County Galway

County Galway Wild Atlantic Way Driving Routes

County Galway is located along the North Western part of Ireland and forms part of the Province of Connaught.

Galway County is home to the area of Connemara which is largely Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) and has some of the most spectacular scenery along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Galway is home to one Wild Atlantic Way Signature Point: Derrigimlagh Bog.

Some of the roads in Connemara are really spectacular and great to drive with beautiful mountain ranges and rough stoney landscapes and Loughs.

Connemara is known for its rocky landscapes, which, whilst very pretty, also seem to keep the county sparsely populated. Outside the city of Galway itself, you do not find much on the roads here apart from the sheep.

Explore Galway City which is one of the most fun Irish cities, we think. Watch the buskers on the streets Or go to O’Connor’s Bar, famous from Ed Sheeran’s Galway Girl music video.

Or walk the promenade and jump off the Blackrock diving tower into the sea.

Twelve Bens

Drive through the Twelve Bens (or Twelve Pins) and admire their splendour from different angles.

Or visit Kylemore Abbey or Connemara National Park and do some hiking.

I have created two routes through Galway, but there are plenty of deviations you can take if you wish. The routes are headed North but can be travelled in both directions.

The first route actually starts just in Co. Clare and the second route just crosses the border into County Mayo.

Route 2. Ballyvaughan to Clifden (along the WAW)

226km / 4hrs, 40 minutes driving time

Link to: Ballyvaughan to Clifden (Blog Post)

Download this map onto your phone or tablet here: Ballyvaughan to Clifden Route link with POI’s and descriptions.

Route Summary for Ballyvaughan to Clifden route

This route is quite a long drive, with quite a few places to see and stop along the way. You could easily spend a week or more exploring the Wild Atlantic Way in Galway if you wanted to see everything properly.

But probably you will have to make go or no go decisions. It depends on what you really want to see.

This route, once we reached Connemara, is certainly one of the highlights of our journey. There are some lovely roads to drive.

The route actually begins in Co. Clare but then works along the coast with some great views out to the Aran Islands.

If you have time, the Aran Islands are great to visit if you are fit enough to cycle around and hike.

Coral Strand is also a beautiful beach with some very interesting coral ‘sand’.

Glynsk Pier also has fantastic views out to the Twelve Bens.

Derrigimlach, the site of the Alcock and Brown landing is also worth a visit.

Route 1. Clifden to Aasleagh Falls

79km / 4hrs, 1hr 52 mins driving time

Link to: Clifden to Aasleagh Falls (Blog Post)

Route Summary for Clifden to Aasleagh Falls route

This route, once away from Galway is absolutely a joy to drive.

Enjoy Connemara National Park or drive the Connemara Loop.

Visit Kylemore Abbey or have a pint in Gaynor’s Bar in Leenaun, famous for the movie ‘The Field’.

The route takes you along part of the Connemara Loop which is absolutely spectacular. And the drive coming into Killary Harbour is also absolutely beautiful.

Last Updated on October 21, 2023 by Gav