From Clifden take the R341 towards Ballyconneely and turn left at Ballinaboy bridge, driving along the Bog Road that crosses the famous Roundstone Bog conservation area.
A right turn towards Roundstone takes you past a deserted village to your left. Follow the coast road into Roundstone. Before entering the village, why not turn left at the bridge and spend a while on the Island of Inishnee. Then, make your way to the coastal village of Roundstone, established in the 1820s by a Scottish engineer, Alexander Nimmo. A Franciscan monastery was founded there in the 1830s, but all that now remains of it is the gateway entrance and church bell tower.
In the town you will find fantastic cafés, hotels, pubs and bars as well as craft shops, art galleries and the musical instruments workshop where they make Ireland’s traditional goatskin drum, the bodhrán. Relax and enjoy a delicious meal in Eldon’s or in O’Dowd’s before returning to Clifden via Ballyconneely, where you can stop-off at Keogh’s (in the village).
There are many beautiful beaches in Ballyconneely, which is also the home of Bunowen Castle, the Connemara Smokehouse, The Point Pony Trekking & Horse Riding Centre and the Connemara Championship Golf Links.
Alternatively, you can rent a bike at Mannion’s Cycles, hop on your bike and cycle this route, which will take approx. 3 hours to complete (40km).
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