Drives
& day tours
Roundstone Bog & Ballyconneely Loop
Heartlands of Connemara
On the N59 from Galway, turn left onto the R341 which will take you south towards Roundstone and past the iconic Ballynahinch Estate. The inland side of the road is primarily part of the Connemara Bog Complex which is dotted with countless small lakes and a great diversity of plant life.
Heading west of Lough Corrib and Oughterard, the beauty of Connemara begins to unfold before you.
On approaching Roundstone, the island of Inishnee can be accessed by car and is a beautiful and peaceful walking destination. The colourful fishing village of Roundstone is a must-see and the road continues on towards the two stunning beaches of Gurteen and Dog’s Bay. Onwards towards Ballyconneely, where a left turn will take you to Aillebrack, you will enjoy a scenic driving route where almost every side road leads to a sandy or coral beach. If departing from Clifden, take the R341 towards Ballyconneely and turn left at Ballinaboy Bridge to travel the famous narrow and winding Bog Road, a true unspoilt highlight of Connemara. Images above: Bog Road / Roundstone Harbour. Image below: Greenway Cycle Route
12
A popular photo stop, the Quiet Man Bridge is located 5 miles past Oughterard on the left. The scenery on the N59 towards Maam Cross is truly spectacular whatever the weather and the village is essentially the midway point of Connemara. Continuing towards Clifden, you will come to Recess where the Connemara Giant statue overlooks the village car park. Past Recess, take the R344 onto the Inagh Valley, where you will experience one of Ireland’s most truly beautiful drives, with the Twelve Bens mountain range on your left and the Maumturks on your right. Watch out for sheep, stacks of turf and stunning skies, especially on a calm clear morning or at sunset. At the end of the Inagh Valley, you can choose to turn left towards Kylemore or right towards Leenane and Killary Harbour. Images above: Quiet Man Replica Cottage, Maam Cross / Killary Fjord by Chris Hill.
