Best Scenic Drives
Top Driving Routes in Galway 🌄
The Burren and Connemara regions on Ireland’s west coast are renowned for their wonderful scenery. And although new and well maintained roads and motorways connect the towns of Galway, there are some spectacular alternative routes to explore the lesser seen, idyllic beauty spots around the county. Turn off the main roads to discover Galway’s most scenic drives, with these five picturesque routes.
Inagh Valley to Killary Harbour
The Inagh Valley road winds its way through majestic heather covered mountains and around picturesque lakes. The vista is ever changing from day to day as the slightest change in weather is reflected beautifully in the lakes and mountains. Continue through the valley until you meet the N59, take a sharp right then turn left signposted Rossroe. This journey along the south side of Killary Harbour is one of the best drives in Connemara and is part of the Wild Atlantic Way route. The ‘harbour’ is actually a fjord-like sea inlet, dominated by the mountain of Mweelrea.
Sky Road, Clifden
The Sky Road drive in Clifden is a popular route in the Connemara region and has been described as being the most impressive coastal drive in the country. The steep ascent along the coastal edge provides a wonderful vantage point with panoramic views of Clifden Bay and its many islands. This 16km looped route brings you west of Clifden, passing the entrance to Clifden castle on your left as you continue your ascent to the most wonderful vantage point. At the top there’s a car park and viewing point which is the ideal place to take a break and enjoy the amazing vistas, particularly at sunset. Take in the views of the Islands of Inis Turbot, Inisturk, Omey Island and Ardmore along with the coast of Co. Clare to the south and Co. Mayo to the North. Continue along the Kingstown Peninsula and rejoin the N59 road back into Clifden.
Leenane to Drummin
The road from the picturesque village of Leenane via Doo Lough to Drummin provides an unforgettable driving experience through the Connemara wilderness. The road, which is on the Wild Atlantic Way driving route, winds its way in spectacular fashion along the northern side of Killary Fjord, through a series of valleys of the Twelve Bens between the peaks of Ben Creggan and Ben Gorm. Paul Henry-esque landscapes abound on all sides as you travel north looking out over a sylvan landscape which surrounds the loughs and their small islands along the way. Enjoy.
Lough Corrib
Leave Galway by the N59 for Moycullen village continuing on to the busy market town of Oughterard, one of Lough Corrib’s main angling centres. Leaving Oughterard behind, drive westward towards Maam Cross, the famous central Connemara market cross roads. Turn left and ss you drive the landscape changes dramatically. Greenery gives way to mountains, moorlands and lakes. Turn right at Maam Cross, and as you drive north you will be surrounded by wonderful mountain scenery. At Maam Bridge, take another right, and drive along by Lough Corrib. Continue through the lively village Cornamona and take in the beautiful views until you reach the village of Clonbur. It’s just a short trip to Cong from here. You cross the border to County Mayo to reach this village, which was the setting for the film “The Quiet Man”. From Cong return to Galway passing through Cross, and on past Glencorrib. The ruins of Ross Errily Abbey are on the right by the Galway/Mayo boundary. Headford is another angling centre and a busy town. Here you can detour right to visit Ross Errily. Return to Headford and then to Galway, with a possible detour to the right to Annaghdown on Lough Corrib, with its ecclesiastical ruins.
Bearna to Lettermore
Driving westwards from Bearna, west of Galway City, is Ireland’s largest Gaeltacht region. The area between Galway and Lettermore is considered Galway’s cultural heartland and is rich in Irish heritage, culture and folklore. Driving along coast road, there is a striking variation in the landscape. On the left is the powerful Atlantic where the three Aran Islands of Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr are in clear view. To your right is Connemara, a scenic vista of bogs, valleys and lakes whose spectacular intricate coastline encloses the dramatic Twelve Pins (Na Beanna Beola) and Maumturk Mountains. Quiet little roads wind through the majestic landscape and lead you from village to village.
