IRL Day 2 Round trip Clifden Connemara and Galway
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RouteXpert René Plücken (MRA Master)
Last edit: 16-03-2025
Route Summary The routes take you past the most beautiful towns, villages, sights and wonders of nature.
All routes include waypoints for hotels, restaurants and POIs. The population is very friendly and hospitable, in every village there are several pubs and restaurants where you can enjoy the Irish cuisine.
Several (historical) sights are included in the routes and we try to avoid highways.
This itinerary covers the second day, a circular drive from Clifden through Connemara, taking in the famous “Skyroad” and visits to beautiful parks and other attractions.
This route has a 5 star rating.
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Animation
Verdict
Duration
10h 56m
Mode of travel
Car or motorcycle
Distance
288.09 km
Countries
RouteXpert Review In Connemara it is not only the landscape that is central; the Irish language, which is cherished and spoken by the locals, also plays an important role. As does the charm of towns and villages such as Leenane, Roundstone, Clifden and Letterfrack. And the ponies, music and the pure flavours of the local food, make this a day to remember
The enjoyment begins as soon as we leave Clifden and turn onto the Sky Road, a scenic road that begins and ends in Clifden, the capital of Connemara. From Clifden the road heads west and soon you reach a junction between the Lower Sky Road and the Upper Sky Road. The upper path climbs gradually and at the highest point you reach a lookout point. The view from here, over Clifden Bay and the islands off the coast in the Atlantic Ocean, is breathtaking.
After about 50 minutes drive we approach the town of Letterfrack, here you can enjoy a boat trip with “Letterfrack Waters Boat tours'. Ballinakill Harbour is home to a wide variety of sea birds, grey seals, dolphins and porpoises and with the glass bottom boat everyone can look under water like divers do. The trip takes 1 hour and a ticket costs € 21.50, including a visit to the Ocean's Alive visitor centre, with a free cup of tea or coffee.
After the boat trip we visit the beautiful Connemara Park, put on your walking boots because it is a two thousand hectares of moorland, grasslands, bogs, mountains and forests to walk through. The mountains Benbaun, Bencullagh and Benbrack are part of the 12 Ben Mountain Range and guarantee beautiful walks. Keep your eyes open for red deer and the Connemara pony. Start your visit at the visitor centre in Letterfrack and be sure to stop at Diamond Hill.
Less than a 10-minute drive away is Kylemore Abbey (Irish: Mainistir na Coille Móire), a Benedictine monastery founded in 1920 on the grounds of Kylemore Castle, Connemara. The abbey was founded for Benedictine nuns who fled Belgium during World War I. Today, Kylemore Abbey continues its mission as a Benedictine monastery under the stewardship of The Kylemore Trust. Kylemore and its spiritual mission, natural and built heritage are entrusted to the Irish nation. Kylemore Abbey is also one of Ireland’s leading visitor attractions.
Enjoy Kylemore Abbey and its Victorian Walled Garden, the Abbey’s new visitor centre. Stroll through the woodland, gardens and lakeside. Enjoy healthy food and delicious home-baked treats at lunchtime in the Café or Garden Tea House. History talks are held at the Abbey three times a day and guided tours of the walled garden run throughout the summer. There is a Craft and Design Shop for unique gifts including Kylemore Abbey Pottery and award-winning chocolates handmade by the Benedictine nuns. Discover the beauty, history and romance of Ireland’s most intriguing estate in the heart of the Connemara countryside.
We continue on the N59 towards Leenane, passing several beautiful viewpoints along the way where you can take great photos of the Killary Fjord and the green hills. You may want to consider taking the Killary Fjord Boat Tour, this is a 1½ hour cruise through the Killary Fjord, an area of outstanding natural beauty, rich in stories of the past, some of which may even be true! From the purpose built boat ramp, an hour's drive from Kylemore Abbey, at Nancy's Point, the Connemara Lady gently cruises 14km to the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, the informative commentary and the warm hospitality of our onboard bar and café. There are four departures per day at a cost of €27.
