The Perfect Weekend in Connemara Itinerary

This Connemara itinerary is one that I’ve done 4 times over the last 10 years. It has been tweaked and improved several times, and it’s now the route that I send to anyone looking to explore the region.

It takes in many of the best things to do in Connemara along with plenty of ‘hidden gems’ that visitors tend to miss.

There’s a good balance of scenic drives, short hikes, historic sites, beach walks, and traditional pubs, with enough flexibility to keep things relaxed.

What to know about this 2 day Connemara itinerary

Take 10 seconds to read the points below as they’ll tell you everything you need to know about this Connemara road trip:

1. Where to base yourself

Deciding where to stay in Connemara can be tricky. Personally, I always tend to stay in either Clifden or Leenaun. For this Connemara itinerary, I’d recommend basing yourself in Clifden, as it has a wide range of accommodation options and the town is well set-up with great pubs, restaurants and facilities.

2. Where to start from

I’ve started this route from Galway City as it’s likely where many of you will be beginning. If you’re starting from elsewhere, no problem – just alter the stops to suit.

3. Speed of travel

So, when you look at the map of Connemara below, it’ll appear that your weekend in Connemara is going to be a busy one, but that isn’t the case. Many of these stops, like the beaches, will be short ones while others, like Kylemore Abbey, require a couple of hours.

Day 1

OK – let’s get cracking! Save the map above to your phone and throw your eyes over it to familiarise yourself with the route.

Day 1 of this Connemara itinerary starts from the Galway City side and, while it covers plenty of ground, it’s broken up with numerous stops.

Stop 1. Aughnanure Castle

Aughnanure Castle is a 30-minute drive from Galway City and it’s a great first-stop to break-up the drive.

The castle was once a stronghold of the O’Flaherty family, who dominated west Connacht for 300 years.

Built on the shores of Lough Corrib, this six-storey tower house showcases the power of the O’Flahertys, known for their motto “Fortune favours the strong.”

Visitors can explore the remains of a banqueting hall, a watch tower, and a dry harbour. While this isn’t one of the most impressive castles in Galway, it’s well worth a visit.

Stop 2. The Quiet Man Bridge

If you’ve ever watched The Quiet Man, the 1952 classic starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, you might remember the moment Sean Thornton first sets foot in rural Ireland. That iconic scene was filmed at this now famous bridge, a 15-minute drive from Aughnanure Castle.

While most of the Quiet Man filming locations are located around Cong in Mayo, this quiet spot in Connemara played a key role. In the scene, Sean hops off a cart, strolls to a stone wall, and takes in the landscape as his mother’s words echo in his mind.

The bridge looks much the same today – sturdy, peaceful, and framed by open hills and sky. Cross to the far side and you’ll see a plaque marking its cinematic moment. Even if you haven’t seen the film, it’s a lovely mini-stop that’s worthy of every Connemara itinerary.

Stop 3. The scenic route

You’re going to follow the N59 until you see Peacockes Hotel at Maam Cross – a famous crossroads about 45 minutes from Galway City.

Turn right and join the R336 (here on Google Maps) – this is where the Connemara Loop begins. If you need fuel, there’s a little filling station just to the right after you take the turn.

You’ll follow a narrow road through a dramatic valley, with Corcogemore towering to the left and Lackavrea reflecting in the dark waters of Loughanillaun on the right.

The drive to Leenaun is only around 20 minutes, but it’s packed with wild scenery that’s like something whipped from an oil painting.

Stop 4. Leenaun and Killary Fjord

Leenaun sits at the head of Killary, Ireland’s only fjord, where the Maam Valley meets the Atlantic. Surrounded by steep slopes (the Devilsmother to the east, Leenaun Hill to the west), it’s squashed between mountains and water.

Across the fjord, Ben Gorm and Mweelrea rise sharply, often lost in cloud. The village is small but lively in summer, with two pubs, a hotel, cafés, and even a sheep and wool museum.

You’ll pass Gaynor’s Pub (yep, the one from Jim Sheridan’s ‘The Field’) as you enter Leenane – at the junction, take a right and park here for a great view of the surrounding scenery.

Killary Harbour itself is a 16 km-long glacier-carved inlet. To the north, Mweelrea’s slopes drop steeply into the water; to the south, the Maumturks and Twelve Bens rise in rugged layers

Fancy a feed? You can grab coffee and a cake or a bit of lunch at the Killary Cafe across the road!

Stop 5. The Inagh Valley

Just before reaching Kylemore Abbey (you’ll visit it on day 2 of this Connemara itinerary), you’ll leave the N59 and turn onto the R344 into the Inagh Valley – a glacial corridor flanked by the Twelve Bens on one side and the Maumturks on the other.

