Self-Drive Ireland West, Connemara & Cliffs of Moher

After a hearty Irish breakfast, start your morning with a drive through Leenane following the shoreline along the majestic beauty of Killary Fjord. Your route will take you through the dramatic, glaciated valleys of Delphi and Doolough  At the northern end of Doolough Valley, right next to the road, there is a memorial to the memory of the victims of Ireland’s Great Famine which greatly affected this area.

Follow the winding road by the lake on to the coastal town of Louisburgh on the shores of Clew Bay. This 18th century market town is surrounded by an area of immense natural beauty with mountains to the east and south and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and north. Follow the coast road once more, along the island strewn shores of Clew Bay with the holy mountain of Croagh Patrick providing a striking backdrop. Stop to visit fourteenth century Murrisk Abbey along the way or follow the Clew Bay Archaeological Trail to discover 6000 years of Ireland’s ancient past.

You’ll reach the heritage town of Westport where you’ll stay tonight. This vibrant market town is a captivating blend of traditional and modern and has been voted Ireland’s Best Place to Live. Spend the evening exploring the many restaurants and pubs, catching some live traditional Irish music.

Meals included: Breakfast

Today’s route passes through the villages of Cornamona and Clonbur, along the shores of Lough Corrib, Ireland’s largest lake, renowned for fishing and boating. The ruins of 12th century Castle Kirk are visible on one of the lake's pretty islands. Take a short detour and visit an authentic Irish distillery at Lough Mask.

Your destination is the village of Cong where you’ll stay tonight. This quaint village was made famous by the Oscar-winning 1952 John Ford film, The Quiet Man, and is home to the world-renowned Ashford Castle Hotel. Craft shops, cafes, cosy pubs and winding streets make it a lovely place to wander and absorb its lively atmosphere. Cong also boasts several notable historical sites including an inscribed 14th century stone cross  and the ruins of Ashford Abbey, founded in 1128. You’ll find the best of traditional and contemporary cuisine in the restaurants here, as well as live music in its many pubs.

Meals included: Breakfast
 

Your journey today will bring you back into Co. Galway, to the heart of Connemara. You’ll travel on winding roads, by the rugged, rocky peaks of the Twelve Bens mountain range, through Leenane and Killary Fjord and on towards Clifden. 

This spectacular journey takes you past world-renowned Kylemore Abbey and Gardens. This magical gothic-style lakeside castle has a long and fascinating history. Built in 1867, it boasts one of Ireland's finest Victorian walled gardens and is also a great place for lunch. At nearby Letterfrack you’ll find the stunning Connemara National Park, where you can enjoy a walk on the looped trails with sweeping views out over the Atlantic to the islands beyond or have a coffee and find out more about this ancient Irish landscape at the charming visitor centre. 

Detour through the pretty village of Tullycross with its traditional thatched cottages into the Renvyle Peninsula, an enchanting, rugged promontory jutting into the Atlantic Ocean. This area is peppered with archaeological sites, historical ruins and hidden beaches. Returning to Letterfrack you’ll follow the coast along the Sky Road at the very edge of Connemara, with soaring views over the wild Atlantic coastline and the islands beyond. 

Today’s journey ends in Clifden, the ‘Capital of Connemara’ where you’ll stay tonight. Clifden is bursting with culture, quaint streets, colourful shops, cosy pubs and cafes and you’re never far from traditional Irish music. Enjoy an evening in this friendly town where everyone knows each other but the warmth towards visitors is legendary.

Meals included: Breakfast
 

From Clifden, today’s route brings you to the picturesque fishing village of Roundstone, a haven over the years for artists, musicians and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the world. 

Take a detour along lake shores and empty bog roads to the charming coastal village of Ballyconneely, where you can visit the acclaimed Connemara Smokehouse, which specialises in wild and organic salmon, smoked and marinated with traditional methods. 

From Roundstone your route continues through Ballynahinch and on to the pretty town of Oughterard at the banks of Lough Corrib, where you’ll stay tonight. We recommend a visit to one of the authentic village pubs tonight.

Meals included: Breakfast
 

It’s an early start this morning as you journey to the famous Cliffs of Moher. A walk along these iconic cliffs at the very edge of the Atlantic is an unforgettable experience and definitely one for the bucket list! Your onward journey brings you through the Burren National Park. Stop off and experience this unique sparse, lunar landscape on your way to the final stop of your driving tour.

Then it’s on to Galway City, the ‘City of the Tribes’. Overlooking Galway Bay, it’s a bustling, colourful and friendly city with medieval architecture, cobbled streets, great seafood, traditional pubs and a cosmopolitan, international atmosphere. The perfect place to finish your tour.
 

After breakfast this morning, you’ll drive back to ?? and drop off your hire car. It's the end of your tour and time for your onward journey, bringing your unforgettable memories of Ireland with you. Slan go fóill! – we’ll see you again soon.

Meals included: Breakfast