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18th Apr 2019

Eight Incredible Road Trips You Should Take In Connacht This Summer

Rebecca Stafford

Looking for some adventure with your best mates this summer? Why not go on a road trip and explore what the beautiful province of Connacht has to offer?

Here are the most scenic and adventurous road trips to take this summer in Connacht.

1. Bay Coast Touring Route – 2 Day

The Bay Coast Touring Route is a 2-day road trip Starting in Galway and ending in Westport, the trip is broken down into 8 stages, 4 each day. This route lets you take advantage of the beautiful coastline of Western Ireland.

The first day you travel out to the Aran Islands and explore the heritage park and the Neolithic tombs, as well as all the nature in the area. On the second day, you can visit Connemara’s Natural Park and explore the boglands, as well as climb up the western slopes before heading off to the busy town of Westport.

 

 

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2. Connemara Driving Route

This driving route starts in Clifden and takes you to Galway City and then back to Clifden while passing through Ballyconneely, Roundstone, Spiddeal and Carna and then returning to Clifden. The route is roughly 123km long and it takes you through the beautiful countryside of Ireland, there are also plenty of lovely cafés in the villages along the way which would make a perfect lunch before going to Galway City.

 

 

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3. Bay Coast & Cliff Coast – 5 Day

The Bay Coast and Cliff Coast Drive is a 5-day road trip which starts in North Mayo and follows through into Galway to the north of Kerry. The total journey is 368,2km long and is broken into three stages per day with four stages on the fourth day.

The route takes you through the scenic landscapes that western Ireland has to offer, such as the Cliffs of Moher and the historic Claddagh Village which is home to the beautiful Claddagh ring.

 

 

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4. Bay Coast Touring Route – 1 Day

The Bay Coast Touring Route is a one-day road trip which starts in Galway City and finishes in Clifden. The journey is broken into five stages and there are different activities in each stage including a walking tour through the historical city of Galway and a trip to the Derrigimlagh blanket bog which is famous for its rich archaeology dating back almost 6,000 years.

 

 

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5. Surf Coast & Bay Coast Touring Route – 5 Day

This 5-day touring route starts in the gorgeous town of Ballina and finishes in the beautiful historic city of Galway. Each day contains three jammed pack stages with the exception of the third and fourth day which only have two stages.

It’s packed with something new and fun to do whether it’s looking out at the scenic Irish coast and taking in nature or going on a hike to Croagh Patrick or exploring the buzzing town of Westport. This trip packs for some amazing photos for Instagram and some pretty cool adventures.

 

 

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6. West Mayo Drive

This short drive starts in Westport and heads towards Achill Island which is a very popular area for watersports. You can drive down to the marvelous Keem Bay which has a stunning sheltered beach between Benmore Cliffs and Croaghaun Mountain.

 

 

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7. Sligo to Glencar Waterfall

This drive is a short day trip for those just looking to get out for a few hours. Glencar Waterfall is a short 30 minutes from Sligo and is a lovely place for a walk along the waterfall or a gorgeous picnic.

 

 

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8. Surf Coast – 5 Day

The Surf Coast is a five-day road trip that starts in Sligo and finishes in southern Donegal. The route starts in Downpatrick Head and finishes in the bustling Donegal town.

The five-day itinerary is jam packed with activities that everybody would enjoy, whether it’s visiting the Belleek Castle, which tells you the story of Gráinne Mhaol who was an Irish pirate queen or visiting some of the smartest dogs in the country at Atlantic Sheepdogs.

 

READ NEXT: 7 Incredible Road Trips You Should Take In Leinster This Summer

 

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