I always think this corner of Connemara feels like something out of Jurassic Park. The road cuts through an untouched valley of shifting skies, rugged mountain faces, and wide, empty land. It’s raw, cinematic, and an absolute joy to spin through.

About 20 minutes in, Lough Inagh appears on your left, its glassy surface perfectly reflecting the surrounding peaks. There’s a small pull-in spot here where you can pause and take it all in.

Note: You’ll be doing the route in the opposite direction of the map above (i.e. you’ll finish at point ‘A’)

Stop 6. Derryclare Lough

From the Lough Inagh viewpoint, follow the road for several minutes and you’ll reach a junction to rejoin the N59. Turn right towards Clifden and then pull into this pull-in-area a short way up the road.

This is the Twelve Pines viewpoint – one of Galway’s most photographed locations. Here, rows of Scots pines stand against the backdrop of Derryclare Lough and the towering Bens beyond.

Stop 6. Lunch in Roundstone

Drive for 20 minutes until you arrive into Roundstone – a colourful little fishing village perched on the edge of Roundstone Bay, with views across to Inishnee Island.

Founded in the 1820s by Scottish engineer Alexander Nimmo, the village has long attracted artists, musicians, and writers inspired by its natural beauty.

If you’re feeling hungry, swing by O’Dowd’s Seafood Bar. This is a local institution known for its fresh catch and hearty chowder. It’s right on the harbour, with views that are hard to beat.

Stop 7. Dog’s + Gurteen Bay

Your next stops are Dog’s Bay and Gurteen Bay, two stunning back-to-back beaches with white sand and clear turquoise water.

From Roundstone, it’s a quick 5-minute drive to the Gurteen Bay car park, which is much larger than the small parking area at Dog’s Bay.

They sit back to back, divided only by a narrow strip of sand and grass. With their soft white sand and Caribbean-like water, they’re easily two of the best beaches in Ireland.

Respect the dunes: Please ALWAYS ADHERE to the signage at both beaches and ONLY use along the designated paths!

Stop 8. Mannin Bay

The final stop on day one of your weekend in Connemara is the magnificent Mannin Bay Blueway, a 20-minute drive away.

Mannin Bay Beach and Blueway is known for its white ‘coral’ sands, clear turquoise waters, and calm conditions perfect for swimming, kayaking, and snorkelling.

The sand is made from crushed coralline seaweed and sea creature remains, giving it a unique texture and colour.

Park up here and hit the sand. If you have swim gear with you and if the conditions allow, this is a great place for a dip!

Stop 9. Clifden for the night

Day 1 of this Connemara itinerary comes to an end in the lively little town of Clifden, a great base for your road trip.

Clifden is the unofficial capital of Connemara – an energetic town nestled between the Twelve Bens and the Atlantic. Here’s some recommendations on where to eat, sleep and sip:

Where to stay

• Budget: Vaughan’s Pub and The Old Exchange
• Mid-range: Abbeyglen Castle Hotel and the Station House Hotel
• High-end: None

Where to eat

• Guys Bar & Seafood Restaurant: Historic gastropub serving hearty seafood and Irish fare in a traditional setting
• Mitchell’s Restaurant: Longstanding husband-and-wife-run seafood restaurant with an emphasis on fresh local produce and cosy charm

Where to drink

• Lowry’s: Family-run since 1949, with live trad music every night in season and one of the best whiskey selections in the west
• McGrath’s: A cosy, old-school pub with a roaring fire, quirky décor, great Guinness, and great tunes
• Tom King’s: A personal favourite. Great Guinness and no fuss. If you’re after a ‘local’ vibe, look no further

Day 2

There’s a lot to look forward to on day 2 of your weekend in Connemara and, while you’ll see and do plenty, you won’t spend too long in the car.

There’s a hike on the cards for today – there’s a long and short version. If you’d rather skip the hike, I’ll offer an alternative below.

Stop 1. The Sky Road

We’re going to start the day with the Sky Road, but I want to tell you about an optional stop, first, as you’ll need to walk to it from the town.

It’s from John D’Arcy’s Monument that you’ll get the famous view out over Clifden. The start of the short climb (see it here on Maps) is around a 15-minute walk from the town.

There’s no parking near it, so you’ll need to walk. PLEASE BE VIGILANT when walking this road as there isn’t any path. It’ll take you around 5 minutes to reach the top where you can enjoy sweeping views over the town and beyond.

