Southern Ireland Road Trip

[L1OFF]

I'm thinking of doing a 2 week road trip in the GT, need to get to Dingle bay (wife's choice) during the trip. Anybody done similar? I'm wondering about the roads really as I've not been there before.

[Liam22]

No direct experience but I hear good things about the Wild Atlantic Way

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/taking...

[L1OFF]

Liam22 said:

No direct experience but I hear good things about the Wild Atlantic Way

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/taking...

Thanks that's much appreciated.

[SpudLink]

When I lived in Dublin I used to enjoy Old Military Road and Wicklow Gap (R756). That was on my motorbike, but would be a good route for the Alpine.
Worth trying if you arrive by Ferry at Dún Laoghaire.

[curren1963]

If you find yourself a bit further north the western loop from Westport to Aaslwagh (via Delphi) is quite nice, and then Clifden via Claddaghduff (don't bother with the next loop (just go straight then to Galway.

It's never going to be the Alps/Highland, but a nice drive nonetheless (and very few cars)

[BreadvanMatt]

Hi there, my parents are from the west of Ireland.
Some excellent driving roads in Connemara where my parents live.

You can start by driving west from Galway city towards Costelloe. (R336) – note, this is not a great driving road, too much traffic, but the scenery is good.
At Costelloe. go north towards Screebe. Very little traffic on these roads, great driving roads, plenty of corners, no speed cameras but watch out for sheep.
Then head to Maam Cross and then onto Maum (great bar here for a quick 00 drink or coffee) – Keane’s. You can sit outside with great views of mountains etc..

Then go west to Leenaun (only Fjord in ireland apparently). Good village for a coffee/ drink/.
Then head to Kylemore abbey (worth viewing), and then onto Clifden (large enough town with plenty of options for food).
Then go south to Ballyconnelly and Roundstone (another great village to stop for a coffee and something to eat).
(If the weather is kind, ‘Dog’s Bay’ is nearby and worth a visit).
Then you could head to Ballnahinch Castle. Worth a stop. Nice views.
Then swing back to Maam cross and then take the N59 to Oughterard and Moycullen before going back to Galway City.

That will take most of the day, but some great driving roads and nice villages.

I know this area well so let me know if you have any questions.

[L1OFF]

BreadvanMatt said:

Hi there, my parents are from the west of Ireland.
Some excellent driving roads in Connemara where my parents live.

You can start by driving west from Galway city towards Costelloe. (R336) note, this is not a great driving road, too much traffic, but the scenery is good.
At Costelloe. go north towards Screebe. Very little traffic on these roads, great driving roads, plenty of corners, no speed cameras but watch out for sheep.
Then head to Maam Cross and then onto Maum (great bar here for a quick 00 drink or coffee) Keane s. You can sit outside with great views of mountains etc..

Then go west to Leenaun (only Fjord in ireland apparently). Good village for a coffee/ drink/.
Then head to Kylemore abbey (worth viewing), and then onto Clifden (large enough town with plenty of options for food).
Then go south to Ballyconnelly and Roundstone (another great village to stop for a coffee and something to eat).
(If the weather is kind, Dog s Bay is nearby and worth a visit).


Then you could head to Ballnahinch Castle. Worth a stop. Nice views.
Then swing back to Maam cross and then take the N59 to Oughterard and Moycullen before going back to Galway City.

That will take most of the day, but some great driving roads and nice villages.

I know this area well so let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks that's great info. And thank you for the offer. Looking forward to planning the trip. Off to Jersey tomorrow for the week (Taking the A110) sadly no great driving roads.

[BreadvanMatt]

No issues L1OFF.
The WAW (Wild Atlantic way) is a great road which is worth the effort. However, way too much in it to experience it all in one trip.
Better off picking one area (North, North-West, West, South) and exploring that in one go versus trying to get it all in. The experience and memories will be better.
The south WAW tends to be busier with tourists, so West and North tend to be better suited for driving enthusiasts.

Coincidently, see an article in the PH main page on this. Captures some of what i described.