional day available it is a trip well worth making.

You are now in the heart of the Connemara Gealtacht, an area of Ireland where Irish is still the first language.

Spiddal (K) is a very small village with lovely views over Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. The area is renowned for its traditional music, with local musicians playing in the pubs nightly during peak tourist season and weekend nights at other times. Consider stopping here for Dinner and an evening of music and 'craic' [broadly means fun] before returning to Galway.

 

More Information about Touring Connemara

The links below lead to more information about some of the places mentioned on this tour, or about places or activities within easy reach for those touring or staying in this area.

Delphi Adventure Centre | Thoor Ballylee | The Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas | Galway Cathedral | Leisureland | Killary Adventure Centre | Inishmore | Errislannan Manor | Connemara Golf Links | Gort Golf Club | Ceide Fields. Co Mayo | Achill Island | Westport House and Gardens | Irish Museum of Country Life | Knock Shrine | Croagh Patrick | Carne Golf Links |

Where to Stay

Read independent reviews of hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs and other recommended accommodation in the general area of this tour or in Co Galway.

What's on in the Area