# Connemara: bogs, the Sky Road and Kylemore

> 3-day road trip of about 139 km (86 mi) with 8 stops, from Galway to Leenane. About 1 h 55 min of driving in total.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/b6-connemara/

**At a glance:** 3-day road trip of about 139 km (86 mi) with 8 stops, from Galway to Leenane. About 1 h 55 min of driving in total. West from Galway through bogs and lakes to Roundstone and Clifden, the Sky Road, Kylemore Abbey and the fjord at Killary.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 139 km (86 mi) |
| Driving | 1 h 55 min |
| Suggested days | 3 |
| Stops | 8 |
| Route | Galway → Leenane |
| Countries | Ireland |
| Updated | June 27, 2026 |

## Route description

Leave Galway on the N59 along the shore of Lough Corrib to Oughterard, a good stop for supplies. Beyond it the land opens into bog and lakes below the Twelve Bens, and at Recess or Toombeola you can turn south towards the coast.

Roundstone is a fishing village facing Errisbeg hill, with white-sand beaches at Gurteen and Dog’s Bay a short drive west. The coast road then runs north past Ballyconneely to Clifden, the lively capital of Connemara.

West of Clifden, drive the Sky Road loop for views over islands and inlets; the upper road is narrow and best done clockwise. Head north to Letterfrack and walk in Connemara National Park, where the Diamond Hill loop gives a view over the whole coast.

Kylemore Abbey sits on a lake below wooded slopes, with a Victorian walled garden a short shuttle ride away. The N59 then follows Killary Harbour, a long fjord between steep mountains, to Leenane. Expect sheep on the road and narrow sections where passing is tight.

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Galway** (Ireland)
2. **Oughterard** (Ireland)
3. **Roundstone** (Ireland)
4. **Clifden** (Ireland)
5. **Sky Road** (Clifden, Ireland): A loop of about 11 km west of Clifden along a high ridge above the Atlantic islands. Stop at the upper viewpoint car park, especially at sunset.
6. **Connemara National Park** (Letterfrack, Ireland): Bog, heath and mountains around the visitor centre at Letterfrack. The Diamond Hill loop is a rewarding climb of two to three hours.
7. **Kylemore Abbey** (Kylemore, Ireland): A Victorian castle on a lake below wooded mountains, now home to Benedictine nuns, with a restored walled garden.
8. **Leenane** (Ireland)

## FAQs

**How long is Connemara: bogs, the Sky Road and Kylemore?**
3-day road trip of about 139 km (86 mi) with 8 stops, from Galway to Leenane. About 1 h 55 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for Connemara: bogs, the Sky Road and Kylemore?**
We suggest 3 days: about 1 h 55 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does Connemara: bogs, the Sky Road and Kylemore start and end?**
It starts in Galway and ends in Leenane.

**Which countries does Connemara: bogs, the Sky Road and Kylemore pass through?**
Ireland.