The lakes of Connemara
The first idea that came to my mind when I prepared this tour was to cross the Lake Connemara region and then stop in Galway, the county capital of the county of the same name. But then I saw the islands, and especially the island of Aran. So, I decided to go exploring the islands, rather than visiting Galway.
From Louisburgh, the road climbs gently but surely. In fact, it will be jagged all day long. After skirting Killary Harbour Lake, the first stop was in the village of Leenane. This is where the Connemara region really begins. The road going down to Clifden is really out of time.
Connemara is a wild beauty. It abounds in sublime pockets of nature, each one more beautiful than the next, waiting to be discovered and explored. Connemara means in Gaelic, “The entrances to the sea”. It is a very suitable region for hiking and biking. There are not many cars, but especially no stores around.
Clifden
The road continues to the small town of Clifden, self-proclaimed capital of Connemara. A stop is welcome especially considering the road that still awaits us.
A ferry to Irishmore
We leave again on the saddle to cross the villages of Ballinaboy, Cashel, Gortmore, Costelloe and Rossaveel. The difference in altitude is almost flat and with the wind in the back, the 70km which separate Clifden from Rossaveel are done at an average of more than 30km/h. In less than 2 hours, I reached the port of Rossaveel, from where the ferries leave for the Aran Islands and more particularly the one I was interested in, Inishmore.
The day ends with a ferry crossing to Inishmore Island.
