Today, we're headed north to explore Connemara, which stretches from Galway Bay to Killary Harbour, taking in the ruggest peaks of the 12 Bens, the gently waters of Lough Corrib and the wild beautfy of the Inagh Valley. Connemara is home to Ireland's finest beaches of pure white sand.
9:00 am. We head out along the Galway Bay on the Wild Atlantic way, hugging the shoreline and marveling at the white sandy beaches. We will stop at the village of Spiddal, a picturesque Gaeltacht village of thatched roof homes, scenic coastlines and Gaeltacht culture.
10:30 After breakfast, we continue driving west through Indreabhan before turning right heading for the heart of Connemara. This is a new world for us, of boglands, lakes, ruggest mountains and stunning expanses of grasslands.
11:30 Our first stop is a photo stop at the tumbling waterfall at Screed, which Oscar Wilde called "the Savage beauty". Next, Maam Cross is a small settlement at the foot of the Maamturk (Boar’s Pass) Mountains. Situated on a crossroad, it is the heart of farming life, hosting livestock sales, farm produce markets and pony fairs. We'll head west and make our way to Pas Mam Ean
12:00 We'll park at Pas Mam Ean Car Park and journey up the pilgrim's path to the sight where St. Patrick preached. There, we'll be treated to amazing views (fingers crossed for good weather) and see the chapel, holy well, stations of the cross, statue and St. Patrick's bed, a stone that legend says opened up and kept him safe as he slept. After our short pilgrimage, we head onto to Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Gardens.
1:30pm A haven of history and serenity in an idyllic setting, Ireland's most romantic building from the late 19th century, Kylemore Abbey was originally built as a private castle in 1867 as a token of love by Englishman Mitchel Henry for his wife Margaret. Today, the Abbey is home to the Benedictine Nuns and the 1,000-acre Kylemore estate is the perfect day trip destination. Experience the Victorian atmosphere of the Abbey, Gothic Church and Head Gardeners House. Enjoy beautiful tree-lined avenues, nature trails and lakeside walks. Explore the magical 6-acre Victorian Walled Garden where only Victorian varieties of flowers and vegetables are grown. Vegetables and herbs from the garden are used in the café where traditional home-cooked food is made to the recipes of the Benedictine Nuns. The Tea House by the walled garden is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the breathtaking views over the Connemara National Park.
4:30pm Next we take the long way home to Galway. We will weave our way between the majestic Twelve Bens and Maumturk mountains through the Inagh Valley. The road winds its way around the lake and every turn provides an opportunity for a breathtaking photo. The mountain-flanked Inagh Valley is one of the most scenic valleys in Connemara. It is a romantic valley which offers breathtaking views of peatlands, mountains, lakes and glorious countryside where sheep graze freely.
Sheep farming is tied up in the identity of Connemara as our tour through the region will prove. The valley is covered in blanket bogs, and the turf is cut by locals for fuel. Turk stacks can be seen drying on either side of the road along the way.
5:15pm Our next photo stop is in the tiny village of Recess, situated on the edge of a beautiful fishing lake, Glendalough. Home to the Connemara Giant, Recess is also one of the sources of the iconic green Connemara Marble, famous throughout the world. Connemara Marble is a rare and unique type of rock found only here. For hundreds of years, people have crafted jewellery and other items from it. Some even think it can bring good luck and happiness. Keep an eye out for Connemara Marble on your travels in the area.
6:00pm The final village you pass through before returning to Galway is Oughterard. Here is a great place to stop for dinner before returning to Galway for pub hopping. Connemara Greenway Restaurant and Powers Thatched are highly rated.
8:00pm Arrive in Galway.