![]() ![]() It’s a picturesque route that winds through unbroken blanket bog and lovely lakes, eventually leading you back to Clifden. As you approach Roundstone, you’ll notice a right-hand turn that marks the beginning of the famous Bog Road. This road will take you south towards Roundstone, passing by the scenic Ballynahinch Estate. See the small herd of native red deer in the enclosure next to the visitor centre and the famous autograph tree of Lady Gregory.Īnother interesting location not far from Gort is Kilmacduagh, the site of an old monastic settlement which has the tallest round tower in Ireland.ĭriving towards Clifden on the N59 from Galway, make a left turn onto the R341 shortly after passing beautiful Derryclare lough, known for its pine-covered island. The park is open all year round to the public and admission is free to the grounds. On the outskirts of Gort is Coole Park, a nature reserve of approx 405 hectares. ![]() Restored as ‘Yeats Tower’ in 1965 and now includes a Yeats museum that contains many interesting artefacts of the poet. Thoor Ballylee is a 16th century castle built by the De Burgo (or Burke) family. Not to be missed on route to Gort after passing the village of Ardrahan is Thoor Ballylee, the former home of the famous irish poet WB Yeats. Gort is the next town on the N18, notable for its large town square and wide streets. Dunguaire Castle in Kinvara is a 16th century restored tower house built by the Hynes clan in 1520 when the site is believed to have been the royal palace of the legendary King of Connaught. Taking a right in the village of Kilcolgan, the road leads to Kinvara, a beautiful fishing village on the shores of Galway Bay. Located in the centre of the village is Paddy Burkes, a traditional thatched pub and restaurant established in 1850 and home to the renowned Clarinbridge Oyster Festival, running since 1954 and held annually in early September ever since. ![]() The picturesque village of Clarinbridge is the next stop on the N18 with the river Clarin flowing through it and a walled village green. The remains of an ancient castle and ruins of a stately home dating back to the 16th century can be found in the woods. On leaving the village by the Maree Road, you will be brought to Renville Park, a delightful public park located by the sea, with playground and picnic areas. In the centre of the village, is the statue of Commandant Joseph Howley who was involved in the struggle for Irish independence and killed in action in 1920. The castle changed hands over the years and was bought in 1947 by Lady Leslie, a cousin of Sir Winston Churchill and wife of Sir Shane Leslie.The Castle is still privately owned and occupied by descendants of the Leslie family to this day. It overlooks Galway Bay and is dominated by Oranmore Castle, built in the 15th century and was once a stronghold of the Clarincardes, a prominent Norman family. Oranmore is only 10 minutes from the Galway City. The N18 is the most scenic of these routes and will take you through towns steeped in history, from Oranmore, Clarinbridge and Gort with a diversion at Kilcolgan village to the beautiful village of Kinvara and onwards to Gort. Galway East consists primarily of 5 main routes out of Galway City, the N^, N17, N18, N4 and the M6 motorway direct to Dublin City. Return to Headford and then to Galway, with a possible detour to the right to Annaghdown on Lough Corrib, with its ecclesiastical ruins. Here you can detour right to visit Ross Errily. Headford is another angling centre and a busy town. The ruins of Ross Errily Abbey are on the right by the Galway/Mayo boundary. From Cong return to Galway passing through Cross, and on past Glencorrib. You cross the border to County Mayo to reach this village, which was the setting for the film “The Quiet Man”. It’s just a short trip to Cong from here. Continue through the lively village Cornamona and take in the beautiful views until you reach the village of Clonbur. At Maam Bridge, take another right, and drive along by Lough Corrib. Turn right at Maam Cross, and as you drive north you will be surrounded by wonderful mountain scenery. Greenery gives way to mountains, moorlands and lakes. Turn left and ss you drive the landscape changes dramatically. ![]() Leaving Oughterard behind, drive westward towards Maam Cross, the famous central Connemara market cross roads. Leave Galway by the N59 for Moycullen village continuing on to the busy market town of Oughterard, one of Lough Corrib’s main angling centres. ![]()
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