A Road Trip from Galway to Connemara (Map + Stops)

Many tourists who’ve driven from Galway to Connemara have described their experience to me as underwhelming.

Which is always disappointing to hear, as this road trip route is anything but once you have a logical itinerary.

Many who travel from Galway to Connemara simply follow the N59 and never deviate from it. In this guide, you’ll find 3 itineraries:

• The short route: The most direct route to Clifden that visits attracts near the N59
• Long route A: Takes a detour that bridges you the Leenane way
• Long route B: Takes the coast road from the city

The shortest route from Galway to Connemara

The map above shows the route from the city out into Connemara National Park via the N59 road.

The main benefit of this itinerary is that you stick to the main road while visiting attractions very close to it.

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: Oughterard

You’ll find the little town of Oughterard by the Owenriff River, a 5-minute drive from Aughnanure Castle.

Oughterard is one of the best areas to stay in Galway if you want to experience a traditional Irish town.

For this trip, I’d recommend grabbing a coffee from the cosy My Little Flower Cafe and then heading on your merry way.

Stop 3: The Quiet Man Bridge

Continue along the N59 road for 10 minutes after you leave Oughterard and you’ll come to a left-hand turn that takes you to the Quiet Man Bridge.

This is one of the most famous Quiet Man filming locations and it’s well served by a reasonably sized parking area.

The bridge is a beautiful little slice of ancient Ireland that stands proudly many years after its construction.

Stop 4: Lough Inagh Viewpoint

The next stop on the drive from Galway to Connemara is the Lough Inagh Viewpoint, a 25-minute drive from the last stop.

You’ll need to detour slightly off the N59 to reach it (here on Google Maps) but it’s well worth it.

Lough Inagh is a large freshwater lake that’s finely enveloped by the Twelve Bens and the Maumturk mountains.

The scenery you’re treated to here, even on a day when the weather is terrible, is like something plucked from an oil painting.

Stop 5: Pine Island Viewpoint

Head back onto the N59 and continue for around 5 minutes and you’ll see this little pull-in area.

Known as Pine Island Viewpoint, it’s arguably one of the most photographed places in County Galway.

The little island sits within the dark waters of Derryclare Lough – a freshwater lake that marks the entrance to Connemara’s Inagh Valley.

Stop 6: Clifden, the Sky Road and/or Kylemore Abbey

From Pine Island, you’re an easy 25-minute drive from Clifden Town and it’s from here that you need to decide what to do next.

If it was me, I’d start with a leisurely saunter around town, then drive out to Clifden Castle, and finish by tackling the Sky Road.

You then have the choice of visiting Kylemore Abbey or taking the 77.6km/70-minute drive back to the city.

The longer routes for a Galway to Connemara day trip

Now that I have the shortest route from Galway to Connemara out of the way, it’s time to look at the alternatives.

There are two other ‘main’ routes that I recommend in my Galway Road Trip guide, and they’re outlined on the map above.

The pink route

The pink route is the day trip from Galway to Clifden that I’d do most frequently.

The reason I favour this route is that it takes in Leenane and Killary Fjord, two places that rarely fail to delight.

Here’s the overview:

• Stop 1: Aughnanure Castle
• Stop 2: Oughterard
• Stop 3: Quiet Man Bridge
• Stop 4: Leenane/Killary Fjord
• Stop 5: Kylemore Abbey
• Stop 6: Clifden Town/Sky Road

The white route

The white route is arguably the best option for those that have been to Connemara before via the short route.

It takes in the southern section of Connemara, hugging the coast road from the city and visiting the likes of Salthill and several of the best beaches in Galway.

Here’s an overview:

• Stop 1: Salthill
• Stop 2: Spiddal
• Stop 3: Coral Strand
• Stop 4: Pine Island Viewpoint
• Stop 5: Dog’s Bay and Gurteen Bay
• Stop 6: Clifden Town/Sky Road

When you return to Galway from Connemara

When you arrive back from your day trip from Galway to Connemara, there’s plenty to look forward to.

If you fancy a pint, there are some excellent traditional pubs in Galway City, like the Crane, Garavan’s and Tig Cóilí.

If you fancy a feed, two of the best restaurants in Galway City are Ard Bia and Kai.

Struggling to pick a place to stay in the city? See my guide on where to stay in Galway – it gives you the pros and cons of each area!