The next optional stop is Clifden Castle, which was built in 1818 for Clifden’s founder, John D’Arcy. It’s a 20-minute walk from the roadside gates to the crumbling ruins.

Then it’s time for the Sky Road! This is a 16km loop that’s arguably one of the best drives in Ireland. Take the Upper Sky Road for sweeping panoramas, and stop at this viewpoint around 5.5km in.

Stop 2. Cleggan

From the viewpoint on the Sky Road, you’re a 20-minute drive from our next stop – Cleggan. It’s best known as the departure point for the ferry to Inishbofin, but it’s also a handy pitstop for food and coastal views.

If you’re hungry, Little Fish is a brilliant seasonal spot right in the village serving fresh seafood, coffee, and desserts (open April and June–Sept).

If you fancy stretching the legs, head to Selerna Beach, a 3-minute spin from the town. This place stays well under the radar. Long, wide, and quiet with soft, white sand and clear, blue water.

Thinking of hiking to the Cleggan Cliffs? Be warned: While the views are glorious, access is a pain. There’s no parking, no signage, and the trail gets boggy fast after rain

Stop 3. Diamond Hill

Right – for those of you that fancy a hike, head for Connemara National Park, a 20-minute drive away. It’s from the park’s main car park that the brilliant Diamond Hill walk begins.

One of the highlights of this Connemara itinerary, it can be tackled via two trails (the Upper Trail is the one with the magnificent views):

• The Upper Trail: 6km long, relatively easy-going and takes around 2 hours
• The Lower Trail: 2.8km long, moderately difficult and takes around 45 minutes

If you don’t fancy the hike, head straight to Kylemore Abbey, do the tour and then grab lunch in Letterfrack (see below).

Stop 4. Lunch in Letterfrack

Letterfrack is located right next to the National Park and it makes a great pit-stop for lunch before you head into the second half of the day.

I have a few go-tos in Letterfrack (I’m generally here during the busier seasons, so I usually head to whichever looks least busy):

• Veldons Seafarer: Casual pub grub with fresh seafood and hearty mains
• The Clover Fox: Laid-back bistro-style menu with veggie options and homemade desserts
• The Hungry Hiker: Casual café that’s good for toasties, soups, and baked treats

Stop 5. Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey, one of the most popular places to visit in Galway, is a breezy 5-minute drive from Letterfrack.

Built in 1868 by Mitchell Henry, Kylemore Abbey started life as a private castle, fuelled by wealth and heartbreak. It sits on the edge of Pollacapall Lough, with the Twelve Bens rising behind it.

The abbey’s story runs deep, from a tragic love story and political ambition to fleeing nuns and decades of education. Today, you can walk through restored period rooms, visit the tiny Gothic church, explore six acres of walled gardens, and follow forest trails to the Henrys’ final resting place.

Stop 6. The Renvyle Peninsula

From Kylemore Abbey, continue west on the N59 for 7 minutes, then take this sharp left onto the narrow road by Lough Fee. This stretch, winding past Lough Muck and out onto the Renvyle Peninsula, is raw, quiet, and deeply scenic.

It’ll take you just over 20 minutes to reach your first beach. Glassilaun Beach is the big draw with its white sand, turquoise water, and a mountain backdrop that nearly looks like it has been painted on.

5 minutes away is Lettergesh, quieter but just as beautiful, with wide open sands and barely a soul in sight outside of the summer season.

From there, spin over to Renvyle Beach where you’ll be treated to soft sand, island views, and a real sense of calm.

Stop 7. Back to Clifden for the night

From Renvyle, you’re a 25-minute drive back to Clifden where you’ll round-off your weekend in Connemara.

Here’s where to eat sleep and sip while you’re there:

Where to eat

• Guys Bar & Seafood Restaurant: Historic gastropub serving hearty seafood and Irish fare in a traditional setting
• Mitchell’s Restaurant: Longstanding husband-and-wife-run seafood restaurant with an emphasis on fresh local produce and cosy charm

Where to drink

• Lowry’s: Family-run since 1949, with live trad music every night in season and one of the best whiskey selections in the west
• McGrath’s: A cosy, old-school pub with a roaring fire, quirky décor, great Guinness, and great tunes
• Tom King’s: A personal favourite. Great Guinness and no fuss. If you’re after a ‘local’ vibe, look no further

Now you know how to spend a weekend in Connemara, here’s what else Galway has to offer

Your Connemara itinerary has come to an end, but your adventure doesn’t have to. You have two options:

• Continue into Mayo: Pass through the Doolough Valley, continue into Westport and explore Achill Island
• Continue into Galway: Take day trips to the Aran Islands or power on into Care, exploring the Burren and beyond