Connemara is magical and you won't regret spending time there. It is also not on the main tourist beat, so there won't be the same number of tourists. The 'old' Ireland still exists here, especially if you get off the main roads. You will still see peat being cut, although this is increasingly being done mechanically now. Peat is on sale in the shops. If you have chance to have a peat fire, grab at it. Peat burns slowly and very hot. It has a lovely smell.
You have worked out a really nice trip.
My only comment is about Day 6 when you are doubling back on yourself from Galway to Kylemore. I would take out this stop and build another night in Clifden. You can easily do Kylemore from Clifden on Day 4 - see below.
Day 3
From Galway, drive round the coast along R336,R340,R342 R431 to Roundstone. This is a delightful run and there are many small villages and beaches to stop and explore on the way. Make sure you have a stop in Roundstone with it's small harbour and splendid views across to the 12 Bens.
Then head to Clifden. This is a nice town which has kept it's old fashioned air.
If it is a good day, make sure you do the 'Sky Drive' which takes you round the small peninsula to the west of Clifden. The views are stunning and this will be one of the best short drives you can do in Ireland.
With plenty of stops this will the day.
Day 4
If you have a road atlas, explore the network of unclassified roads to the west of Clifden heading for Omey Island and Strand. The island is accessible across the sand at low tide but be warned the tide comes in very fast and you can be cut off.
Head back to N59 and take this through Letterfrack. You may be interested in visiting
Connemara National Park before heading to Kylemore (and Abbey).
From here continue to Leenaun where you might be interested in a
cruise on Killarey Harbour.
Head back to Clifden for the night.
There are pictures of the area
here. Day 5
You are heading to Cong for the night. From Clifden take N59 to Maam Cross. This is a lovely run along the bottom of the 12 Bens. From Maam Cross take R336 north to Maum and then R354 through Corr na Mona and clonbur to Cong. Americans visit Cong as John Wayne's film "The Quiet Man' was filmed here.
Visit the ruins of Cong Abbey and walk down to the river to find the Monk's fishing station. Each time a fish was caught, the monks would ring a bell to tell the kitchen.
Depending on how time goes there are unclassified roads you can explore. Take the unclassified road north of Corr na Mona through Cloghbrack to the shore of Lough Mask. Then follow the road west to Finny and then east back up the coast of Lough Mask.
Day 6 Head back to Galway from Cong.
Take R346 to R334 to Headford. look out for a small sign on your right hand side for Ross Errily Abbey (or Ross Abbey). I think it is signed right at the crossroads in Headford, but memory may be playing me false. Follow an unclassified road to the ruins of this abbey on the banks of the river. Tourists don't get here and you may have the place to yourselves. (If you have problems finding the road, ask in the shop in Headford for directions.)
Return to Headford and continue south on R334 for about another 10km. Look for signs to
Annaghdown on you right. This was once an important town on the shores of Lough Corrib and there are the ruins of a cathedral and other small chapels to explore.
There are pictures
here and
here. Now head to Galway for the night.
Day 7
Drive to Shannon.
Consider taking the scenic route through the Burren area. You will have done the start of this to Ballyvaghan when you drove to Galway on Day 2
From Ballyvaghan take R480 south to pick up R476 through Corrofin to Ennis and then Shannon.
This is very much an outline. Come back if you want any more information on the different places.
Eleanor
