Walks

Loop Walk, Roundstone

Walk Inishnee Loop

Start / Finish: Turn for Inis Ní/Inishnee is off the R341 2km northeast of Roundstone. Cross the bridge and the start is on your left. Terrain: Road, bóithrín (narrow country road) Distance: 6km

Grade: Easy to moderate

Visit connemara.net/inishnee for a link to the map of the loop. Located just 2 km east of Roundstone, Inishnee is a small island connected to the mainland by a bridge and is a wonderfully unique destination. Home to a small local population, Inishnee offers the walker a glimpse into the peace and tranquility of island life. Rolling green fields, boggy hills and fresh sea air make this little gem of an island a very worthwhile visit.

This National Looped Walk is suitable for all levels of fitness and requires a minimum amount of gear; trekking shoes, a rain jacket and plenty of water are recommended as there are no amenities on the island itself. The Inishnee Loop is suitable for the whole family, however, if you are bringing a stroller, it will have to be a very sturdy one with larger wheels if you want to complete the full 6 km, as the terrain goes from minor roadways to old bumpy laneways with an ascent of 30 to 40 metres. Allow two to two and a half hours to complete the walk. Begin the walk at the trailhead, which is located just after the bridge connecting Inishnee to the mainland, where you will find a large notice board featuring a map of the walk.

For the first few kilometres, the road is relatively flat and gives you all the more freedom to take in the scenery and let your mind wander to the sounds of the island. You will pass a number of houses until you come to an inlet on your left, where you can enjoy views of the Twelve Bens mountain range to the east and spectacular views of Roundstone across Bertraghboy Bay to the west.

You will loop back to this point from the left later – for now keep going straight towards the central part of the island. Keep following the edge of the island for about a kilometre and a half and be rewarded by more fabulous views of Roundstone to your right. When you reach the fork junction at another inlet, take a left and walk up the incline. The road will change into a minor roadway and climb gently to reach the other side of the island, where you will find Saint Matthew’s Graveyard on your right.

Continue to follow the minor roadway until it becomes an old stone laneway, taking your time to say hello to a few Connemara ponies along the way. Eventually, the track veers left and brings you to a working pier dotted with old and new fishing boats. From there, follow the path to the main road, turning right to go back to the trailhead.

Below: View of Roundstone Bay and Inishnee from Errisbeg