In Leenane we visit the Sheep and Wool Heritage Centre. Enjoy a fun hands-on experience where you will gain valuable insights into the historical significance of sheep and wool in Connemara's past. Next door is a small café where you can enjoy a good cup of coffee.
Ireland suffered a great famine between 1845 and 1849 and a million Irish died from disease and hunger during this period, as we drive through the Doolough Valley we pass the Doolough Valley Famine Memorial in memory of the Doolough Tragedy, an event that took place during the Great Irish Famine near Doo Lough. At least seven (and perhaps 20 or significantly more) starving people died after having to walk a long distance to an inspection by poorhouse officials, who would determine whether they would continue to receive out-of-school care.
In the town of Murrisk you will pass the National Famine Memorial in Murrisk, which commemorates the one million Irish who died from disease and starvation during the Great Famine of 1845 to 1849, perhaps the greatest disaster in Irish history. Renowned sculptor John Behan created the Famine Ship, a bronze memorial with skeletal figures symbolizing the many people who died on the “Coffin Ships” that left Ireland in the desperate hope of a better life.
Via the towns of Westport and Balinrobe we head south again to Galway City, if you didn’t have time to visit this beautiful city on the first day, now is your chance. Galway City is one of Ireland’s most unique cities, as famous for its fantastic food and nightlife as it is for its cutting edge art, music, design and theatre. Galway is famous as the festival capital of Ireland, hosting an average of 122 festivals and events each year. Although Galway is often cited as the fastest growing urban area in Europe, it has been relatively slow to develop. The county is packed with culture, history, atmosphere and most of all “craic” (Craic or crack is a term for news, gossip, fun, entertainment and pleasant conversation). It is not without reason that Galway has been named European Capital of Culture 2020 and one of Lonely Planet’s top 10 cities to visit in the world! Enjoy a delicious meal in one of the many restaurants.
From Galway we drive part of the same route as on day one, we stop at the viewpoint on Pine Island, with its beautiful trees and the hills in the background this is a nice photo location. We then drive via Roundstone back to Clifden.
You can plan some time in Roundstone, this town is beautifully situated on one of the most spectacular coastal roads overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and situated at the foot of Errisbeg Hill. Roundstone has a rich history and much to offer to its visitors. End point of this great day is our hotel in Clifden.
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Use of this GPS route is at your own expense and risk. The route has been carefully composed and checked by a MyRoute-app accredited RouteXpert for use on TomTom, Garmin and MyRoute-app Navigation.
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Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
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Connacht
About this region
Connacht ( KON-awt, KON-ə(kh)t; Irish: Connacht [ˈkɔn̪ˠəxt̪ˠə] or Cúige Chonnacht [ˌkuːɟə ˈxɔn̪ˠəxt̪ˠ]), or Connaught, is one of the provinces of Ireland, in the west of Ireland. Until the ninth century it consisted of several independent major Gaelic kingdoms (Lúighne, Uí Maine, and Iar Connacht).
Between the reigns of Conchobar mac Taidg Mór (died 882) and his descendant, Aedh mac Ruaidri Ó Conchobair (reigned 1228–33), it became a kingdom under the rule of the Uí Briúin Aí dynasty, whose ruling sept adopted the surname Ua Conchobair. At its greatest extent, it incorporated the often independent Kingdom of Breifne, as well as vassalage from the lordships of western Mide and west Leinster. Two of its greatest kings, Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair (1088–1156) and his son Ruaidri Ua Conchobair (c. 1115–1198) greatly expanded the kingdom's dominance, so much so that both became Kings of Ireland.