More great drives in Galway
Oranmore to Gort historic drive
Galway East consists primarily of 5 main routes out of Galway City, the N^, N17, N18, N4 and the M6 motorway direct to Dublin City. The N18 is the most scenic of these routes and will take you through towns steeped in history, from Oranmore, Clarinbridge and Gort with a diversion at Kilcolgan village to the beautiful village of Kinvara and onwards to Gort. Oranmore is only 10 minutes from the Galway City. It overlooks Galway Bay and is dominated by Oranmore Castle, built in the 15th century and was once a stronghold of the Clarincardes, a prominent Norman family. The castle changed hands over the years and was bought in 1947 by Lady Leslie, a cousin of Sir Winston Churchill and wife of Sir Shane Leslie.The Castle is still privately owned and occupied by descendants of the Leslie family to this day. In the centre of the village, is the statue of Commandant Joseph Howley who was involved in the struggle for Irish independence and killed in action in 1920. On leaving the village by the Maree Road, you will be brought to Renville Park, a delightful public park located by the sea, with playground and picnic areas. The remains of an ancient castle and ruins of a stately home dating back to the 16th century can be found in the woods.
The picturesque village of Clarinbridge is the next stop on the N18 with the river Clarin flowing through it and a walled village green. Located in the centre of the village is Paddy Burkes, a traditional thatched pub and restaurant established in 1850 and home to the renowned Clarinbridge Oyster Festival, running since 1954 and held annually in early September ever since. Taking a right in the village of Kilcolgan, the road leads to Kinvara, a beautiful fishing village on the shores of Galway Bay. Dunguaire Castle in Kinvara is a 16th century restored tower house built by the Hynes clan in 1520 when the site is believed to have been the royal palace of the legendary King of Connaught.
Gort is the next town on the N18, notable for its large town square and wide streets. Not to be missed on route to Gort after passing the village of Ardrahan is Thoor Ballylee, the former home of the famous irish poet WB Yeats. Thoor Ballylee is a 16th century castle built by the De Burgo (or Burke) family. Restored as ‘Yeats Tower’ in 1965 and now includes a Yeats museum that contains many interesting artefacts of the poet.
On the outskirts of Gort is Coole Park, a nature reserve of approx 405 hectares. The park is open all year round to the public and admission is free to the grounds. See the small herd of native red deer in the enclosure next to the visitor centre and the famous autograph tree of Lady Gregory.
Another interesting location not far from Gort is Kilmacduagh, the site of an old monastic settlement which has the tallest round tower in Ireland.
Roundstone and Ballyconneely Loop
Roundstone itself is a must-see fishing village with some fantastic food options, an ideal spot for rereshments, half way along this looped route. Continuing south from there, you’ll come across the famous twin beaches of Gurteen and Dog’s Bay. The road will then wind through beautiful fields on one side and idyllic sand inlets on the other as you make your way towards Ballyconneely.
If you take a left turn at Ballyconneely, you’ll find more beautiful areas to explore at Aillebrack, Connemara Championship Golf Links, and the beautiful Doonlaughan Beach.
Finally head north, back on the R341 and enjoy the scenic drive past Mannin Bay, Coral Strand, Derrygimlagh, and eventually reach the charming town of Clifden.
Wild Atlantic Way
If you wish to experience the ultimate scenic drive, consider taking to the Wild Atlantic Way, a 2,500km route along Ireland’s western seaboard from Co. Cork in the south to Co. Donegal in the north through regions like Connemara, The Burren, Galway Bay and Kerry. This once in a lifetime trip will give you the ultimate insight into Ireland and features 157 discovery points and over 1,000 attractions along the western, southern and northern coasts of Ireland.
Map of Best Drives in Galway
Most scenic drives Galway FAQs
What are the most scenic drives in Connemara?
- The Lough Inagh Valley Drive from Recess to Kylemore is not to be missed. Possibly the most scenic part of Connemara you drive along the valley between the Maunturk and 12 Bens mountain ranges with beautiful Lough Inagh in between. Look out for the little boathouse and lots and lots of sheep.
- When near Clifden you must take the Sky Road for unbelievable views of Clifden Bay and the islands of Inishturk and Turbot (30min looped drive).
What is there to see on an East Galway drive?
Driving a loop from Athenry to Abbeyknockmoy to Kinvara then Gort, you’ll take in some of the most historic places in Galway. See Ireland’s tallest round tower, Kilmacduagh in Gort, the wonderful monastic Friary of Ross Errilly in Headford, Dunguaire Castle in Kinvara and the impressive old friary at Abbeyknockmoy.