The Kingdom of Connacht collapsed in the 1230s because of civil war within the royal dynasty, which enabled widespread Hiberno-Norman settlement under Richard Mór de Burgh, 1st Baron of Connaught, and his successors. The Norman colony in Connacht shrank from c. 1300 to c. 1360, with events such as the 1307 battle of Ahascragh (see Donnchad Muimnech Ó Cellaigh), the 1316 Second Battle of Athenry and the murder in June 1333 of William Donn de Burgh, 3rd Earl of Ulster, all leading to Gaelic resurgence and colonial withdrawal to towns such as Ballinrobe, Loughrea, Athenry, and Galway. Well into the 16th century, kingdoms such as Uí Maine and Tír Fhíacrach Múaidhe remained beyond English control, while many Norman families such as de Burgh, de Bermingham, de Exeter, de Staunton, became entirely Gaelicised. Only in the late 1500s, during the Tudor conquest of Ireland, was Connacht shired into its present counties.
Connacht's population was 1.4 million before the Great Famine of the 1840s, which began a 120-year decline to under 400,000. The province had a population of 550,000 at the 2016 census.
British cultural imperialism was weaker in the west of Ireland, and Connacht today has the highest number of Irish language speakers among the four Irish provinces. Currently, the total percentage of people who consider themselves as Irish speakers in Connacht is 39.8% (more than 202,000 persons). There are Gaeltacht areas in Counties Galway and Mayo.
The province of Connacht has no official function for local government purposes, but it is an officially recognised subdivision of the Irish state. It is listed on ISO-3166-2 as one of the four provinces of Ireland and "IE-C" is attributed to Connacht as its country sub-division code. Along with counties from other provinces, Connacht lies in the Midlands–North-West constituency for elections to the European Parliament.
Read more on Wikipedia
Between the reigns of Conchobar mac Taidg Mór (died 882) and his descendant, Aedh mac Ruaidri Ó Conchobair (reigned 1228–33), it became a kingdom under the rule of the Uí Briúin Aí dynasty, whose ruling sept adopted the surname Ua Conchobair. At its greatest extent, it incorporated the often independent Kingdom of Breifne, as well as vassalage from the lordships of western Mide and west Leinster. Two of its greatest kings, Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair (1088–1156) and his son Ruaidri Ua Conchobair (c. 1115–1198) greatly expanded the kingdom's dominance, so much so that both became Kings of Ireland.
The Kingdom of Connacht collapsed in the 1230s because of civil war within the royal dynasty, which enabled widespread Hiberno-Norman settlement under Richard Mór de Burgh, 1st Baron of Connaught, and his successors. The Norman colony in Connacht shrank from c. 1300 to c. 1360, with events such as the 1307 battle of Ahascragh (see Donnchad Muimnech Ó Cellaigh), the 1316 Second Battle of Athenry and the murder in June 1333 of William Donn de Burgh, 3rd Earl of Ulster, all leading to Gaelic resurgence and colonial withdrawal to towns such as Ballinrobe, Loughrea, Athenry, and Galway. Well into the 16th century, kingdoms such as Uí Maine and Tír Fhíacrach Múaidhe remained beyond English control, while many Norman families such as de Burgh, de Bermingham, de Exeter, de Staunton, became entirely Gaelicised. Only in the late 1500s, during the Tudor conquest of Ireland, was Connacht shired into its present counties.
Connacht's population was 1.4 million before the Great Famine of the 1840s, which began a 120-year decline to under 400,000. The province had a population of 550,000 at the 2016 census.
British cultural imperialism was weaker in the west of Ireland, and Connacht today has the highest number of Irish language speakers among the four Irish provinces. Currently, the total percentage of people who consider themselves as Irish speakers in Connacht is 39.8% (more than 202,000 persons). There are Gaeltacht areas in Counties Galway and Mayo.
The province of Connacht has no official function for local government purposes, but it is an officially recognised subdivision of the Irish state. It is listed on ISO-3166-2 as one of the four provinces of Ireland and "IE-C" is attributed to Connacht as its country sub-division code. Along with counties from other provinces, Connacht lies in the Midlands–North-West constituency for elections to the European Parliament.
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Route Collections in this region Complete tour of Ireland
Ireland is a beautiful country to drive. This collection contains 10 connecting routes that take you past the most beautiful, cities, villages, sights and wonders of nature.
All routes include reviews, route points for hotels, restaurants and POI.
The Irish population is very friendly and hospitable, in every village there are several pubs and restaurants where you can enjoy Irish cuisine.
There are several (historical) sights included in the routes, here is a summary overview per route, in the reviews of the routes you will find more details.
IRL1; Belvedere House & Garden Parks, Charleville Castle and the Ruins of Clonmacnoise
IRL2; Sky Road, Connemara Natural Park and Kylemoore Abbey.
IRL3; The Burren, the peninsulas Lettermore, Tiermee and Teach Mor, Blackhead and the Cliffs of Moher.
IRL4; Bunratty Castle, Folk Park and King Johns Castle.
IRL5; Ring of Kerry and Skellig Ring, this is without a doubt the most beautiful part of the Ring of Kerry. With a beautiful view of Little Skellig and Skellig Michael, the islands where the latest Star Wars film was shot.
IRL6; Ring of Beare, Glenngariff Woods Nature Reserve and one of the most beautiful panoramas in Ireland: "Ladies View".
IRL7; Killarney National Park with Molls Gap, Ladies View, the Healy Pass and Priest's Leap (very narrow winding route with partly very bad road surface) and Mizen Head.
IRL8; Blarney Castle, Cahir Castle, Killkenny Castle and Saint Canice's Cathedral.
IRL9; Dunmore Caves, SS Dunbrody Irish Emigrants ship, the ruins of Dunbrody Abbey and Garden and Kilkenny Castle.
IRL10; the ruins of the Black Castle, The Altamont Gardens, Powerscourt Gardens and Waterfall and St. Patricks Cathedral.
The routes are mainly country roads, often with beautiful curves, but sometimes very narrow or of poor quality. Driving experience is required, partly because of driving on the left side of the road.
You drive through nature parks and pass such as the Healy Pass, Conner Pass, Priest's Leap and Molls Gap. Two beautiful routes are the famous Ring of Kerry (IRL5) and Ring of Beare (IRL6). These are long journeys with many beautiful things along the way, so staying overnight while on the road is highly recommended. It can also be very busy on these routes in the weekends.
The other two routes in this collection is The Wild Atlantic Way from North-South and from South to North. This route is a sensational journey past towering cliffs and lively villages and towns, past hidden beaches and beautiful bays. This route follows the West Coast and you do multiple places from the other routes. The review of the route contains more details and for even more information I refer to https://www.wildatlanticway.com/home
All routes in this collection are all beautiful and challenging and can be driven by car or motorcycle.
Have fun with these routes.
All routes include reviews, route points for hotels, restaurants and POI.
The Irish population is very friendly and hospitable, in every village there are several pubs and restaurants where you can enjoy Irish cuisine.
There are several (historical) sights included in the routes, here is a summary overview per route, in the reviews of the routes you will find more details.
IRL1; Belvedere House & Garden Parks, Charleville Castle and the Ruins of Clonmacnoise
IRL2; Sky Road, Connemara Natural Park and Kylemoore Abbey.
IRL3; The Burren, the peninsulas Lettermore, Tiermee and Teach Mor, Blackhead and the Cliffs of Moher.
IRL4; Bunratty Castle, Folk Park and King Johns Castle.
IRL5; Ring of Kerry and Skellig Ring, this is without a doubt the most beautiful part of the Ring of Kerry. With a beautiful view of Little Skellig and Skellig Michael, the islands where the latest Star Wars film was shot.
IRL6; Ring of Beare, Glenngariff Woods Nature Reserve and one of the most beautiful panoramas in Ireland: "Ladies View".
IRL7; Killarney National Park with Molls Gap, Ladies View, the Healy Pass and Priest's Leap (very narrow winding route with partly very bad road surface) and Mizen Head.
IRL8; Blarney Castle, Cahir Castle, Killkenny Castle and Saint Canice's Cathedral.
IRL9; Dunmore Caves, SS Dunbrody Irish Emigrants ship, the ruins of Dunbrody Abbey and Garden and Kilkenny Castle.
IRL10; the ruins of the Black Castle, The Altamont Gardens, Powerscourt Gardens and Waterfall and St. Patricks Cathedral.
The routes are mainly country roads, often with beautiful curves, but sometimes very narrow or of poor quality. Driving experience is required, partly because of driving on the left side of the road.
You drive through nature parks and pass such as the Healy Pass, Conner Pass, Priest's Leap and Molls Gap. Two beautiful routes are the famous Ring of Kerry (IRL5) and Ring of Beare (IRL6). These are long journeys with many beautiful things along the way, so staying overnight while on the road is highly recommended. It can also be very busy on these routes in the weekends.
The other two routes in this collection is The Wild Atlantic Way from North-South and from South to North. This route is a sensational journey past towering cliffs and lively villages and towns, past hidden beaches and beautiful bays. This route follows the West Coast and you do multiple places from the other routes. The review of the route contains more details and for even more information I refer to https://www.wildatlanticway.com/home
All routes in this collection are all beautiful and challenging and can be driven by car or motorcycle.
Have fun with these routes.
View Route Collection
7 Beautiful Routes Through Ireland
"7 beautiful routes through Ireland"
You may have seen one of these routes before. There are seven routes driven and created in 2024. The routes are part of a 7-day trip through Ireland. You drive through landscapes that are very diverse. Especially the roads along the coast are breathtaking.
The roads are from reasonable to good, but you also drive on roads that are less maintained and there can be some gravel on the roads here and there. Also, grass often grows in the middle of the roads, so caution is required.
These are generally beautiful routes through a beautiful country. The routes are connecting and go along the west coast. The route starts in Belfast and ends in Rosslare.
The collection contains the following routes:
Day 1 Belfast to Carrick on Shannon via Enniskillen Castle (265 Km)
Day 2 from Carrick on Shannon to Cleggan towards the Wild Atlantic Way (216 Km)
Day 3 from Cleggan to Shannon via The Cliffs of Moher (254 Km)
Day 4 from Shannon to Waterville via the Kerry Cliffs (304 Km)
Day 5 Waterville to Inchigeelagh via Dursey Island Cableway (256 Km)
Day 6 of Inchigeelagh via Mizen Head Tour (214 Km)
Day 7 Inchigeelagh to Rosslare via Hookhead Lighthouse (307 Km)
All routes have been checked and made equal for Tomtom, Garmin, open streetmaps and MyRoute-App Navigation. The routes follow the original route as it was made at the time.
Have fun driving one of these routes. Enjoy all the beauty that Ireland has to offer.
You may have seen one of these routes before. There are seven routes driven and created in 2024. The routes are part of a 7-day trip through Ireland. You drive through landscapes that are very diverse. Especially the roads along the coast are breathtaking.
The roads are from reasonable to good, but you also drive on roads that are less maintained and there can be some gravel on the roads here and there. Also, grass often grows in the middle of the roads, so caution is required.
These are generally beautiful routes through a beautiful country. The routes are connecting and go along the west coast. The route starts in Belfast and ends in Rosslare.
The collection contains the following routes:
Day 1 Belfast to Carrick on Shannon via Enniskillen Castle (265 Km)
Day 2 from Carrick on Shannon to Cleggan towards the Wild Atlantic Way (216 Km)
Day 3 from Cleggan to Shannon via The Cliffs of Moher (254 Km)
Day 4 from Shannon to Waterville via the Kerry Cliffs (304 Km)
Day 5 Waterville to Inchigeelagh via Dursey Island Cableway (256 Km)
Day 6 of Inchigeelagh via Mizen Head Tour (214 Km)
Day 7 Inchigeelagh to Rosslare via Hookhead Lighthouse (307 Km)
All routes have been checked and made equal for Tomtom, Garmin, open streetmaps and MyRoute-App Navigation. The routes follow the original route as it was made at the time.
Have fun driving one of these routes. Enjoy all the beauty that Ireland has to offer.
View Route Collection